“In general we still treat people with disabilities as children, not allowing them to make decisions and make mistakes and fail,” said Katie. “What's at stake is people's equality and their right to live the life that they want and make choices for their life, even if someone else thinks it's a bad choice.”

When the state of Maryland made the decision to invest in and support self-directed services seventeen years ago, Gail Godwin, Shared Support Maryland founder, knew that this commitment to self-directed services was going to be a gamechanger, but it wouldn’t happen overnight. After a start in learning what not to do – sheltered workshops, endless pilot programs, and person-centeredness in name only, Gail was aware of the need for direct support, as well as the pushback.

“Once you understand that [SSMD’s] thought process is to try to give you, the consumer, as much control as possible, there’s no going back. Not everybody does that.”

Support broker Jessica Holman has spent her entire career dedicated to supporting people with disabilities in finding their best life.

Cody Drinkwater didn’t mean to be an activist, though you wouldn’t think it today.

Are you looking to support people to live the lives of their choosing but feel stuck? Here are five ways you can get the conversation started right now.

Steve went from locked in an institution to being supported in community living.

Tony has never been prouder of himself than he is right now.