2026 Legislative Session: DSAmd recap
The Down Syndrome Association of Maryland provides significant staff time, funds, and self-advocate incentives to the Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition’s activities. We are so proud to be part of this work in coalition and grateful for the partners who also support this work!
You can learn more about MDAC legislative priorities here. If you have comments or questions, please share them. DSAmd is actively drafting priorities for the 2027 Legislative Session - please reach out to be part of that process!
-Amanda Mummert, Executive Director - Director@DSAmd.org / 410-321-5434 call or text
Highlights and Accomplishments - Priority Bills and Actions:
FY27 DDA Budget Cuts
Significant cuts to supportive community services for individuals with disabilities in Maryland.
Position: Oppose
Advocacy: Amplifying information from the Maryland Self-Directed Advocacy Network and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
Status - significant budget cuts passed, though it was a lesser amount than originally proposed
Ralph’s Act HB1015 SB721
Ensures individuals with IDD can access DDA services after relocating due to caregiver death or incapacitation
Allows expedited eligibility review, including before moving to Maryland
Prevents individuals from being placed on long waitlists during crisis situations
Position: Support
Advocacy: DSAmd submitted written testimony and attempted oral testimony on behalf of MDAC
Status - Passed
Orthotics Coverage SB276 HB445
Requires Medicaid and commercial insurance to cover prosthetics and orthotics for physical activity
Includes coverage for secondary orthotics used for exercise and health maintenance
Supports mobility, independence, and prevention of secondary health conditions
Minimal fiscal impact with evidence of no premium increase in other states
Position: Support
Advocacy: DSAmd provided written and oral testimony on behalf of MDAC
Status - Passed
DDA Eligibility and Medicaid Protections HB1445 SB742
Removes 90 day limit to appeal loss of DDA eligibility
Prevents procedural disenrollment from Medicaid and home and community based services
Strengthens continuity of services and protections for individuals with disabilities
Position: Support
Advocacy: DSAmd provided coaching and administrative support to a family so they could share their story (testimony) about being dropped from Medicaid after 22 years (and are still waiting to be reinstated after about a year)
Status - Passed
Alzheimer’s Toolkits HB446
Develops diagnostic tools and resources related to Alzheimer’s disease
Advocacy focused on ensuring tools are appropriate for individuals with Down syndrome
Ongoing collaboration with Alzheimer’s Association
Position: DSAmd sits on statewide Alzheimer’s Coalition and is involved in active engagement to shape bill behind the scenes
Status - Passed
Autism and Dementia Police Training HB634
Addresses law enforcement training on disability and dementia
Existing training requirements and free curriculum already available from the Ethan Saylor Alliance, DSAmd already is appointed to steering committee
Position: Letter of information submitted by MDOD, MDAC monitored
Status - Passed
IEP Service Transparency HB1368
Requires schools to notify parents when special education services are missed or incomplete
Includes explanation and guidance for follow-up action
Supports family advocacy and accountability in service delivery
We monitored for first half of session - it did not cross over
Status - Did not pass
Caregiver Resource Website HB1434
Requires development of a statewide caregiver resource webpage
Intended to improve access to information and supports for families
Not widely tracked by major disability organizations, MDAC monitored
Status - Passed
Self-Directed Services Transparency HB1593
Requires public notice and a 90 day comment period before changes to the self directed services manual
Increases transparency and stakeholder input in DDA policy changes
Position: Support with amendments
Advocacy: Another MDAC member submitted testimony on behalf of MDAC
Status - Passed, but changed with significant amendments
Accessible and Expedited Voting Act SB73
Improves voting access for individuals with disabilities
Position: Support
Advocacy: DSAmd supported self-advocate testimony and submission on behalf of MDAC
Status - Passed
Video Recording in Special Education Classrooms SB51
Would allow use of video recording devices in self-contained special education classrooms
Limited additional details available at this time
MDAC monitored
Status - Did not pass
Advocacy Training & Support:
DSAmd hosted two advocacy training workshops (one virtually and one in-person) for self-advocates led by Leandra, Carmen, Kalif and DSAmd Community Engagement Manager, De’Vonte. The workshops incorporated improvisation games and skills to prepare self-advocates for speaking out and using their stories to advocate for change. 20 Self-Advocates participated.
DSAmd provided coaches and supported several adults and teens with Down syndrome to draft their own leave-behind letters!
The 2026 Maryland World Down Syndrome Day advocacy rally and celebration was a 3-part event over 2 different days. DSAmd’s work:
De’Vonte participated in ~15 hours of planning meetings
DSAmd provided 100 pairs of mismatched fun socks for legislators
Executive Director Amanda Mummert and Policy & Development Coordinator Amanda Morales were on-site to make packets for legislators
Amanda Morales met with legislators and supported delivering socks to elected officials ahead of the advocacy day
We will pay an amount “to MDAC” to support the advocacy day costs when a budget is agreed upon by the steering committee
De’Vonte managed rally on World DS Day; De’Vonte and DSAmd Treasurer Connor supported setup and clean up for the advocacy party event
Thank you for following along! If you are interested in the leadership of DSAmd which helps to shape Down syndrome advocacy and policy in Maryland, please click the button below to learn about serving on the Board of Directors or a committee. We need your voice!
