Maryland DDA Named National Leader in Employment Outcomes

According to a recent press release, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) was recognized by the University of Massachusetts Boston as a national leader in employment outcomes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Maryland DDA was presented with this honor by representatives from the University on August 22, 2016. “The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration is excited to receive such a prestigious rating,” said Developmental Disabilities Deputy Secretary Bernard Simons. “It validates our focuses on self-determination and employment.”

“Researchers from the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston conducted an analysis to describe the relationship between state employment system characteristics and employment outcomes from individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Using data representing state I/DD agencies, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, and state public education systems researchers created a composite indicator to represent overall State Employment System Performance rakings. Maryland had the highest overall score in this analysis. Researchers are currently doing case study research in Maryland to better understand the system’s strategies and challenges, and levels of collaboration across the state,” said Allison Cohen Hall, project director with the ICI.