On February 18, Fello joined hundreds of Marylanders for Developmental Disabilities (DD) Day at the Legislature, an annual advocacy event dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of people with disabilities across the state. 

DD Day brings advocates and community leaders to Annapolis each year to meet with legislators, learn about the legislative process, and raise awareness of issues affecting people with disabilities. It’s an event that energizes advocates and amplifies the community’s needs. 

But beneath DD Day’s energy is a sense of urgency—proposed budget cuts threaten vital services for people with disabilities and their families. In response, Fello participated in a spirited community rally that encouraged attendees to raise their signs and speak their minds. 

What’s at Stake 

Many Marylanders with disabilities depend on resources from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to build lives around their goals. The DDA oversees the approval of waiver services that empower people with disabilities to live, work, and connect in the community on their own terms.  

More than 18,000 people with disabilities access self-directed and community-based services offered by the DDA—services that form the foundation for independence, stability, and opportunity. 

Proposed cuts to the DDA budget surfaced last year and returned this year. In the past, advocacy from Maryland residents has helped protect vital funding. But past success does not guarantee future stability. 

State lawmakers are considering cutting more than $155 million in general funds from the DDA’s budget, totaling $310 million in lost funding when federal matching funds are included. Cuts that large would significantly limit the DDA’s budget, forcing people with disabilities to go without essential services that allow them to live independently. 

Showing Up, Together 

This year, the depth of the proposed cuts meant strong action would be needed. 

Advocates and disability rights organizations planned a rally in Annapolis that would send a clear message to lawmakers: cuts to DDA funding would have real consequences for real people. 

Immediately following DD Day, attendees took to Lawyers Mall. Among the hundreds of participants were Fello team members and members of Living Boldly, Fello’s self-advocacy group made up of people with disabilities who represent themselves, their ideas, and their interests to create change in their lives and their communities.  

Together, they reminded lawmakers that policy decisions affect real lives. 

“Advocacy is the heart of Fello,” said Rylie Shewbridge, Director of Government Relations. “Our team understood that this change would negatively impact people in the community, and we came together to make sure voices were heard.”  

Sustaining the Momentum 

The legislative session continues through April 13, and conversations with lawmakers are ongoing. While outcomes remain uncertain, one thing is clear: the disability community is organized and united. 

“I was inspired by what I saw following DD Day—there’s no doubt our movement is strong,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “But what matters now is maintaining momentum. A single day of large-scale advocacy helps, but advocacy every day is what will lead to a truly inclusive, accessible community for everyone.” 

At Fello, advocacy doesn’t begin and end with one event. It’s part of how we build systems that expand housing, strengthen services, improve health outcomes, and create opportunities. We will continue tracking the legislative session and advocating for policies that protect and expand access to support.  

If you want to stay engaged:

• Sign up for Fello’s Action Alerts to stay informed and make an impact.  
• If you identify as a person with a disability and want to access tools to help you self-advocate, learn more about joining Fello’s Living Boldly group.