Photo: DDA.
The forum was hosted to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) this Wednesday hosted the People and Family Forum to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing a platform for attendees to help shape the DDA’s person-centered planning process.
The event included brainstorming sessions, an interactive resource fair and a panel discussion containing family members of three DDA participants.
DDA Deputy Secretary Bernie Simons emphasized the importance of family involvement in its person-centered planning process. “Your input and experience are critical to how we expand and enhance our services,” said Deputy Secretary Simons. “Your advocacy has helped us to expand our family support team, integrate the Charting the LifeCourse framework into person-centered planning, and have a robust family community of practice.”
The DDA’s person-centered planning process is based on the principles of the Charting the LifeCourse framework, which is guided by the core belief that all individuals have the right to live, love, work, play and pursue their own life aspirations.
For more information about the DDA, visit health.maryland.gov/dda
