The Freedom Center

01/23/2026

Today we honor Ed Roberts Day, recognizing the life and legacy of Ed Roberts—widely known as the father of the Independent Living Movement.

Ed Roberts challenged the belief that people with disabilities should be passive recipients of care. Instead, he fought for self-determination, civil rights, and the fundamental idea that people with disabilities have the right to direct their own lives and fully participate in their communities. His leadership helped spark a movement that continues to shape disability advocacy today.

Take a few minutes to watch this powerful video from the Berkeley Center for Independent Living and learn more about Ed Roberts and his lasting impact: https://buff.ly/Btnsbak

Who was Ed Roberts? Watch the video to learn about Ed Roberts, a pioneering member of the disability-rights movement who served as executive director of The...

01/23/2026

Due to impending weather, The Freedom Center office will be closed on Monday.

Staff will be working remotely.

01/22/2026

Warming Center operations have been extended in Carroll County. Stay safe and warm!

Warming Centers to Open Saturday, January 24th through Monday, January 26th Carroll County MD Government sent this bulletin at 01/22/2026 01:45 PM EST --- PRESS RELEASE --- For Immediate Release Warming Centers to Open Saturday, January 24th through Monday, January 26th Westminster, MD (Thursday, Ja...

01/22/2026

Code Blue resources in Frederick County have been extended.

❄️ CODE BLUE ALERT EXTENDED ❄️

Frederick County is continuing its Code Blue Extreme Cold and Weather Alert, now extended through 7:00 AM on February 1st.

If you or someone you know needs shelter or warming resources, please see the options on the flyer below!
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❄️ ALERTA DE CODE BLUE EXTENDIDA ❄️

El condado de Frederick continúa con la alerta Code Blue de frío extremo y condiciones climáticas, ahora extendida hasta las 7:00 AM del 1 de febrero.

Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita refugio o recursos para calentarse, ¡por favor vea las opciones en el volante a continuación!

01/22/2026

More important information to support you through the pending extreme weather. Stay safe, be prepared, and contact us if you need additional support.

01/22/2026

More safety tips from our friends at Maryland Department of Disabilities on how to prepare for the upcoming snow. Stay warm and stay safe! We’ll continue to share important updates and resources as they become available.

READY - SET- SNOW! With the anticipated storm headed our way, here is a quick checklist to help you and your family prep before the flakes start falling:

At Home -
Stay Put: Avoid travel during and right after the storm.

Stock Up: Grab extra water, non-perishable snacks, and a first aid kit (don't forget meds and baby supplies!).

Power Up: Keep flashlights handy with fresh batteries.

Safety First: Only use generators/heaters outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Check your smoke detectors and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

For Your Vehicle -
Prep the Tank: Top off your fuel and get your battery and tires checked.

Pack a Kit: Keep blankets, high-calorie snacks, a shovel, and jumper cables in the car just in case.

01/22/2026

Ready to build confidence, make new friends, and explore what’s next after high school? The Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD YLF) is a 3-day, on-campus leadership experience for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who want to grow as leaders and self-advocates.

Delegates live on a college campus, learn about leadership, disability history, careers, and independence, and connect with other youth from across Maryland. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, try something new, and step into your future, this experience is for you.

June 25–27, 2026
Deadline to apply: February 28, 2026
Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/pPo8pP8

This Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council project is fully supported by the Administration for Community Living as part of a total award of $1,265,982 dollars.

IMAGE: Promotional graphic announcing “2026 MD-YLF Applications Are Now Open.” A group of diverse young people with disabilities stand side by side holding certificates and folders. A red starburst reads “Apply by Feb 28!” Event details note June 25–27 at Towson University. The Maryland Youth Leadership Forum logo appears, along with text directing viewers to learn more at innow.org/mdylf. The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council logo and funding acknowledgment appear at the bottom.

01/22/2026

If you rely on public transit, now is a good time to take a few minutes to review this snow guide from the Maryland Transit Administration. Winter weather can bring delays or service changes, so planning ahead can help you stay safe and avoid surprises. Please read, prepare, and have a backup plan in case of an emergency.

Winter in Maryland keeps us guessing, One day it’s sunshine, the next it’s snow boots! As we get ready for the upcoming snow, be sure to stay in the know by checking our snow guide: https://tinyurl.com/4x956nef

01/21/2026

Breakfast favorites are on the menu at February’s Easy Meals! 🍳🥞

Join us for our monthly cooking class and learn practical, independent living skills while making chocolate chip pancakes and omelettes. This is a free, hands-on class with limited space, so be sure to RSVP today.

Friday, February 20, 2026
1:00–4:00 PM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Frederick

RSVP here: https://buff.ly/xpphOOT

You can also register by phone at 301-447-0279.
Questions? Email dbraun@thefreedomcenter-md.org



IMAGE: Flyer for The Freedom Center’s February Easy Meals cooking class featuring a photo of chocolate chip pancakes topped with whipped cream.

01/21/2026

❤ these scenes from Frederick County Parks and Recreation, MD's Adaptive Winter Formal. Such a fun night full of music, dancing, and smiles!

Be sure to sign up for their adaptive programs email list to stay updated on future events: https://bit.ly/AdaptiveEmailSignUps

01/21/2026

❄️ Severe winter weather and possible snow are on the way — prepare now. Don’t wait.

If you are a person with a disability, taking steps ahead of time can help keep you safe and supported if conditions worsen or services are delayed. Plan for staying home for several days if needed by having enough food, water, medications, and medical supplies on hand. Charge phones, backup batteries, and assistive technology, and make sure you have a plan for heat, transportation, and personal assistance. Keep important phone numbers written down in case your devices lose power.

Helpful resources:
Maryland Department of Emergency Management- MDEM - Winter Preparedness: https://mdem.maryland.gov/pages/winter-storms.aspx

Ready Guidance for People with Disabilities: https://www.ready.gov/people-disabilities

If you need help preparing or accessing resources, contact The Freedom Center at 301-846-7811. We’re here to support you.

Winter storms can knock out power and restrict travel. As soon as a storm is forecast for your area, make sure your household's emergency kit has food, water and other supplies to last everyone for several days. Visit ready.gov/kit for more information!

01/20/2026

Staying informed is an important part of advocacy. As the 2026 Maryland legislative session gets underway, we encourage our community to keep an eye on bills that may impact people with disabilities.

We’ll continue to share updates and opportunities to get involved. If you have questions or need help understanding how proposed legislation may affect you, the Freedom Center is here to help.

The 2026 Legislative Session is now underway!
We are tracking legislation introduced this session that may affect the disability community.

The list includes bills addressing accessibility, education, employment, housing, health care, transportation, and more. This page is updated regularly throughout the session and is intended as an informational resource for advocates, self-advocates, families, and service providers.

Click the link below to view the complete list of bills:
https://mdod.maryland.gov/news/Pages/2026-Legislation.aspx