
As Maryland stares down a staggering $3 billion budget deficit, many residents are beginning to ask the hard questions: Where will the cuts come from? And more importantly, who will they impact most?
Unfortunately, some of the most vulnerable members of our community—people with disabilities—are squarely in the crosshairs of proposed funding reductions. These cuts won’t just tighten belts—they threaten to upend lives.
If you’re a Marylander who depends on disability services, or you care for someone who does, this is more than just budget talk—it’s personal.
The Heartbreaking Reality Behind the Numbers
More than 20,000 individuals with disabilities in Maryland rely on state assistance to afford caregiver services. Among them, over 3,500 families use self-directed services, which provide much-needed flexibility and autonomy in arranging care.
But with looming cuts in the 2026 budget, these services could be drastically reduced or even eliminated.
The result? Families may be forced to navigate care alone—or not at all—as caregivers leave the system for better-paying jobs and less uncertainty. For many, this is not just an inconvenience. It’s a potential crisis.

The Advocate’s Warning: These Cuts Could Cost Lives
Disability rights advocate Hamza Khan, whose own siblings require special support, has been outspoken about the consequences of these budget proposals. He points out a troubling contradiction: while state disability programs face reduction, Maryland has added thousands of new employees to the government payroll—further straining a system already overleveraged by one-time federal COVID-19 funds.
“Given the fact that 18,000 people are going to suffer extraordinary pain, and some of them might very well die,” Khan said, “he [Governor Wes Moore] should prioritize funding that prior arrangement first.”
In other words, this isn’t a financial decision—it’s a moral one.
Why This Matters to Every Maryland Family
You don’t need to be receiving state support to be impacted by these changes. The cuts will ripple throughout the care system, reducing availability, increasing wait times, and forcing more families into unsustainable caregiving roles without professional help.
And if you’re a parent of a child with autism or developmental disabilities, the need for consistent, high-quality care is non-negotiable. Waiting for help—or losing it—is simply not an option.
Solutions Exist—And They Start With Community and Advocacy
While state-level decisions may feel out of our hands, families can still seek stability and support through reliable private programs that offer evidence-based care.
One such beacon is Actify ABA, a trusted provider of ABA programs in Maryland. Their personalized, data-driven approach to Applied Behavior Analysis empowers children with autism to thrive—emotionally, socially, and academically—while offering families peace of mind in the midst of policy uncertainty.
You’re Not Alone. Support Is Within Reach.
Budget decisions may be out of our control, but finding compassionate, reliable care doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re just starting to explore ABA therapy or seeking alternatives as public services tighten, Actify ABA is here to help.
Contact us today to discover how Actify ABA can provide the consistent, high-quality support your family needs. Maryland’s families deserve better—and until that future comes, we stand ready to serve yours.