My Life, Going F.A.R.

Starting on July 1,2005 The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) will offer citizens with developmental disabilities and their families greater control over their supports and services under a new Medicaid waiver, called "New Directions." "My Life: Going FAR: Freedom, Authority & Responsibility" is funded through a grant from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council to provide technical assistance to individuals and families enrolling in this MD New Directions waiver.

Project Co-director, Edward Willard says, "Being somebody with a disability I can imagine your questions. What does this waiver mean to my family and me? What will it pay for? The answers are in many ways simple: make a plan, put the items in your individual budget and if approved by DDA, you direct the purchasing of supports and services. Edward assures people: "as a person myself who requires a lot of support assistance, is in the process of building my own home, and self-directs my services, I understand and encourage you to fully explore the process before considering self-direction. Remember, though, this waiver does give you freedom and authority, and comes with a lot of responsibilities too."