05/01/2026
Happy 20th to Shared Support Maryland, Inc.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Two decades—this year, Shared Support Maryland turns 20!
We find ourselves marking this anniversary in many ways, because there is so much to honor. So many moments, relationships, and decisions that have shaped who we are today.
Last year, we shared one of our favorite stories—about Jacquie, one of the first people approved in April 2006 to use Self-Directed Services in Maryland, and the ripple effect she had on others, including Jurij. Those early decisions mattered. They opened doors.
This year, we are especially honored to continue working alongside two people who are also celebrating 20 years of directing their own services. They were among the very first, same wave as Jacquie. Their consistency, vision, and leadership have helped shape what self-direction looks like today.
As we mark this milestone, we are filled with gratitude—for your support, your partnership, and your belief in what’s possible when people are in charge of their own lives.
We also share this 20th anniversary year with organizations we deeply respect: the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities.
Anytime we are able to collaborate with ASAN, we say yes. They build the foundation many of us rely on—especially when the path forward isn’t clear. Their work brings tools, clarity, and a steady commitment to advocacy.
One moment stands out. At ASAN’s Invitational Summit on Supported Decision-Making and Transition to the Community, we shared the story of the last person to leave Rosewood Center and build a self-directed life in the community—particularly his housing journey. The very next day, a parent called us. She had been advised to pursue guardianship for her daughter. Because of what we had just learned and shared, we were able to talk through Supported Decision-Making as a meaningful alternative. That conversation shifted something. It mattered.
This summer, we are honored to present at the National Leadership Consortium’s 2026 Institute, as they also celebrate 20 years. Over time, nearly 680 people have been influenced by the Institute, and we’ve had the privilege of contributing to 34 of those gatherings across the U.S. and Canada—focusing on organizational change and how person-directed practices can truly take root within provider organizations. Along the way, customers, board members, and colleagues have all been part of that work.
Over the years we are thinking about and celebrating home particularly this year:
More than 15 people have moved from their family home into a place of their own
Over 20 people have transitioned from institutions, nursing facilities, or group homes into community living
People are people who live with the entire variety of support structures ~ all means all
And many more have found new paths through collaborative efforts like Friends and Family TIES and the Maryland Person-Centered Planning Housing Collaborative
And at the center of it all is our team.
Today, a team of three Support Brokers work alongside more than 50 people who privately pay and direct their services. It is a small and remarkable team. What we are learning—especially from younger people on the team of Brokers—is that this work is, at its core, justice work. There is an ease and clarity about equity and mutual respect that shows up not because it was taught, but because it is understood. It is practiced naturally. And it is shaping what comes next.
We are also excited to be applying the principles of self-direction in new ways, including supporting a Maryland organization in its pursuit of becoming more autonomous. More on that soon.
In March 2026, we completed our second Developmental Disabilities Council grant, Expectations Matter: My Life, My Choice, My Plan. Across Maryland and West Virginia, 30 trainers and project decision makers—primarily people with disabilities—have now trained hundreds of others in person-directed planning. This work continues to grow through community.
There are so many people, partners, and communities woven into this work. We carry deep gratitude for all of you.
As we celebrate 20 years, we are not just looking back—we are continuing forward, grounded in the same belief that started it all:
People should have choice, control, and opportunity in their own lives.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
With gratitude,
All of us at Shared Support Maryland
A chance to donate is here:
5% of all donations go to The Lucille Weiss Support Fund. The Lucille Weiss Support Fund will and has provided needed funds directly to people with disabilities that we support, especially those who have been impacted by COVID-19 and who need a small amount of funding to continue to live a full, con...
