The Freedom Center

04/29/2026

⭐️ Applications are still being accepted, but time is running out!

If you’ve been thinking about applying to the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum, this is your final opportunity.

MD-YLF is a 3-day leadership experience for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who want to build confidence, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and start planning for life after high school.

Participants will:

- Stay on the campus of Towson University
- Take part in interactive sessions on leadership, disability history, career exploration, and independent living
- Connect with peers from across Maryland and build lasting friendships

Dates: June 25–27, 2026
Location: Towson University

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/arUgvzh

Please share with students, families, and educators who may be interested.

LINK THUMBNAIL: Group of diverse teens and young adults, including several wheelchair users, wearing matching Maryland Youth Leadership Forum shirts.

Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegates build leadership skills and prepare for future employment, higher education, and independent living.

04/29/2026

This is a meaningful chance to make sure lived experiences help inform future decisions. If you or your family have experience with special education in Maryland, your perspective can play a role in shaping how funding and supports are structured. Participation is confidential, and input is shared only in summary form. If you’re able, consider taking a few minutes to share your experience and help strengthen systems for students with disabilities.

Families of students with disabilities—your voice matters.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is partnering with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) on an independent study of special education funding to help shape future decisions across our state. As part of this effort, families are invited to share their experiences and perspectives.

AIR is hosting confidential listening sessions to better understand how funding and policies impact students and their educational journeys. Participation is completely voluntary, and all feedback will be kept private and shared only in summary form.

There are two ways to get involved:
• Complete the anonymous statewide survey (with an option to join a listening session)
• Reach out directly to Stephanie Levin at slevin@air.org
to express interest
https://fillout.air.org/t/qPnaiedt6cus

This is an opportunity to help ensure family experiences are heard and reflected in decisions that affect students across Maryland.

Please consider participating and sharing with others in your community.

04/29/2026

Missed the last I AM session? Watch the recording below.
And don't miss the next session on May 18th, brouight to you by the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council.

Learn more: https://www.innow.org/event/i-am-session-7-maryland-silc-updates-il-table-talk-launch-and-the-cup-campaign/

I AM Session 6: Strengthening Emergency Preparedness for Independent Living

04/28/2026

⚾ Join us at the ballpark for a great game and an even greater cause!

The Freedom Center is hosting our annual Baseball Fundraiser! Come cheer on the Frederick Keys as they take on the Hudson Valley Renegades while supporting independent living services for people with disabilities.

Sunday, June 7
3:00 PM
Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, Frederick, MD
$15 per ticket

Bring your friends, family, and community spirit for a fun afternoon at the ballpark. Every ticket helps expand access to resources, advocacy, and support for people with disabilities in our community.

👉 Get your tickets: https://buff.ly/tewSWnc

Support The Freedom Center and enjoy a night at the ballpark by cheering on our local team, the Frederick Keys versus Hudson Valley Renegades!

04/27/2026

The Freedom Center is proud to celebrate the success of one of our consumers who is turning a vision into reality with the launch of their business, Sharp Studios.

With support from Independent Living Specialist Debbie Walkin, the consumer received guidance in organizing business plans, brainstorming structure, and building a stronger understanding of budgeting. They also participated in the DORS Rise Solutions self-employment program, taking meaningful steps toward independence through entrepreneurship.

Now, they’re celebrating their grand opening with a public open house and open mic event—and the community is invited to be part of it.

Saturday, May 16, 2026
4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
8995 Urbana Church Rd, Unit C, Urbana, MD

This family-friendly outdoor event will include live performances, open mic opportunities, and food from Taqueria Angelica’s. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Join us in supporting a local small business and celebrating what’s possible with the right support and determination.

Learn more: www.SharpStudiosUSA.com
Contact: 301-676-6788

IMAGE: Flyer for Sharp Studios grand opening open house and outdoor open mic on Saturday, May 16, 2026, 4:30–8:00 PM at 8995 Urbana Church Rd, Unit C, Urbana; family-friendly event with live performances, food from Taqueria Angelica’s, and contact details included.

04/24/2026

SAVE THE DATE! 🌯

Join us for a Chipotle fundraiser supporting The Freedom Center—where every meal helps expand independence and opportunity for people with disabilities in our community.

Wednesday, June 17
5–9 PM
Chipotle, 5223 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD

❤️ 25% of event sales will be donated!

Order online for pickup using code X6Q8H4H
Or show this flyer in the restaurant: https://buff.ly/fIYhh6y

It’s simple: eat good, do good, and make a difference—one burrito at a time.

✨Add to your calendar today so you don't forget, and be sure to share with your friends!

04/24/2026

Your voice matters—and accessible voting options help make sure it’s heard. 🗳️

If you’re eligible, take a few minutes to register and be ready for the next election.

Have you just turned 18 or new to Maryland? 🎂🏡 You can register to vote right from home. It only takes a few minutes and keeps you ready for the next election, which will be here before you know it, on June 23rd! Check your voter status or register here: https://vote.md.gov/Register

04/23/2026

Students and families and know better than anyone what students with disabilities need to succeed in school—and now there’s an opportunity to help shape what comes next.

The Maryland State Department of Education is working with American Institutes for Research to better understand how special education funding impacts real student experiences across Maryland.

They’re inviting families to share feedback through a confidential survey and optional listening sessions. Your input will help inform decisions connected to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and how resources are directed to support students with disabilities.

Take the anonymous survey: https://buff.ly/jyYi49t

Learn more about the study: https://buff.ly/199DZHW

Prefer to connect directly? Reach out to Stephanie Levin at slevin@air.org

Sharing your experience helps strengthen systems, improve supports, and ensure students with disabilities across Maryland have what they need to thrive.

IMAGE: Screenshot of a webpage titled “Maryland Special Education Funding Study: Community and Educator Survey” inviting participation in a statewide survey to improve special education funding, with a Start button.

04/23/2026

Join the Maryland Independent Living community for the next I AM session!

I AM Session 7: Maryland SILC Updates, IL Table Talk Launch, and the CUP Campaign
DATE: Monday, May 18, 2026
TIME: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Zoom

Register for I AM: https://buff.ly/SA0RT1Z
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC) has been busy working to “work smarter, not harder” to better serve our community. Join us for a warm and inviting session where we’ll pull back the curtain on what the Council is up to and how you can get involved.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS REQUESTS: If you wish to request an ASL interpreter or other reasonable accommodation, please email your request by May 4, 2026 to info@innow.org.

Register for I AM: https://buff.ly/SA0RT1Z

IMAGE: Graphic with bold red background reading “I AM” in large distressed white text. Below, white text says “Maryland SILC Updates, IL Table Talk Launch, and the CUP Campaign.” Event details read “Monday, May 18, 2:00–3:30 pm.” To the right is the Maryland SILC circular logo overlaid on a Maryland state flag design.

04/22/2026

Happy Assistive Technology Awareness Day! 💡

Assistive technology is more than tools—it’s access, independence, and the freedom to live life on your terms. At The Freedom Center, we’re proud to support our community through our Assistive Technology Lending Library, helping individuals explore solutions that make everyday life more accessible.

Not sure what device is right for you? You can try before you commit. Our lending library gives you the opportunity to test equipment in real-life situations, so you can find what truly works for your needs and goals.

We also offer funding assistance for eligible consumers who need support obtaining assistive technology to maintain their independence.

If you’re curious about what’s available or want to get started, we’re here to help.

📧 ckinney@thefreedomcenter-md.org
📞 301-447-0321
🔗https://buff.ly/2NvLiqF

IMAGE: Square graphic celebrating Assistive Technology Awareness Day with The Freedom Center’s 25th anniversary logo, promoting the Assistive Technology Lending Library, try-before-you-commit options, funding assistance, and contact information.

04/21/2026

Make an impact. Your vote, your voice. 🗳️

The Maryland Disability Forum is hosting voter education workshops across the state—designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. Learn about your voting rights, accessible voting options, and how to confidently participate in elections.

These sessions are a great opportunity to build knowledge, connect with others, and strengthen your voice in your community.

Don't miss these sessions close to our region

June 10, 2026
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Spinners Pinball Arcade
Frederick, MD 21702

August 27, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Arc Washington County
820 Florida Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740

👉 Find a location near you and register: https://buff.ly/lXwvylT

If you need assistance registering or would like support attending, The Freedom Center is here to help. Call us at 301-846-7811.