Service Coordination provides quality case management services to people with disabilities and other groups. We do this by helping people understand what their choices are and connecting them to resources in their communities in ways that respect their dignity and rights.

1. SERVICE
COORDINATION, INC.
CHOICES. CONNECTIONS. COMMUNITIES.
A private, nonprofit organization with more than 30 years
of experience. We provide resource coordination services to
individuals with disabilities.
ServiceCoord.org

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS:
page 3: executive director’s message
page 4: history
page 5: about us
page 6: mission
page 7: values
page 8: services
page 9: work
page 10: service categories
page 12: team
page 13: mobile work
page 14: about your resource coordinator
page 15: success stories
page 16: self-advocacy
page 17: self-direction
page 18: standing committee
page 19: housing resources
page 20: job services
page 21: transitioning youth
page 22: transitioning youth timeline
page 23: working with providers
page 26: community connections
page 27: stay connected with sci
page 28: contact information

3. A message from the Executive Director
- John Dumas, Executive Director
For more than 32 years, Service Coordination, Inc. has helped individuals with disabilities identify available
resources and we have worked alongside people we support to help make choices that are best for them. We
began as one of the nation’s first independent Resource Coordination provider agencies serving people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. We believed then and maintain our belief that services should be
tailored to meet the desires of individuals and his or her choices.
Individuals who receive Resource Coordination in Maryland now have a choice of his or her Resource
Coordination provider. Because choice for individuals has always been the foundation of our services, we
support your new opportunity for this important choice. We remain dedicated to honoring individual's options
and supporting your wants and needs. Service Coordination, Inc. is a nonprofit resource coordination agency.
This means we do not operate to earn a profit, but rather to support community members in need of our
services and to fulfill our mission of providing quality support services. So, individual's interests and well-being
remains our guiding path.
As a nonprofit organization, we are governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of a volunteer group of
community members. They oversee our organization to ensure that we adhere to this commitment to
community. Service Coordination, Inc. is the most experienced resource coordination provider in the state of
Maryland with more than three decades of experience. We operate by listening to people’s wants and needs.
We always listen first, and then we plan and search for connections that can lead to improving one’s quality of
life. The dedication of our extremely committed staff and invaluable support from our Board of Directors makes
this possible.
Our resource coordinators work directly alongside the individuals we help support. On average, our staff have
5 years’ experience and are highly educated. Our work force service model includes equipping our resource
coordinators with the appropriate mobile technology to perform their work anywhere, thus providing greater
convenience, accessibility and flexibility in our services. Service Coordination, Inc. takes great pride in our level
of service for each individual who can benefit from our Resource Coordination services.
We have earned the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organization Standard of Excellence Tier II Certification
which demonstrates our organization’s foundation and management expertise. Our mission, experience and
commitment to honoring individual's choices helps us provide the best resource coordination services. If we
can assist or help explain anything regarding the DDA choice process, please let us know.
3

4. S
OUR HISTORY
4
In 1982 The Arc of Frederick County established one of the nation’s first independent Resource
Coordination initiatives serving people with developmental disabilities. The Service Coordination
division was founded on the belief that people with disabilities could benefit from having resource
coordinators act as brokers within the service delivery system to help ensure that services were
tailored to meet individual desires.
The initiative began with seven service coordinators who served 173 people. In the 30 plus years
since the initiative was created the Service Coordination division expanded into 10 counties across
Maryland and Baltimore City.
In 2005, Service Coordination, Inc. was established as an independent nonprofit organization and
spun off from The Arc of Frederick County. The spin-off was necessary due to the tremendous
growth the agency experienced and the need to have one organization focused on providing service
coordination for so many people. Service Coordination formed a new board of directors, adopted new
bylaws and began operations as an independent organization on January 1, 2006.
Service Coordination, Inc. preserved its leadership, the staff of service coordinators, an effective
approach to coordinating services, the relationship with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities
Administration and the founding belief about the role and value of service coordination for people with
developmental disabilities.
Service Coordination, Inc. is now the largest Resource Coordination provider in the state, supporting
more than 13,600 Marylanders. Currently, we help support about 60% of people who receive
Resource Coordination services in the state. We now provide our Resource Coordination services to
individuals residing in the Central, Western and Southern Regions, as outlined by the Developmental
Disability Administration (DDA).
We also employ more than 270 service coordinators throughout Maryland. Our service coordinators
are highly qualified and experienced, with 96% having a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and service
coordinators having on average 5 years’ experience.
4

5. ABOUT US
C5
At Service Coordination, Inc., we believe that every person has the right to be treated with respect
and dignity and to make choices that affect his/her life. We believe people come first and to support
this philosophy we show respect and honor for all people through our words and actions. We believe
it is our responsibility to drive solutions by seeking out opportunities and navigating systems to
make possibilities a reality, build connections that will encourage strong relationships, and to raise
awareness in communities to appreciate the similarities and unique gifts of each person that we
serve.
At Service Coordination, Inc., our service coordinators maintain expertise in many areas including
the comprehensive assessment process for determining DDA eligibility, assisting individuals to apply
for various State and Federal benefits, American Sign Language, unique needs of the Forensic
population, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Additional areas of expertise include Community
Coordination, Waiting List Coordination, and Transition Coordination services, as well as the
Individual Planning process where we collaborate with team members to ensure the individual’s
needs and desires are addressed through the plan. We pride ourselves on learning the needs of
individuals and acquiring the necessary information to develop expertise.
At Service Coordination, Inc., individual choice is very important. This extends to the selection of the
resource coordinator. Upon referral, we match individuals with local service coordinators who are
knowledgeable about the resources available in the community where the individual lives and works.
We also match individuals according to their needs, preferences, and the expertise of the service
coordinator. Individuals are able to choose a new Resource Coordination provider at any time and will
be supported through this process by their service coordinator.
Service Coordination, Inc. is a nonprofit organization governed by our Board of Directors:
BOARD MEMBERS:
Carl Hildebrand, President
Randi K. Bocanegra, Vice President
William V. Stack, Treasurer
Teresa M. Berman, Secretary
Cynthia McKane-Wagester, Director
Marlene Hendler, Director
Judith Simms, Director
Paula Blue, Director
Michelle Wright, Director
Jordan Edgley, Director
Eric D. Zimmerman, Director
Allen Kampf, Director
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Financial
Legal
Financial
Legal, Healthcare
Advocacy, Fundraising
Self-Advocacy
Advocacy, (Family member of individual supported by SCI)
Advocacy, (Family member of individual supported by SCI)
Advocacy, (Family member of individual supported by SCI)
Special Education
Nonprofit Management, Self-Advocacy
Financial Planning, Insurance, Investment Advisor

6. We welcome all individuals who can benefit
from our services.
We help people understand options in a
dignified and respectful way.
Service Coordination provides quality case management
services to people with disabilities and other groups.
We do this by helping people understand what their
choices are and connecting them to resources in their
communities in ways that respect their dignity and rights.
OUR MISSION:
6

7. CHOICES. CONNECTIONS. COMMUNITIES.
We show respect and honor for all people
in words and actions.
We persistently seek opportunities and overcome
obstacles. We navigate systems masterfully to make
possibilities a reality.
Because relationships are the foundation of our work,
we share strong working relationships with each other
and with those outside of our organization.
We raise awareness in communities to appreciate the
similarities and unique gifts of each person.
We explore choices with people we support.
People come first.
We drive solutions.
We build connections.
We educate.
OUR VALUES:
7

8. CHOICES. CONNECTIONS. COMMUNITIES.
Plan:
Connect:
Monitor:
We listen to and observe each person to learn what
is important to them. We assist people to determine
where support is needed or desired.
We ensure that people are getting the services and
supports detailed in their plans. We safeguard
each person’s rights and health and safety.
We identify and access resources. We build
relationships within the community.
We support the development of plans that are tailored to each
person’s wants and needs. We examine the seven life areas of:
health, home, relationships, money, work, school and leisure.
We educate, inform and support people to make choices and
decisions. We partner with other organizations and agencies
to develop a broad network of supports and services.
Advocate:
Assess:
OUR SERVICES:
8

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• Individuals with intellectual or
developmental disabilities
• Youth in transition
• Forensic population
• People in state hospitals
• Respite Care
• Adaptive Equipment
• Therapy
• Academic needs
• Social needs
• Utilities support
• Medical support
• Eviction prevention
• Nourishment assistance
• Federal/state benefits
• Future planning
• Assistive technology
• Community involvement
CONNECTIONS FOR: CASE MANAGEMENT FOR:
We provide quality information and helpful options
that can guide people to resources of their choice,
ultimately supporting their decisions to connect to
available resources.
9
OUR WORK:

10. SERVICE CATEGORIES:
*DDA Waiting List
Crisis
Resolution*
Crisis
Prevention*
Current
Request*
10
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Priority levels
1. CRISIS RESOLUTION
The highest priority level is reserved for people in emergent circumstances that require
immediate intervention, or will require it shortly. Often, the situations that meet this category's
criteria arise suddenly (e.g., the death of a caregiver). Crisis Resolution is for people who are:
• Homeless or will be homeless within 30 days
• Victims of abuse or neglect
• At serious risk of causing physical harm to others
• Living with a caregiver who is unable to provide adequate care due to the caregiver's
impaired health
2. CRISIS PREVENTION
This category is for people with an urgent need who are in deteriorating circumstances that
put them in danger of meeting one or more Crisis Resolution criteria within 1 year. Crisis
Prevention priority also includes individuals who have caregivers over age 65. Because age
alone is not always a good predictor of the need for services, priority recommendations and
determinations should address risk for the Crisis Resolution category within a year, when
that is the case, as well as the age of the caregiver. The Crisis Prevention category is also
appropriate in situations where a less intense intervention or support, provided sooner, might
delay or eliminate the need for a more extensive service in the future.
3. CURRENT REQUEST
The Current Request priority is the lowest level of priorities. There are no crisis implications
associated with current request, but there is an expectation that the individual has an actual
need for DDA funding. The test for this category is the question, "Would the person take the
service today, if it was offered today, or is there an anticipated event within the next three
years, such as exiting school, retirement of caregiver, ageing out of children's residential
placements?" This category is not for people who simply want to be identified for planning
purposes as potential service recipients.
For more information about services, visit our website: ServiceCoord.org

11. Comprehensive
Assessment
Transition
Service
Community
Coordination
SERVICE CATEGORIES:
11
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT
Comprehensive assessments are completed for DDA to make a determination about one’s
eligibility for available services.
TRANSITION SERVICE
Youth in transition to adulthood begin to plan for service needs and funding options at age 14.
A service coordinator assists the child and parent or guardian with steps to take for a smooth
transition to adulthood, no later than age 21.
COMMUNITY COORDINATION
Service Coordination, Inc. provides assistance with coordinating community services to match
an individual’s wants and needs. Some of these include: employment, housing, recreation,
social and more.
WAITING LIST
Service Coordination, Inc. provides support to individuals on the Developmental Disabilities
Administration (DDA) Waiting List. The DDA Waiting List is comprised of adults and children
with developmental disabilities who are waiting for funding from DDA to obtain community-
based services.

12. OUR TEAM
I am driven by compassion
and motivated to achieve.
At Service Coordination, I am able
to combine my passion with my work.
- Elizabeth, Service Coordinator
I think we are the best at
Resource Coordination and I feel
great to be a part of Service Coordination.
I think we have good-hearted,
caring people who will go above
and beyond our regular work duties.
- Jeannie, Service Coordinator
At Service Coordination, Inc., we work alongside local individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
Service Coordination, Inc. employs more than 275 resource coordinators throughout areas in Maryland.
Sometimes, the role is being a guide to an important person in need, sometimes it’s to think of unique
possibilities for a tough situation and other times it’s to make things happen by managing situations.
Always, it’s about building futures.
If you’re the type of person who welcomes challenges and is looking for a rewarding position where you
can truly make a difference, please contact us to learn more.
12

13. MOBILE SERVICES
In 2013, Service Coordination embarked on a new endeavor to better serve the
individuals who count on us for resource coordination. We launched a program to GO
MOBILE. Now, our resource coordinators are equipped with technology and training
to perform their duties at places that may better meet your needs. Our services have
since become more flexible and more accessible to individuals we support.
With our mobile operating process, meeting locations can be at a direct care agency, a
public meeting place or in your home. In addition to the flexibility in geographic meeting
places, our mobile abilities also allow for more convenient meeting times; including
those outside of traditional business hours.
We provide our resource coordination services to individuals
residing in the Southern, Central and Western Regions of Maryland,
as outlined by the Developmental Disability Administration.
13

14. YOUR RESOURCE COORDINATOR
The role of a resource coordinator, or service coordinator, is to educate and assist individuals
to live the life of their choosing; Connect individuals with people and services in their
community and ensure that services delivered are of the highest quality.
​Your resource coordinator meets with you and your family in your home or public
place to gather information about your needs, preferences, and desires for supports
and services including:
• Submits necessary documentation to DDA so that DDA can determine if you are eligible
for services and assess your priority for services compared to other people who are
applying. DDA makes the final decision for eligibility and priority.
• Helps you connect with other people and services in your community.
• Provides information on available options following determinations.
• Helps you develop a person-directed plan of supports and services that you can use
now and also when you interview potential providers.
This person-directed plan:
• Describes what you want for the future.
• Outlines the supports and services you need from DDA to help you achieve your goals.
• Outlines other supports and services that may be of assistance.
• Looks at building on the supports you already have and creating partnerships with other
people and services in your community.
Your Resource Coordinator:
​
• Talks to you about your dreams and experiences.
• ​Gets to know you and assists you in advocating for yourself and what you want
• Helps you coordinate the development of your Individual Plan of services (IP), making
sure that the plan is built on your desires.
• Makes sure that what is in your plan happens and that you are satisfied with the supports
and services you receive.
• Helps locate additional supports and services that you desire, and helps you make com-
munity connections.
• Continues to work with you even if you change residential or other provider agencies.
Talk to Your Resource Coordinator About:
How you feel about where you work and live; What you would like to do during the week and
on weekends; If you get to see the people who are important in your life as much as you wish;
What is important to you and what you like to do with your time; Whether or not you have
enough spending money; Whether or not you get to make your own decisions; How to get to
know more people in your community; Supports that you need to keep you safe and healthy;
What is most important to you and more!
14

15. SUCCESS STORIES
Our values in action.
Our resource coordinators have recently provided assistance in ways like this:
Found and secured housing for individuals.
Secured Adult Medical Day Care services for individuals.
Registered individuals to participate in events with the Special Olympics.
Obtained money to purchase clothing for individuals.
Assisted individuals to get approved for partial retirement.
Acquired funding for many individuals’ dental needs.
Gained funding for therapy lessons for individuals.
Connected individuals to substance abuse programs to get treatment.
Helped individuals get funding to purchase baby monitors with cameras.
Identified and coordinated building of accessible ramps for homes.
Guided a family to secure a grant for an assistive communication device.
Obtained Low Intensity Support Services money to help provide things like this:
Baby supplies, including diapers and food
Respite care
Help with utilities
Assistance with transportation
15

16. SELF-ADVOCACY
How can I become a self-advocate?
• Speak up for yourself and ask people you trust to help you with this
• Ask people you trust to help you get what you want
• Get to know your rights and responsibilities so you can make choices
• Join a self-advocacy group; your service coordinator can help you find a group in
your area that fits your needs
A self-advocacy group can help you:
• Learn how to be an effective self-advocate and become a leader
• Get support from other people who want the same things
• Advocate for changes that affect all people with disabilities
• Meet new people and have fun
• Learn about laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities
• Learn how to talk to the legislators in Annapolis about the needs of people with dis-
abilities
Contact your resource coordinator for more information on self-advocacy.
Self-Advocacy is speaking up for yourself to make choices about
what is important to you. It means having power and control over
your own life and telling people what you want and need.
16

17. SELF-DIRECTION
Self-Direction is:
• Taking control of your life
• Thinking and learning about choices you have and trying out these choices
• Making and following through goals with a vision of your future
• Knowing where to get or having the best information to make good choices
• Changing your goals and choices when you need to
• Having the power to exercise adult rights and responsibilities
• Having the opportunity to be active in the community
• Deciding how to spend the money that supports you
Service Coordination helps to promote self-direction in these ways:
• Develops Individual Plans based on personal preferences
• Supports local and state self-advocacy groups
• Supports all of the individuals we serve to make choices
• Extending you a welcome to join our standing committees
Contact your resource coordinator for more information on self-direction.
Starting with an initiative in 1997, Maryland has been involved
with promoting self-direction. Self-direction is a way of life that
people without disabilities may take for granted.
17

18. JOIN OUR STANDING COMMITTEE
Are you passionate about:
• Protecting the fundamental rights of individuals with disabilities?
• Ensuring that individuals with a disability have the right to self-determination and the
freedom to make their own choices?
Are you familiar with:
• The types of services and supports needed by individuals diagnosed with an intellectual
and developmental disability?
• The manner in which Service Coordination and direct provider agencies provide services
and supports?
If you answered yes,
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED COMMITTEE MEMBERS!
As a member, you will:
• Receive training on the role of the Standing Committee and your responsibility as a
member.
• Review and provide feedback on the annual Quality Assurance Plan, action items, and
performance measures.
• Review and provide feedback on new policies and procedures.
• Review reportable incidents submitted to the Developmental Disabilities Administration
(DDA) by the service coordinator.
Service Coordination, Inc. welcomes family members and caregivers, direct service provider
representatives, and community members to join our Standing Committee. Standing Committee
meetings are held bimonthly and last approximately 2 hours each. There is a Western Region
Committee meeting held in Hagerstown, MD and a Central Region Committee meeting held in
Woodlawn, MD.
Contact us for more details!
18

19. HOUSING RESOURCES
FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN RENTING & BUYING A HOME:
Contact your local Housing Agency
Information about Section 8 subsidized housing is available which gives rental
assistance to people with limited income. If eligible, you can rent a house,
townhouse, mobile home, or apartment anywhere allowed by the housing agency.
Waiting lists are long, so it is best to apply early.
Check the telephone book
Housing information is in the Blue Pages under “County Government” (in the city
it is under “Local Government”) where the most common headings are “Housing
Authority”, “Housing and Community Development” and “Housing Agency”.
Call or go online
The Department of Housing and Community Development
1-800-756-0119, dhcd.maryland.gov
Department of Housing and Urban Development
www.hud.gov
MCIL: Making Choices for Independent Living “Home Ownership Program for
Persons with Disabilities”, 301-429-7852, http://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/
Pages/hidp/default.aspx
HomeChoice: Homeownership for people with disabilities 1-800-7FANNIE
(1-800-732-6643), www.efanniemae.com
The Maryland Center for Community Development (MCCD)
1-800-949-6223, visit www.mccd.org
19

20. JOB SERVICES
There are federal and state programs offered to assist individuals who have disabilities
find a job. The typical way that people receive employment services is through the
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS).
DORS offers programs and services such as vocational evaluations, skills training,
academic preparation, employment guidance and counseling, and job placement.
Services through DORS are provided to individuals based on eligibility and priority
status.
(DORS) Division Of Rehabilitation Services, 410-554-9385,
Toll-free:1-888-554-0334, TTY: 410-554-9411, www.dors.state.md.us
The RISE (Reach Independence through Self Employment) program helps people
explore the idea of self employment, develop a business plan, research funding sources,
and marketing ideas. The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) provides
limited funding (typically not exceeding $15,000) to assist with the implementation of
some business plans favorably reviewed by the RISE Program review committee.
Maryland RISE Program, VOICE / TTY: 410-863-RISE
Toll-Free: 888-788-RISE, Fax: 410-863-7205, www.mtranen.com
The Social Security Administration has three programs for employment support:
• Ticket to Work Program: The Social Security Administration automatically sends
the “tickets” to eligible people receiving SSI or SSDI. The “ticket” can be taken to an
employment network for assistance with locating and keeping a job. There is no cost.
The Social Security Administration has contracted to help you select an employment
provider.
MAXIMUS, 1-866-968-7842, www.yourtickettowork.com
• IRWE (Impairment-Related Work Expense): This is for SSI and SSDI recipients. This
program allows you to subtract the costs of items and services that are disability and
work related to be deducted from your earnings before calculating the final disability
benefit award so that you will not lose as much of your SSI or SSDI check.
• P.A.S.S. (Plan for Achieving Self Support): This program allows a person to save
money to fund an employment related activity (such as an educational or training
program or to start a business). This saved money would not be part of the assets used
when determining SSI eligibility.
SSA, Social Security Administration, 1-800-772-1213, www.ssa.gov
20

21. TRANSITIONING YOUTH
Each Service Coordination office has a Resource Guide
with resources pertinent to that geographic area.
Service Coordination, Inc.
www.servicecoordinationinc.org
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
www.md-council.org
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
www.ddamaryland.org
Division of Rehabilitation Services
www.dors.state.md.us
Maryland Community Services Locator (MDCSL)
www.mdcsl.org
Maryland Department of Disabilities
www.mdod.maryland.gov
Maryland Transitioning Youth Website
www.mdtransition.org
Maryland Disability Law Center
www.mdlclaw.org
Maryland Technology Assistance Program
http://www.mdod.maryland.gov/MTAP%20Home.aspx
Medical Assistance
www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma
Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov
The Arc of Maryland
www.thearcmd.org
Please note: These fact sheets are designed to provide general information
only and are not a substitute for the assistance of a Service Coordinator.
Service Coordination, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Maryland that supports people
of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities to make choices affecting
their lives and to access resources and services in their community. Service Coordination
works with individuals with developmental disabilities who are receiving services funded
by the state of Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and people
who are applying for DDA services. Service Coordination has 13 offices in nine counties
and Baltimore City and serves almost 13,000 people.
ChoICeS. ConneCTIonS. CoMMunITIeS.
TRAnSITIonIng ReSouRCeS
Service Coordination, Inc. provides services throughout the
Central, Southern and Western DDA Regions of Maryland
Service Coordination, Inc.
www.servicecoord.org, 301-663-8044
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
www.md-council.org, 800-305-6441
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
http://dda.dhmh.maryland.gov, 877-463-3464
Division of Rehabilitation Services
www.dors.state.md.us, 888-554-0334
Maryland Community Services Locator (MDCSL)
www.mdcsl.org, 301-405-9796
Maryland Department of Disabilities
www.mdod.maryland.gov, 800-637-4113
Maryland Transitioning Youth Website
www.mdtransition.org, 800-637-4113
Maryland Disability Law Center
www.mdlclaw.org, 800-233-7201
Maryland Technology Assistance Program
http://www.mdod.maryland.gov, 800-832-4827
Medical Assistance
mmcp.dhmh.maryland.gov
Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov, 800-772-1213
The Arc of Maryland
www.thearcmd.org
Please note: These fact sheets are designed to provide general information only and
are not a substitute for the assistance of a Service Coordinator. Service Coordina-
tion, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Maryland that supports people of all ages with
intellectual and developmental disabilities to make choices affecting their lives and to
access resources and services in their community. Service Coordination works with
individuals with developmental disabilities who are receiving services funded by the
state of Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and people who
are applying for DDA services. Service Coordination provides services to more than
13,700 people throughout Maryland.
TRANSITIONING RESOURCES
What is “Transitioning Youth”?
The formal process of transition begins
in the school system when a student
is 14 years old and continues until the
student leaves school for the adult world.
Eligible students with intellectual and
developmental disabilities are entitled to
remain in school until the year of their 21st
birthday. However, services after the age
of 21 are dependent on meeting eligibility
requirements and on the availability of
funds.
The Division of Rehabilitation Services
(DORS) and the Developmental Disabilities
Administration (DDA) are two state
agencies that offer services to transitioning
youth who meet eligibility requirements.
For DDA services, obtaining GTYI funding
depends on:
• the person’s eligibility for DDA services;
• the availability of funding; and
• completing the process within
a specific time frame.
Types of service include a variety of
employment and non-employment options.
Review the time line on the following page to
learn more about the transitioning youth process.
21

22. KEY:SC=ServiceCoordinatorGTYI=Governor’sTransitioningYouthInitiativeSSI=SocialSecurityInsuranceMA=MedicalAssistance
DDA=DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAdministrationDORS=DivisionofRehabilitationServicesIEP=IndividualEducationPlan
InviteyourSCto
theIEPmeeting.
Chooseaprovider(and
backup)andinformyour
SCofthedecision.
Schedulevisitsto
meetwithproviders.
ApplyforSSIand
MAifthishasn’t
beendone.
Completeapplicationforthe
provider(s)andproviderthem
withnecessarydocuments:
physicalexam,dentalexam,
etc.
Carefullyreadoverfinaldraftof
ServiceFundingPlanbefore
signing;inquireaboutMedicaid
Waiver.
Inquireabouta
startdate.GRADUATION!
Attendanytransition
eventsinyourarea.
AskyourSCfor
informationondates
andlocations.
Finalizefinancial
documentation.
Meetwithatleast3
providerstodiscusstheir
programs&services.
ContactandmeetwithSCtobegin
GTYIprocess.ProvideSCwithIEP,
psychological,teachernotes,medical
records,behavioralplanandschool
records.Begintogatherfinancial
informationforwaiverapplication.
Dependingonfunding,
servicesshouldbegin
Attend30daymeetingto
determinegoalsforthe
upcomingyearandcomplete
transitiontoservices!
BEFOREAGE18:ApplytoDDAandDORS
AGE18:ApplyforSSIandMedicalAssistance
AGE19:Explorepost-secondaryoptions
AGE20:Contact,interviewandchooseyourprovider
22

23. 23
WORKING WITH PROVIDERS
SELECTING A DDA LICENSED PROVIDER AGENCY
One of the most difficult decisions is choosing which DDA (Developmental Disabilities
Administration) agency to provide you with Residential, Vocational, and/or Support Services.
Most important is to pay attention to how you feel when you talk to a provider as well as the
information they share. In addition, ask to visit the site where services will be provided. Be
sure to visit when people are receiving services. For services where there is no site location,
ask for at least three examples of how the agency is currently supporting others.
Here are some questions that you might want to think about asking as you consider
your agency selection:
• How do you balance treating people with respect and the need for privacy and safety?
• How individualized, available and consistent are recreational and socialization
opportunities?
• How do you respond to life changes (marriage, retirement, etc.)?
• What are some names of people and/or families who are currently receiving services
that I could talk to about your agency?
• How many people with developmental disabilities and family members are on your
board?
• How long have you been in business?
• Are you accredited by any accrediting bodies and what professional organization(s)
do you belong to?
• Will staff supporting me be hired by the agency or by me and my family?
• What is your hiring and on-going practice for ensuring well-trained qualified staff?
• How are people’s finances handled in your agency? How often is a report available to
me on how my funds are being used?
• How do I get a hold of someone “after hours”?
• How do you communicate to the family in case of an emergency?
• What is your access to outside resources for information, medical guidance,
dietary guidance, behavioral modifications, etc.?
• Do you provide personal care service?
• Is transportation available during the week? On weekends?
• What is your policy on participants and staff taking sick and vacation days?
• What emergency back-up systems do you have in place for behavioral and
medical issues?
• Are staff qualified to administer both prescription and non-prescription medications?
• Do you have good relationships with neighbors and/or other community connections
where people live?
• If a problem arises, who do I speak to? What is the best way to contact this person?
• How quickly can people expect the agency to act upon issues raised?

24. 24
WORKING WITH PROVIDERS
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PROVIDER AGENCY
To receive supports and services funded by the DDA (Developmental Disabilities
Administration), many people will need to choose a provider agency. This may require some
negotiation with the agency to ensure you and the provider have agreed on exactly what they
will be providing.
From your chosen provider, you should expect:
• That you have staff you like who you feel help you and do their job.
• That you are treated with respect and kindness.
• That your privacy and right to confidentiality are respected.
• That what you want is discussed at your annual planning meeting and that what you want
then happens in a reasonable amount of time.
• That the plan and your services are flexible and change as you need them to change.
• That you are supported in making choices, including where you live, work and the social
activities you participate in.
• That your health and safety needs are met with dignity.
• That you have access to your money to do what you prefer and need to do.
• That you are happy with your life and your supports and services, and that you
receive help when you have problems.
• That your provider acts ethically and with honesty and integrity.
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25. WORKING WITH PROVIDERS
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR PROVIDER AGENCY
We all hope that once you are accessing services from a DDA (Developmental Disabilities
Administration) provider that everything will be smooth sailing. Often that is the case, but
unfortunately, there are times when something may just not be working out. When you have a
problem with a provider agency or you believe they have one with you, it is best to discuss it
early before it becomes a larger issue or is unable to be resolved.
Some tips to help you in this process are:
• Write down what you want before you meet with the provider. Tell them as specifically as
you can what you want in terms of supports and services.
• Make a list of the things in your life you “have to have” and also note areas in which you
are willing to compromise.
• Listen to what they tell you they can do. Ask questions if you do not understand exactly
what they are saying they will provide.
• Get things in writing. Look at the plan and ask for changes if it is not what you think you
agreed to have. Include timelines and who is responsible for getting what done.
• Find out who to talk to if you are still unhappy with the services being provided to you.
Know your rights and the appeal process.
• Keep in mind, your Service Coordinator can be contacted to assist you in resolving matters
with your provider agency.
• Remember that DDA funding is assigned to you, and if necessary, you can change to
another provider agency. Be aware that the actual amount of funding may possibly change
with this process, and includes the possibility of leaving you with less funds for a given
service. Your Service Coordinator will help you with changing your provider agency.
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26. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
There is not one single “right” way for people to connect to their communities. Some
relationships happen quickly, others will grow over time, and some will always require
someone to help nurture the relationship along.
Flexibility can be the key to making connections work. Remember that connections
can vary from those casual relationships that you develop with the employees at your
favorite eatery or the grocery store you use, to strong friendships.
All relationships can add to your life.
Contact your resource coordinator to get more involved in your
community today!
Visit ServiceCoord.org to learn more!
Possibilities include:
Exercise groups
Civic groups
Volunteer causes
Religious groups
Parks & Recreation departments
Disability advocacy committees
Special interest groups
Arts & crafts groups
Local community groups
More!
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27. STAY CONNECTED
facebook.com/servicecoordination
servicecoordination.wordpress.com
@servicecoord
pinterest.com/servicecoord
Stay connected with Service Coordination on social media:
27

28. SERVICE
COORDINATION
CHOICES. CONNECTIONS. COMMUNITIES.
For more information about Service Coordination,
please visit our website:
facebook.com/servicecoordination
servicecoordination.wordpress.com
@servicecoord
pinterest.com/servicecoord
ServiceCoord.org
Service Coordination
5283 Corporate Drive
Suite 103
Frederick, MD 21703
Phone: 1-888-240-6835