Our 2026 honorees represent the very best of this work. They support people with compassion, lead through difficult moments, mentor coworkers, and help create stronger and more inclusive communities every day. Some have spent decades in the field, while others are newer to this important work and already making a lasting impact.

What connects all of them is the trust they have earned from the people they support, families, colleagues, and the communities they serve.

We also want to thank Deputy Secretary Marlana Hutchinson from the Maryland Department of Health

– Developmental Disabilities Administration and Assistant Secretary Kim McKay from the Maryland Department of Disabilities for joining us to help recognize and celebrate our DSPs and frontline supervisors.

MACS is proud to celebrate our 2026 DSPs and Supervisors of the Year and grateful for the extraordinary work happening across Maryland’s provider network every day!

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Registration for the 2026 DSP & Frontline Supervision Conference is Now Open!

MACS is excited to share that registration for the 2026 DSP & Frontline Supervision Conference is officially OPEN. As always, we are planning an outstanding program designed to uplift, inspire, and equip DSPs and supervisors with tools they can bring back to their organizations. Attendees consistently return energized, motivated, and better prepared to excel in their roles. Don’t wait.

Register for the DSP & Supervision Conference Here!

We look forward to celebrating the excellence within your organization!

The Ashore Hotel is SOLD OUT – Please make reservation at the Princess Royale

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As an added highlight, ALCO Pharmacy will be hosting the ALCO Recharge lounge on October 27. This gathering will offer attendees the opportunity to connect, collaborate and recharge with energy and inspiration.

The post 2025 MACS CEO & Leadership Conference appeared first on Maryland Association of Community Services.

During the meeting, we will also elect the FY2025 – 2027 MACS Board of Directors and honor our elected champions from the past legislative session.   As always, we will have our popular crab feast.  This event is a great opportunity to reward your teams, have a relaxing day, and visit with colleagues and friends. 

This event is very popular and often sells out.  Please register early in order to secure your seats; registration will close when the event sells out, or by June 20th. Register Now.

The post 2025 MACS Annual Meeting & Crab Feast appeared first on Maryland Association of Community Services.

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It is time, if you have not already done so, to write to your legislators in Annapolis asking them to restore the DDA budget cuts in the proposed FY26 budget.  Time is of the essence, so we ask you to act ASAP! Please be sure to share this alert with your network, and to ask everyone to focus on the General Assembly, which is the body that has the power to restore this funding. Governor Moore’s budget, as introduced, made $457 million in “cost containment” measures, and now it is up to the Maryland General Assembly to review the budget and decide whether or not to restore the funding. 

Action Alert: Urge Your Legislators to Restore Funding for Developmental Disability Services!

Marylanders with disabilities, community providers, and families: It’s time to act! Governor Moore’s proposed budget cuts threaten essential services for people with developmental disabilities. We cannot allow Marylanders with disabilities to pay the price for these cuts. We must protect DDA services and uphold civil rights!

Overview of Proposed Cuts

Governor Moore’s FY 26 budget includes significant cuts that will negatively impact people with developmental disabilities and community providers. The total fiscal cut for FY 26 is projected to be $457 million, representing a 22% overall cut to DD community supports.

Key Proposed Cuts Include:

1. Cut to residential funding: This budget cut reduces funding for residential supports in homes where people need “dedicated hours” (e.g., 1:1 staffing).  
2. Cut in funding to five counties: Eliminates the higher rates in Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles and Frederick Counties, reducing provider capacity and significantly lowering funding in those areas.
3. Suspension of the Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program: Cuts all funding for small grants that assist families who otherwise do not receive any other DDA services.

These budget actions will have devastating effects on the lives of people and families who rely on these critical services.

What You Can Do

1. Contact your legislators in Annapolis, tell them you oppose these cuts, and urge them to restore this critically important funding!
2. Share your personal story about how these services impact you or your loved ones.  This part is critical – make clear how personal this is to you.
3. Please share this alert with your network.

Contact Your Legislator Today!

Find your Annapolis legislators here.  Click on “Lookup”, and type in your home address. Then write only to the people listed as your State Senator and Delegates (not your Congressional representatives). When you click on their names, it will take you to each of their pages and it will have their email address listed. 

We encourage you to share your personal story when reaching out to your legislator. Remember, including your unique experiences is crucial, as legislators in Annapolis truly value those insights. 

Together, we can make our voices heard and protect the rights and services that are vital to our community. Don’t wait—act now!

The post ACTION ALERT appeared first on Maryland Association of Community Services.

 Members of Maryland’s developmental disabilities (DD) community remain deeply disappointed in Governor Moore’s budget decisions that cut $200 million in general funds, resulting in a devastating $457 million (state and federal) cut for FY26.  This represents a 22% reduction in funding for critical DD services and supports for Marylanders with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.  

As Governor Moore delivered his State of the State address today, Laura Howell, chief executive officer of the Maryland Association of Community Service said “Today, the state of our community has never been more fearful, with the damage that will be done to the lives of more than 18,000 Marylanders with developmental disabilities.”

In his address, Governor Moore urged against complacency when the rights and humanity of Marylanders are at risk.  We agree with this sentiment. Said Ande Kolp, executive director of The Arc Maryland, “Disability rights are human rights, and those rights have never been more threatened. If not restored, these funding cuts will weaken and destabilize community supports for Marylanders with developmental disabilities for years to come.” 

As we demonstrated on Monday, February 3 – with more than 1,000 people showing up to a State House rally on three days’ notice – we will continue to advocate to protect vulnerable Marylanders from these damaging cuts.

We call on Governor Moore and our legislative leaders to pass a budget that supports our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  We agree with the governor’s words: “We need to invest in our greatest strength and that is our people.” 

The post STATEMENT OF THE ARC MARYLAND AND THE MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES ON GOVERNOR WES MOORE’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS appeared first on Maryland Association of Community Services.

It is time, if you have not already done so, to write to your legislators in Annapolis asking them to restore the DDA budget cuts in the proposed FY26 budget.  Time is of the essence, so we ask you to act ASAP! Please be sure to share this alert with your network, and to ask everyone to focus on the General Assembly, which is the body that has the power to restore this funding. Governor Moore’s budget, as introduced, made $457 million in “cost containment” measures, and now it is up to the Maryland General Assembly to review the budget and decide whether or not to restore the funding. 

Action Alert: Urge Your Legislators to Restore Funding for Developmental Disability Services!

Marylanders with disabilities, community providers, and families: It’s time to act! Governor Moore’s proposed budget cuts threaten essential services for people with developmental disabilities. We cannot allow Marylanders with disabilities to pay the price for these cuts. We must protect DDA services and uphold civil rights!

Overview of Proposed Cuts

Governor Moore’s FY 26 budget includes significant cuts that will negatively impact people with developmental disabilities and community providers. The total fiscal cut for FY 26 is projected to be $457 million, representing a 22% overall cut to DD community supports.

Key Proposed Cuts Include:

1. Cut to residential funding: This budget cut reduces funding for residential supports in homes where people need “dedicated hours” (e.g., 1:1 staffing).  
2. Cut in funding to five counties: Eliminates the higher rates in Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles and Frederick Counties, reducing provider capacity and significantly lowering funding in those areas.
3. Suspension of the Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program: Cuts all funding for small grants that assist families who otherwise do not receive any other DDA services.

These budget actions will have devastating effects on the lives of people and families who rely on these critical services.

What You Can Do

1. Contact your legislators in Annapolis, tell them you oppose these cuts, and urge them to restore this critically important funding!
2. Share your personal story about how these services impact you or your loved ones.  This part is critical – make clear how personal this is to you.
3. Please share this alert with your network.

Contact Your Legislator Today!

Find your Annapolis legislators here.  Click on “Lookup”, and type in your home address. Then write only to the people listed as your State Senator and Delegates (not your Congressional representatives). When you click on their names, it will take you to each of their pages and it will have their email address listed. 

We encourage you to share your personal story when reaching out to your legislator. Remember, including your unique experiences is crucial, as legislators in Annapolis truly value those insights. 

Together, we can make our voices heard and protect the rights and services that are vital to our community. Don’t wait—act now!

The post ACTION ALERT appeared first on Maryland Association of Community Services.

We are excited to invite you to this year’s Direct Support and Supervision Conference, 2025 Direct Support Supervision Conference, May 14-16, 2025 at the Ashore Hotel & Beach Club in Ocean City, Maryland. At this conference, Direct Support Professionals from across the Maryland will come together to learn, connect, and grow. This event is designed to provide practical strategies, expert insights, and meaningful discussions to enhance your work and impact.

What to Expect

This year MACS will bring back some of our most engaging and informative sessions, focusing on key topics that matter to you. Whether you are looking to refine your skills, stay ahead of industry changes, or gain new perspectives, this conference is packed with valuable takeaways.

Featured Topics:

• Person-Centered Planning: Learn how to create and implement individualized support strategies that prioritize choice, independence, and meaningful engagement.
• Recognizing Burnout: Discover the signs of burnout and practical ways to prevent and manage it, ensuring long-term success and well-being.
• Supervisory Skills: Interviewing, and Documentation in LTSS: Strengthen your leadership skills with best practices in hiring, record-keeping, and compliance within Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS).
• The DSP Role in Navigating Investigations & Surveys:  Gain a clear understanding of the role Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play in investigations, and regulatory surveys, and how to navigate them effectively.

Why You Should Attend

This conference is an opportunity to deepen your expertise, connect with peers, and leave with actionable strategies to improve your practice. Whether you are a frontline professional, a supervisor, or a direct support staff, these sessions will provide valuable insights to enhance your role.

A Time of Celebration

Every year we want to identify and celebrate those who do so much, sacrifice so much and give so much to care for individuals in our community. They are your very best and we want to know about them. Nominate a DSP or Supervisor and tell us about them. Awards will be given out at the awards dinner during the conference.

Tell us about your nominee for Excellence in Supervision

Tell us about your nominee for Excellence in Direct Support

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from experts, including Dr. Karyn Havey, Sophia Lawson, Nick Burton and Leslie Thompson as they engage in meaningful discussions. Be part of a community dedicated to excellence. Register now to secure your place! Reserve your rooms!

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