DDA Community Pathways
Understand the waiver program, person-centered planning and why every service must be appropriate and authorized.
Read the program guide ↗PURPLE HAVEN RESOURCE CENTER
Understand the system.
Find your next step.
Clear, practical information for individuals, families, schools, Coordinators of Community Services, Support Brokers and community partners navigating Maryland disability services.
LEARNING CENTER
Start with the topic
that fits today.
You do not need to understand every program term before asking for help. These guides explain the roles, decisions and steps that shape a service start.
Eligibility and enrollment
Learn the difference between DDA eligibility, priority, waiver enrollment, Medicaid requirements and provider selection.
See the Maryland roadmap ↗Choosing or changing a provider
See how an individual, family, CCS and provider work together when exploring capacity or requesting a provider change.
Compare referral paths ↗Professional referrals
Guidance for schools, transition teams, CCS agencies, Support Brokers, hospitals, clinicians and community partners.
Use the professional pathway ↗Services and supports
Explore personal support, community development, behavioral support, nursing, respite, transportation and related options.
View the service directory ↗Community Pathways and Autism Waiver
Understand why these are separate Maryland programs with different eligibility, authorization and provider requirements.
Compare the programs ↗A SIMPLE ORIENTATION
Five decisions happen
before services begin.
Eligibility
The responsible Maryland program determines eligibility—not Purple Haven.
Funding
Eligibility does not always mean immediate waiver funding or an immediate service start.
Authorization
The approved plan identifies authorized services, scope and applicable requirements.
Provider fit
The individual chooses a provider while the planning team coordinates the formal referral process.
Readiness
Staffing, training, agreements, scheduling and required records must be complete before support begins.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clear answers.
No unnecessary jargon.
Is Community Pathways the same as DDA respite?
No. Community Pathways is Maryland DDA’s consolidated waiver program. Respite is one service that may be authorized under the program. Personal support, community development, behavioral support, nursing and transportation are separate services.
Can a family contact Purple Haven directly?
Yes. A family may ask about services and capacity directly. When waiver-funded services are involved, the assigned CCS or authorized planning team coordinates the formal provider referral and any required plan action.
Does submitting a form enroll someone in a program?
No. A public inquiry begins a conversation. Eligibility, funding, authorization, provider selection, formal referral and service readiness are separate steps.
How are services and hours determined?
For waiver-funded services, the approved person-centered plan and authorization identify the service and scope. Purple Haven then confirms fit, qualified staffing, scheduling and current capacity.
What information should I include in a first inquiry?
Share the county, general age range, requested service, program status and preferred timeframe. Wait for secure instructions before sending a participant’s name with a diagnosis, Medicaid number, assessments, plans, medical records or school records.
What is Purple Haven currently developing?
Residential homes and placement capacity are in development. Purple Haven’s Autism Waiver IISS offering is planned. Current availability varies by service, county, authorization, staffing and readiness.
PLAIN-LANGUAGE GLOSSARY
Words you may
hear along the way.
Program language can be overwhelming. These definitions are general and should be confirmed against current Maryland guidance and the person’s planning documents.
DDA
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration.
Community Pathways
Maryland’s consolidated DDA Medicaid home- and community-based services waiver program.
CCS
Coordinator of Community Services—the professional who helps coordinate planning, referrals and authorized DDA processes.
Person-centered plan
The approved plan describing goals, assessed needs, authorized services and how support will be delivered.
Support Broker
A professional who assists a person using the self-directed service delivery model.
Traditional services
A delivery model in which an approved provider agency manages authorized service delivery and staff.
Self-directed services
A delivery model that gives the participant greater authority over certain services, workers and budget responsibilities.
Personal Support
Individualized assistance with daily living, skill building, safety and participation at home and in the community.
Community Development
Goal-directed support that builds skills, relationships, participation and belonging in community settings.
Respite
Short-term support that provides continuity for the participant while offering relief to an unpaid primary caregiver.
IISS
Intensive Individual Support Services, a Maryland Autism Waiver service with program-specific requirements.
EVV
Electronic Visit Verification, used for applicable covered services to record required visit information.
OFFICIAL MARYLAND INFORMATION
Confirm requirements
at the source.
Program rules, forms and contacts can change. Use official Maryland sources and your assigned coordinator for current requirements.
STILL NOT SURE?
Let the Navigator
find your starting point.
Answer five general questions. Nothing is submitted, and no names, diagnoses or records are requested.
Use the private DDA Navigator →