Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration
June 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has published guidance related to the  Transitioning Youth Processes that address recommended meetings and contact with the person currently enrolled in the Autism Waiver and their team to evaluate supports and services available. The responsibilities of a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Autism Waiver (AW) Service Coordinator (SC) and the DDA Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) are to inform, assist, locate, and apply for services and supports for youth aging out of the AW.

The AW program was able to submit an emergent amendment to the waiver via a section called Appendix K, which allows for flexibility in administering services during a state or national emergency.  A provision of the Autism Waiver Appendix K includes the ability to continue those waiver services for DDA eligible Transitioning Youth (TY) through the duration of the state of emergency.  This means AW participants who would otherwise be disenrolled from the AW on June 30th can remain in the AW even though they have concluded their entitled educational services.

At a Glance–Transitioning Youth From the Autism Waiver

Autism Waiver Transitioning Youth 2021 Guidance

APPENDIX K: Emergency Preparedness and Response and COVID-19 Addendum