A Message From the DDA Regarding the National Core Indicators Surveys

tags: Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities

Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) wants to hear from families of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Each year, the DDA participates in the National Core Indicators (NCI) Survey Program. The NCI program is a coordinated effort by the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) and the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI). NCI is a voluntary effort that gives states an opportunity to track performance over time using select performance and outcomes measures called indicators. The indicators provide both perceptions and facts through the voices of its customers (adults with I/DD), the workforce (direct-service professionals), and DDA processes or operations.

Participation in the NCI surveys provides the DDA with an indication of participants’ experiences and perceptions, including areas where the DDA is doing well, areas where the DDA needs to improve, and areas where additional policy and/or legislation may need to be adopted to provide a better experience to waiver recipients and their families.

Some common questions include:

Q: Which surveys will Maryland be distributing this year, and who will receive them?

A: The Adult Family, Family Guardian and Staff Stability surveys will be distributed. The Adult Family Survey will be sent to the parent or guardian of adult waiver recipients (ages 18 and older) who live in their family’s home and receive at least one service from DDA outside of case management. The Family Guardian Survey will be sent to the parent or guardian of adult waiver recipients (ages 18 and older) who do not live in their family’s home and who receive at least one service from DDA outside of case management. The Staff Stability Survey is sent to provider agencies employing direct-support professionals who provide services to adults (ages 18 and older) with I/DD.

Q: When should I expect to receive information regarding the survey?

A: Families and/or guardians received the survey kick-off information in February.

Q: Will my participation affect the services being received by my family member?

A: No. The DDA does not track who responds to the survey; your responses will remain anonymous.

Q: Whom should I call if I have any additional questions?

A: Please contact Angela Clark, director of quality enhancement, at Angela.clark2@maryland.gov with any questions regarding the NCI surveys and to participate in the surveys.

Your opinion matters to DDA leadership!