Supporting Individuals and Families to
Self Direct Their Lives Through the
Maryland New Directions Medicaid Waiver

The New Directions Waiver is a pilot program approved by the Federal government to allow people receiving services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to self-direct their services. It will start July 1, 2005 and can serve up to 100 people statewide during the first year.

New Directions is a waiver program. This means that the State can serve people in their communities. It also means that the State can get Federal money for services provided.

New Directions will serve Marylanders of any age who are “DD eligible” (see the Eligibility Fact Sheet), and are interested in taking on the responsibility of managing their own services.

Planning
Each person in New Directions will develop a person-centered plan with input from family, friends and others who they invite to participate. This plan will spell out how the person wants to live his/her life. This plan is the foundation for developing an individual budget, which will identify available funds for approved services.

Services
Each person will have an approved individual budget and a Support Broker and will use a Fiscal Management Service.

Self-Directed Services that are available under New Directions :

• Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment – for example, a communication device
• Accessibility Adaptations – such as grab bars, doors widened, etc.
• Respite
• Supports Brokerage
• Support Services
• Supported Employment
• Transportation

The following are traditional services that could be received, too1:

• Behavioral Supports
• Resource Coordination
• Traditional Day Services
• Transition Services

The New Directions Waiver is designed to increase flexibility and choice for people receiving community supports.

1 These may be part of your overall budget, but will not be available for self direction.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADMINISTRATION
NEW DIRECTIONS
Maryland’s Independence Plus Waiver For Individuals with Developmental Disabilities