Contact

Address

10001 Derekwood Ln, Suite 110
Lanham, MD 20706

Service Area

Southern Maryland

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Phone

(301) 429-9300

Hands Holding a Phone and Laptop

Questions & Answers

Please check back often to see answers to more of your frequently asked questions.

What is a developmental disability?

Developmental Disability means a severe chronic disability that:
is due to physical or mental impairment (other than a sole diagnosis of mental illness) or a combination of psychological and physical impairments; is likely to continue indefinitely; occurred before 22 years of age; results in an inability to live independently without external support or continuing and regular assistance; and reflects the need for a combination of individualized services.

What does the Resource Coordinator do?

A Resource Coordinator helps people and their families find the most appropriate services and supports within available resources once they have been authorized for services funded by the Developmental Disabilities Administration. The Resource Coordinator will: help each person to explore their preferences, interests, experiences, and opportunities; support people in sharing what they want (their desired outcomes) with their planning team; assist people in their effort to find the right services and supports; advocate with individuals to assure protection of rights; monitor and act as a third-party advocate for implementing and satisfaction with services and assurance of health and safety.

How do I apply for services?

To apply for services through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), you must fill out a DDA application and submit it to your DDA Regional Office. You can obtain an application by visiting the DDA website or calling your DDA Regional Office.

If I have services, how do I request a new service or a change in my services?

Let your Resource Coordinator know that you would like to request a change in services or a new service. The Coordinator will work with you and your team to address the request.

Any person receiving services, or a member of the person's support team, may request a service change at any time. A meeting is required to discuss the request; you decide who participates in the discussion; this includes the active planning team. The meeting discussion should consist of all available options and input from all members of the group.

Who makes the decision about the request?

The DDA makes decisions. They require a signed letter from the DDA authorizing the requested change before implementing any change in services. You may appeal any such denial (the DDA includes appeal rights information with a letter of denial).