Each year, Medicare updates its plans, costs, and coverage, and those changes can make a big difference in your healthcare and your wallet. Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your plan for another year, understanding what’s new can help you make confident decisions about your coverage.

Medicare Open Enrollment happens once a year, and it’s your chance to review, compare, and update your plan. For people living with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers, this can feel like a big task, but with the right information and tools, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know before you make your choices for 2025.

Q1: When is Medicare Open Enrollment, and what can I do during this time?

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this period, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), or vice versa.
• Join, drop, or change a Medicare drug plan (Part D).
• Review and update your coverage based on changes to your health, prescriptions, or budget.

Even if you’re happy with your current plan, it’s a good idea to review your options. Plans and costs can change each year, and new benefits may be available that better fit your needs.

Q2: What’s new for Medicare in 2025?

Several updates are designed to make healthcare more affordable and accessible this year. Here are some highlights:

• Expanded prescription drug savings: The Medicare prescription drug (Part D) program continues to cap out-of-pocket costs for medications, making it easier to manage your healthcare expenses.
• Improved preventive services: More screenings, vaccines, and wellness visits are covered at no cost, helping you stay proactive about your health.
• Better care coordination: Medicare Advantage Plans are placing greater emphasis on care coordination and accessibility, which is especially important for people with disabilities and chronic conditions.
• Simplified plan comparisons: Online tools and local resources make it easier to see how plans differ, from monthly premiums to out-of-pocket costs, so you can find the best fit for your needs.

Q3: How can I choose the right plan and avoid common mistakes?

Start by thinking about how your health and prescriptions may have changed over the past year. Then, follow these steps:

1. Review your current coverage. Look at what you used most and where you spent the most money.
2. Compare options. Use Medicare’s online Plan Finder or reach out to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free help.
3. Check for changes. Even small updates to your plan’s drug list or provider network could affect your coverage.
4. Watch for scams. Medicare will never call you to ask for personal information or payment. Always verify information from trusted sources like Medicare.gov.

By taking time to review and compare plans now, you can avoid surprises later and ensure your coverage meets your current needs.

Ready to Learn More?

Understanding Medicare can feel complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Join us for our upcoming educational webinar, “Understanding Medicare Open Enrollment: What’s New This Year,” on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, register HERE.

Presented by Andrea Pomilla, Wellness and Health Benefits Manager with the Department of Housing & Community Services, this session will walk you through key dates, plan comparisons, and updates for 2025. You’ll leave with practical tools and confidence to make informed choices about your healthcare coverage.

By: Renée M. Dain, Senior Vice President, Communications and External Affairs

Navigating the workplace with a disability can feel overwhelming but it does not have to be. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is here to protect your rights, support your choices, and ensure you have the tools you need to thrive at work. Whether you are job hunting or already employed, understanding your rights under the ADA is a game-changer.

Do I have to tell my employer about my disability?

Nope! Disclosure is completely voluntary. You are never required to share your disability unless you are requesting a reasonable accommodation. If you do choose to disclose, it is your right to decide when, how, and to whom. The ADA protects you from discrimination whether you disclose or not.

 Tip: If you need an accommodation, it is best to disclose to Human Resources (HR) or a supervisor who can help initiate the process.

What are my rights under the ADA?

Under Title I of the ADA, employers cannot discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. That means you are entitled to equal opportunities in hiring, advancement, and workplace participation. You also have the right to reasonable accommodations, adjustments that help you perform your job effectively.

Examples include:

• Modified work schedules
• Assistive technology
• Physical workspace changes
• Remote work options

How do I ask for accommodations, and what if my request is denied?

Start by identifying what you need and why. Then, submit a written request to HR or your manager. Include any documentation that supports your request (like a doctor’s note). Be clear, respectful, and open to dialogue.

If your employer claims “undue hardship,” meaning the accommodation is too costly or disruptive they must explain why. You can challenge this or seek support from advocacy groups or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Tip: Most accommodations are low-cost and easy to implement. Do not hesitate to ask for what you need.

The ADA is more than a law, it’s a promise of fairness, dignity, and opportunity. Whether you are navigating disclosure, requesting accommodations, or facing challenges, you are not alone. Know your rights, speak up, and lean on the resources available to you.

Need More Support?

Join us for our October Community Enrichment Series: Know Your Workplace Rights on Tuesday, October 28th from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. with Douglas Allers, Disability Services Navigator for the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Center (AAWDC) provides employees with disabilities the knowledge and tools to understand their workplace rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Understand Disability Disclosure
2. Identify Workplace Rights Under the ADA
3. Request and Implement Accommodations
4. Recognize and Respond to Discrimination and Harassment
5. Access Resources and Support

Click HERE to register.

Caring for someone with a disability or complex medical need is a profound act of love and dedication. But it can also be emotionally and physically exhausting. Whether you are a parent, sibling, spouse, or professional caregiver, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and guilty for wanting time to care for yourself. This blog is here to remind you: self-care is not selfish, it’s essential. 

Why do caregivers struggle with self-care? 

Many caregivers feel guilty for prioritizing their own needs. They believe their time should be spent entirely on their loved ones; however, most people who serve get so busy serving others, they neglect their own needs and this often results in burnout and stress. 

Caregivers often face high emotional demands, financial stress, and limited time. Without intentional self-care, these pressures can lead to chronic fatigue, anxiety, and even depression. 

What are some simple self-care strategies I can start today? 

Here are a few practical tips: 

• Acknowledge your emotions: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Naming your feelings is the first step to managing them. 
• Set realistic goals: Avoid overcommitting. Create a schedule that includes breaks and rest. 
• Delegate tasks: Ask for help at home or work when needed. 
• Use technology: Apps and reminders can help you stay organized and reduce mental load. 
• Say no when necessary: Boundaries protect your energy. 
• Celebrate small wins: Every step forward matters. 

These strategies are designed to be accessible and adaptable to your daily routine. 

Where can I find support and resources in Maryland? 

Maryland offers a rich network of caregiver support services: 

• Parents’ Place of Maryland – Offers factsheets, webinars, and advocacy tools for families and professionals. 
• The Coordinating Center – Provides case management and care coordination services, including supports planning services and coordination of community services. 
• Maryland Family Caregiver Support Program – Offers counseling, training, respite care, and support groups 
• Maryland Access Point – Connects caregivers with local services and wellness programs 
• Local City and County Resource are available, for example the Baltimore City Caregiver Resource Guide – Includes mental health support, peer networks, and practical advice. 
• Maryland Family Caregiver Support Program – The program helps family and informal caregivers care for their loved ones at home for as long as possible. 

There are also some national resources, for example: 

• Family Caregiver Alliance – Offers information, support, and resources related to family caregiving. 
• Caregiver Action Network – From understanding symptoms to practical tips for managing behavioral challenges, family caregivers navigating the complexities of dementia can find support and advice for navigating this challenging journey. 

These resources are designed to help you care for yourself while continuing to care for others. 

Conclusion: You Deserve Care Too 

Whether you’re a parent navigating complex medical systems or a professional supporting families, your well-being matters. Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. By attending the upcoming webinar and exploring the resources above, you’re taking a powerful step toward resilience and balance. 

Let’s shift the narrative: Caring for yourself is the most sustainable way to care for others. 

Don’t miss our upcoming free webinar, “Empowering Families and Professionals: Self-Care Strategies to Prevent Burnout,” on September 16, 2025, from Noon to 1:00 p.m., presented by Marlo Lemon, Co-Deputy Director of Training and Strategic Partnerships at The Parents’ Place of Maryland. This webinar will cover strategies for preventing caregiver burnout and maintaining mental health; discussion on the importance of self-care and setting boundaries; and resources for support and self-care practices. 

Register HERE.  

By: Renée Dain, Sr. Vice President, Communications and External Affairs

July 26, 2025, marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that has transformed the lives of millions by ensuring that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. As we celebrate this milestone, it’s important to recognize not just the physical accessibility the ADA mandates but also the empowerment it fosters for people to advocate for themselves.

In honor of this anniversary, I sat down with Adith Thummalapalli, Project Engineer, City of Salisbury and Board Member at The Coordinating Center to learn his own journey to self-advocacy and the impact of the ADA.

Adith’s journey with The Coordinating Center began in 2018, when he became a client through the REM Program, which supports people with complex living with complex medical needs. At the time, he was seeking assistance with coordinating overnight caregiving services, a critical piece of his independence. His first care coordinator, Melissa, was instrumental in building a trusting relationship, ensuring that Adith felt supported and empowered in managing his care.

That relationship didn’t end with services, Melissa recognized Adith’s passion for advocacy and suggested he apply for an open position on The Coordinating Center’s Board of Directors. Encouraged by her confidence in him, Adith embraced the opportunity to contribute his unique perspective as both a client and an advocate.

Q: Adith, your parents played a big role in encouraging your self-advocacy from a young age. Can you share how that started?
Adith: Absolutely. Around age 13, my parents started involving me directly in my healthcare. They made sure I was part of conversations with doctors and that I could ask questions and express my concerns. Looking back, that early involvement made the transition to adult care so much easier because I already had experience speaking up for myself.

Q: You mentioned during our chat that a lot of young adults are hesitant to pick up the phone—even for simple tasks like ordering takeout. Why do you think that is?
Adith: Yeah, that’s definitely true. I think a lot of us grew up with so much technology, like texting and online ordering, that we didn’t really practice making calls or speaking up. So, when it comes to scheduling a doctor’s appointment or dealing with important issues, it feels intimidating. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you’ve never been given the chance to do that before.

Q: How did you overcome that hesitation?
Adith: My parents encouraged me to make my own calls whenever possible. Even though I didn’t enjoy it at first, it helped me get comfortable with it. Now, if I have to call someone, I can do it without too much stress.

Q: That’s such an important skill—and it really ties back to the ADA’s promise of full participation and independence. How do you see your role now, as a Board Member and Engineer, in advocating for accessibility and inclusion?
Adith: I see myself as both an advocate and an example. As a Project Engineer, I make sure that accessibility is considered in the projects I work on. As a Board Member, I use my voice to share my lived experiences and to help shape programs that empower others with disabilities to advocate for themselves.

Q: Adith, what does the 35th anniversary of the ADA mean to you personally?
Adith: For me, the ADA is what got me into advocacy work in the first place. In college, I encountered accessibility challenges that made me realize how important it is to have laws like the ADA. I’ve done a lot of research into how it has changed the world for people with disabilities. It’s one of the few guiding policies in the U.S. that aim to make things more equitable and accessible for everyone. Not every country has something like the ADA, some places still struggle with standardizing accessibility. The ADA came about because of the sheer will of people with disabilities demanding change. No politician came up with it; it was driven by grassroots advocacy. That’s why it’s so meaningful.

Q: You mentioned that your interest in advocacy started even before college. Can you share a personal experience that sparked this?
Adith: Definitely. I remember being around 10 or 11 years old on a family trip to an amusement park out of state. There was a ride I wanted to go on, and everything seemed accessible. There was a ramp to the ride and staff was ready to assist, but there was a small bar in the line queue that made it impossible for my wheelchair to fit through. It was so frustrating because everything else was accessible, but that one detail stopped me. It made me realize that sometimes people just don’t think about the small things that can make or break accessibility.

Q: Wow, that’s powerful. Fast forward to college—you mentioned a turning point. What happened?
Adith: Sophomore year, a friend invited me to her birthday party in an on-campus dorm that was listed as wheelchair accessible. I looked it up, confirmed the building was marked accessible, but when I got there, there were stairs at the entrance and no other way in. I later learned that under ADA guidelines, if 5% of a building’s units are accessible, the entire building can be labeled accessible, which can be misleading. Even though I knew the ADA, I didn’t know about that loophole at the time. That made me think: if I didn’t know, how could others be expected to? That’s when I decided to speak up.

Q: How did you turn that experience into action?
Adith: I had already created a report when I toured colleges, noting accessibility strengths and weaknesses. After that party incident, I decided to update that report with my experiences on campus. A friend on the Student Government Association suggested taking it to the university administration. So, we created the Campus Accessibility Report, highlighting the problems, citing ADA standards, and proposing step-by-step solutions. We took it straight to the university president, who was very receptive to learning about the issues we uncovered. We even got funding to fix the issues.

Q: That’s incredible. What kinds of changes came from that report?
Adith: They did so much, things like fixing sidewalk curb cuts, widening narrow sidewalks, adding crosswalks where needed, putting in stair lifts, and making sure restrooms and entrances were truly accessible. Some fixes were quick, but others needed major changes, which they could do during COVID when no one was on campus. Within about two years, they completed everything in the report.

Q: As a Project Engineer now, how do you apply these lessons to your work?
Adith: I use my engineering skills to think critically about accessibility from the start, making sure pathways are wide enough, curb cuts are present, and bathrooms are accessible. My experiences in college taught me that small details matter. As an engineer, I want to design spaces and products that are inclusive for everyone.

Q: What advice would you give to young professionals with disabilities entering STEM or engineering fields?
Adith: I’d say don’t let your disability hold you back. Your lived experience gives you a perspective that others don’t have. Use that to your advantage, whether it’s pointing out overlooked accessibility issues or designing solutions that help everyone. Advocate for yourself, because the changes you make can help countless others, even decades down the line.

Q: And what about advice for allies—people who want to support accessibility?
Adith: For allies, I’d say: be supportive, but let people with disabilities take the lead. It’s tempting to want to fix everything for them, but that takes away their autonomy. Be there to help—whether that’s connecting them to resources or offering support but let them steer the ship. That’s how we build an inclusive world together.

Q: After graduation, have you continued to mentor and advocate at your alma mater?
Adith: Absolutely. After I graduated, I stayed connected with the university through the student advisory group that I helped establish, now known as DICE. As an alum, I provide guidance to current students who are continuing this work—helping them navigate the system, get projects funded, and move ideas forward. I also guest lecture each semester on engineering ethics and accessibility. It’s my way of making sure that the next generation of engineers, and all professionals understand the importance of designing a world that works for everyone.

Q: Can you tell us about your connection to The Coordinating Center and your experience with your care coordinator?
Adith: I became a client of The Coordinating Center in 2018 through the REM Program, which provides support for people with complex medical needs. I still use that program today, mostly to help coordinate overnight caregiving services. My first care coordinator, Melissa, was fantastic. She built a strong relationship with me, and when there was an opening on the Board of Directors, she encouraged me to apply. That’s how I became involved as a Board Member, using my perspective as both a client and advocate to help shape services and make sure they truly meet the needs of the people they serve.

Reflecting on the ADA’s Legacy
Adith’s journey reminds us that the ADA’s promise is about more than ramps and curb cuts. It’s about ensuring that every person with a disability has the chance to advocate for themselves, shape their communities, and thrive. As we look ahead, let’s continue to honor the spirit of the ADA by supporting self-advocacy and ensuring accessibility is woven into every aspect of our society.
Here’s to the next 35 years of progress, one self-advocate, one conversation, and one change at a time.

By: Renée M. Dain, Senior Vice President, Communications and External Affairs

Planning ahead can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones—and yourself. Whether you’re creating your first Advance Directive, updating an existing Power of Attorney, or exploring alternatives to guardianship, starting the conversation is a crucial first step.

Advance Directives allow you to express your preferences for medical care and appoint a healthcare agent. These documents can be made effective either:

• Immediately upon signing, or
• Once two doctors certify that you can no longer make decisions for yourself.

Importantly, making your directive effective immediately does not override your ability to make decisions while you are competent—it simply avoids the need for medical evaluation when you’re not.

Advance Directives must be completed while you are still of sound mind, and require careful storage and sharing—particularly with healthcare providers and trusted family members.

What Happens When No Plan Is in Place?

If someone becomes incapacitated and doesn’t have an Advance Directive Maryland’s Surrogate Decision-Making law determines who will make decisions—starting with a legal guardian, spouse, or adult children, in that order. However, this can become complicated and lead to delays or disputes.

In some cases, Guardianship becomes necessary. Guardianship is a legal process where a court appoints a person to make decisions on behalf of someone who is no longer capable. This can involve decisions about healthcare, living arrangements, and finances. It’s a significant legal step and should be considered carefully, especially when other options, like supported decision-making, are viable.

An Emerging Alternative: Supported Decision-Making

Supported Decision-Making is an empowering approach that allows individuals with disabilities to make their own decisions with the help of trusted supporters. Rather than replacing decision-making authority, it reinforces autonomy while still providing necessary assistance. This is a particularly helpful option for those who want to avoid guardianship when possible.

Take the Next Step

Documents like Advance Directives are powerful tools, but they only work if you:

• Understand the terms and your options
• Complete them thoughtfully
• Communicate your wishes to others
• Store and share them appropriately

There are many resources available in Maryland to help with this process, including:

• Maryland Attorney General’s Advance Directive Forms
• Maryland MOLST Overview
• Maryland Legal Aid
• Disability Rights Maryland

Learn More

Join us for our next Community Enrichment Series: Turning Planning into Action: Decision-Making Documents & Considerations on July 15, 2025, Noon – 1:00 p.m. with by: Tanjen Walker, Program Manager and Megan Bazzett, CFP Program Director at The Coordinating Center. This webinar is designed to help you understand the nuances of various decision-making documents.  Learn how certain decision-making considerations may help drive the path for you and your loved ones to ensure your wishes are honored.  Click HERE to register.

By: Renée M. Dain, Senior Vice President, Communications and External Affairs 

Research shows that people living with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are supported, not substituted in their decision-making, are more likely to live independently, be employed, and feel satisfied with their lives. Supportive Decision-Making can be a great alternative to guardianship as it keeps people involved in decisions about their own lives, encourages self-advocacy, builds confidence, and respects the individual’s dignity and independence. In this blog, we will highlight what Supportive Decision-Making (SDM) is, how it is different from guardianship, the legalities of SDM, and how to get started. We will also highlight an upcoming webinar with Kelly L. McCrea, Esq. KMC Law of MD on this topic, so you can learn more about this incredible opportunity to support your loved one. 

What is Supportive Decision-Making?
Supportive Decision-Making (SDM) provides individuals living with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) the opportunity to choose trusted people—such as family members, friends, or professionals—to help them understand their options and think through decisions. This team-based approach keeps the individual at the center of the decision-making process, while also offering the guidance needed to make sense of complex information and potential outcomes. 

SDM helps people maintain their independence and dignity while still accessing the support they need. With SDM: 

• The individual keeps the right to make their own decisions. 
• They choose who helps them and in what areas of their life they want help. 
• There’s no need to go to court. 
• It supports independence and self-advocacy. 

How is Supportive Decision-Making different from guardianship? 

With Supportive Decision-Making, instead of having someone else make decisions for them (as in guardianship), the person with a disability retains their rights and works with supporters to understand information, consider options, and make choices. 

Guardianship is a legal process that removes some or all of a person’s decision-making rights and assigns those rights to another person (the guardian). In many cases, guardianship is seen as the default solution when an individual is unable to make decisions for themselves. However, this approach legally strips individuals of their autonomy, leading to feelings of disempowerment and loss of control over their own lives.  

What Are Some Examples of Supportive Decision-Making? 

Supportive Decision-Making can look different for each person. Examples include: 

• A supporter helps the individual identify their strengths and explore jobs to apply for. 
• A supporter helps explain lease terms when choosing housing. 
• A supporter helps weigh the pros and cons of medical treatment options. 

These supporters do not make the decision — instead, they help the individual gather information and think through the choice. 

Is Supportive Decision-Making Legal? 

Yes. While not every state has formal laws on Supportive Decision-Making (SDM), anyone can use it as a best practice. In some states, SDM agreements can be used to show others (like doctors, schools, or landlords) that the individual has a support team in place. Even where SDM is not written into law, many courts and professionals recognize it as a valid and preferred alternative to guardianship. 

In Maryland, a new law passed in 2022 that allows adults to use SDM to get support to understand, consider, and make decisions themselves. A SDM agreement outlines the help an adult needs, their rights, and the supporter’s role. Courts must consider this option before placing someone under guardianship, and it can be used to end or limit guardianship if an adult is already under it. 

How Can Families and Caregivers Get Started? 

Here are a few steps to begin exploring Supportive Decision-Making (SDM): 

• Start the conversation early—ask the individual how they want to be supported. 
• Identify trusted supporters who respect the person’s choices. 
• Create a plan using SDM templates or agreements. There are many available online. To learn more check out the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making by clicking HERE. 
• Practice decision-making in everyday situations, like meal planning, budgeting, or choosing activities. 

Want to learn more? Join us for our next Community Enrichment Series: Empowering Individuals Through Decision-Making Supports & Alternatives to Guardianship on May 20, 2025, Noon – 1:00 p.m. with Kelly L. McCrea, Esq. KMC Law of MD. This webinar will cover: 

• Informal and Formal Supports 
• Supportive Decision-Making Agreements 
• Integrating Supportive Decision-Making with Other Alternatives to Guardianship 

Click HERE to register. 

Written By: Renée Dain, Sr. VP, Communications and External Affairs 

April marks World Autism Month and National Autism Acceptance Month, a time to promote acceptance, celebrate differences, and advocate for the inclusion of autistic individuals in all areas of life. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with one in 36 children diagnosed, according to a 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

For families in Maryland raising autistic children, one critical resource is the Maryland Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (commonly referred to as the Autism Waiver). This Medicaid-funded program offers essential home and community-based services for children and young adults with autism, providing much-needed support for both individuals and their families. However, due to high demand, most families must navigate a long waitlist before their child can receive services. 

To help families better understand the process, Sheri Weissman, Director Autism Waiver Services at The Coordinating Center and Mariam Eltoweissy, Autism Waiver Waitlist Liaison, Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will be hosting an informative webinar on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from Noon – 1:00 p.m. 

What is the Maryland Autism Waiver? 

The Maryland Autism Waiver was designed to provide community-based services to children and young adults (ages 1–21) who are considered at risk for institutional placement. The goal is to enable children to receive necessary supports while living at home and participating in their communities. 

To qualify, families must meet three key eligibility criteria: 

• Financial Eligibility:  
• The child cannot have more than $2,500 in assets in their name. 
• Technical Eligibility:  
• Must have an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) with at least 15 hours of special education and related services. 
• Must have a confirmed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. 
• Must attend an MSDE-approved educational program. 
• Must be safely managed in the home and community. 
• Must be a resident of Maryland. 

What Services Does the Autism Waiver Provide? 

The Autism Waiver covers a variety of services to support children and their families, including: 

• Intensive Individual Support Services – Goal-directed support focusing on life skills development. 
• Respite Care – Non-goal-directed 1:1 support provided at home, in the community, or through an approved overnight camp. 
• Therapeutic Integration – A center-based program targeting various therapeutic goals. 
• Family Consultation – Parent coaching and support based on challenges related to behaviors and life skills. 
• Adult Life Planning – Guidance for parents on transition planning and adulthood. 
• Environmental Accessibility Adaptations – Home modifications to improve safety and accessibility. 
• Residential Habilitation – Out-of-home placement for children when behaviors become unmanageable at home. 

Understanding the Waitlist Process 

Due to high demand and limited program slots, families must join a waitlist before receiving Autism Waiver services. However, remaining on the waitlist requires ongoing eligibility verification, and parents must take active steps to ensure their child does not lose their spot. 

What Happens If Your Child is Found Technically Ineligible? 

Families may receive a letter stating that their child does not meet technical eligibility. If this happens: 

• Review the Reasoning – The letter will outline why your child was deemed ineligible. 
• Gather Supporting Documentation – Collect medical records, educational assessments, and other documents that verify the eligibility in question. 
• Send Supporting Documentation – Email documentation that confirms your child’s technical eligibility to awwaitlist.msde@maryland.gov. 
• Seek Support – Send any questions about technical eligibility to awwaitlist.msde@maryland.gov and a MSDE team member will respond.  

What Happens When Your Child Reaches the Top of the Waitlist? 

With recent changes in the waiver process, families now have a shorter timeframe to complete the necessary steps once their child reaches the top of the waitlist. Previously, parents had more time to submit required paperwork—but now, delays can result in losing the opportunity and being placed back on the waitlist. 

To stay prepared, families should: 

• Locate all required documentation and keep documentation together. 
• Request any missing documentation required as soon as possible. 
• Have a plan in place for submitting paperwork quickly. 
• Maintain communication with the Local School System liaison and designated Autism Waiver Service Coordinator. 
• Seek support and guidance from the designated Autism Waiver Service Coordinator if needed to ensure a smooth transition. 

Join Us for the Webinar 

Navigating the Autism Waiver waitlist can be overwhelming but being informed and proactive can make all the difference. For more in-depth information and support, join our upcoming Community Enrichment Series Webinar on Tuesday, April 15th at Noon – 1:00 p.m., where we will dive deeper into Navigating the Maryland Autism Waiver Waitlist. Click HERE to register.