Families Lobby to Prevent Cuts to Developmental Disability Services

Hundreds of people with disabilities, advocates, and families gather in Annapolis to urge lawmakers to reconsider $150 million in proposed budget cuts.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:10pm

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Hundreds of people with developmental disabilities, their advocates, and families gathered at the Maryland State House in Annapolis to lobby lawmakers to reconsider $150 million in proposed budget cuts to the state's Developmental Disabilities Administration. The cuts were proposed by Governor Wes Moore as part of a plan to close a $1.4 billion budget deficit, but attendees argued the services are critical for allowing people with disabilities to live, work, and participate in their communities.

Why it matters

The proposed cuts would roll back funding for the DDA to 2024 levels, threatening services that allow people with developmental disabilities to live independently and be active members of their communities. Families and advocates argue these services are essential and that the governor needs to find a better way to balance the budget than by reducing support for vulnerable populations.

The details

The $150 million in proposed cuts to the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration would impact almost 17,000 people who rely on community provider services, as well as 3,600 more involved in self-directed models where families hire their own support staff. Attendees shared personal stories, including a mother whose daughter requires 24/7 care and has already lost her home paying for services on her own, and an advocate who said the cuts would 'destroy everything I worked so hard to build'.

  • The Maryland General Assembly is currently in session and considering the governor's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
  • The proposed cuts would roll back DDA funding to 2024 levels.

The players

Rachel London

An advocate who spoke at the event, saying 'We are here because so many services people rely on are at risk. These services are critical. They make real differences in the lives of people with developmental disabilities, helping them live, work and play in our communities.'

Jennifer Drucker

A mother of a 26-year-old with special needs who said they have already lost their home while paying for services on their own.

Danielle

An advocate who said she is now living independently and working a full-time job with the help of direct support personnel, and that 'These budget cuts aim to destroy everything I worked so hard to build and everything that I have accomplished so far.'

Curtis Davis

An advocate who said 'They help people get out of bed, get to work, participate in their communities and lead meaningful lives.'

Matthew

An advocate who said 'The governor needs to come up with a better way to do this. We can't afford to go back.'

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What they’re saying

“We are here because so many services people rely on are at risk. These services are critical. They make real differences in the lives of people with developmental disabilities, helping them live, work and play in our communities.”

— Rachel London, Advocate (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“My daughter has very special needs. We dress her, feed her, bathe her. She needs 24/7 care.”

— Jennifer Drucker, Mother (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“These budget cuts aim to destroy everything I worked so hard to build and everything that I have accomplished so far.”

— Danielle, Advocate (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“They help people get out of bed, get to work, participate in their communities and lead meaningful lives.”

— Curtis Davis, Advocate (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“The governor needs to come up with a better way to do this. We can't afford to go back.”

— Matthew, Advocate (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The Maryland General Assembly is currently in session and considering the governor's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, including the $150 million in proposed cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the critical importance of services for people with developmental disabilities, which allow them to live independently, work, and participate fully in their communities. Advocates argue the proposed budget cuts would be devastating and that the governor needs to find a better way to balance the state's budget than by reducing support for this vulnerable population.