Accessible Resources for Independence

11/21/2025

We’re growing our online community — and we need YOU to be part of it!

Accessible Resources Independence (ARI) now has NEW Instagram and LinkedIn pages, and we’re inviting you to follow, subscribe, and share so we can expand our reach.

The bigger our network, the more people in Anne Arundel & Howard Counties will know about the free services and advocacy we provide for people with disabilities. Your follow could help someone find the resources they need to live independently.

✅ Follow us on:

Facebook: https://buff.ly/XeNowqa
Instagram: https://buff.ly/OhhWxqw
LinkedIn: https://buff.ly/CRapTiN

And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for community updates, events, and resources: https://buff.ly/KmEgz2S

⭐ Please follow, share, and tag friends or organizations so we can make sure everyone eligible for services knows — we’re here for them.

IMAGE: Graphic with a dark green and blue gradient background titled “Get Connected with ARI.” The Accessible Resources Independence (ARI) logo appears in the center, showing a green triangle with a blue stylized ramp inside. Below are four dark blue buttons with white icons and text: “Follow us on Facebook,” “Like us on LinkedIn,” “Follow us on Instagram,” and “Subscribe to our newsletter.” Website www.arinow.org is listed at the bottom.

11/21/2025

If you or your family are navigating the special education process, this webinar is a great chance to learn your rights and get clear, practical guidance.

Know Your Special Education Rights webinar
Presented by Nicole Joseph and Kate Rabb, Joseph & Rabb, LLC
https://bit.ly/4n5GCzZ

11/20/2025

Accessible Resources for Independence has grant funding available for Reasonable Accommodation Repairs in Howard County rental properties.

This grant covers 100 percent of approved modifications so low-income renters can live safely and independently at home.

Eligibility:

* Must live in a Howard County rental property
* Must meet income guidelines
* Must have written landlord or management approval

Apply here: https://buff.ly/pCuaozm

Questions? Contact Betsy Hein at bhein@arinow.org or 443-713-3910.

IMAGE: Bathroom with white tile walls and multiple installed grab bars around the tub and shower area. The graphic text reads: “Funding for Home Modifications. Grant funding for Reasonable Accommodation Repairs is available for those who reside in Howard County rental properties,” with the ARI logo in the corner.

11/20/2025

The Maryland Department of Disabilities is hosting an important webinar on home modifications, and we encourage our community to take part.

Home Modifications: What They Are and How to Get Them
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
1:00–2:00 PM EST

From ramps and grab bars to walk-in tubs, stair lifts, faucet extenders, and smart home technology, home modifications can make a meaningful difference in helping people stay safe and independent at home. This session will walk through what they are and how to access them in Maryland.

Register here: https://buff.ly/3Rg4YHa

Accessible Resources for Independence also helps people with disabilities navigate and request home modifications so they can remain independent in their own homes. If you need support with home modifications, reach out to us at 410-636-2274 or arinow@arinow.org. We’re here to help.

11/19/2025

This is such a generous offering for our community, especially during a time when so many families need a little extra support. Thank you to Grassroots, New Hope Adventist Church, and Neighbor Network for making sure our neighbors can enjoy a comforting Thanksgiving meal.

Stop by Grassroots anytime to pick up a free Thanksgiving food bag. Each large bag comes with a bounty of food, including mashed potatoes, stuffing, canned vegetables, rice, pasta and sauce, mac 'n cheese, brownie mix, soup and more. Grocery store gift cards are also available to help recipients purchase additional food to supplement their meal.

You can visit the Grassroots crisis center 24 hours a day at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A, in Columbia to pick up a bag. They are available while supplies last, one per family. Please call our crisis line at 410-531-6677 with any questions.

Thank you so much to New Hope Adventist Church and Neighbor Network, which donated these amazing Thanksgiving bags and baskets to support our families. We - and our clients - are so very grateful for your wonderful kindness and generosity!

11/19/2025

I AM Session 3: Social Security Made Simple – Quick Tips & Smart Strategies
Monday, December 15 from 2:00–3:00 PM

Applying for or managing Social Security benefits doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This session breaks down what you need to know about SSI and SSDI in clear, easy-to-follow steps. Marilyn Morrison, Director of MD-WIN, will walk you through:

- Practical tips for applying or updating your benefits
- How to navigate paperwork, reporting changes, and appeals
- Why Benefits Counseling is so important — and how it can help you stay informed and in control

Register here: https://buff.ly/vEhYERT

IMAGE: A maroon event graphic with large distressed white text reading “I AM.” Below it: “Social Security Made Simple: Quick Tips & Smart Strategies. Monday, December 15, 2:00–3:30 pm.” On the right side is the Maryland WIN (Work Incentives Network) logo over a background of the Maryland flag.

11/18/2025

The Howard County Health Department is looking for youth voices. Young people ages 14–17 who live or work in Howard County are invited to participate in upcoming focus groups on substance use prevention.

They want to hear directly from youth about their experiences, concerns, and what kinds of resources or programs would be most helpful. Your feedback will play an important role in shaping how Howard County supports healthier futures for all young people.

Participants will receive a gift incentive for their time.

To learn more or sign up, click here: https://buff.ly/woxOAb9

Or contact the Howard County Health Department at 410-313-6112 or mlacasse@howardcountymd.gov

IMAGE: Flyer from the Howard County Health Department showing a group of smiling teens. It invites youth ages 14–17 in Howard County to join focus groups on substance use prevention, share their perspectives, and receive a gift incentive. A QR code and contact information are provided for sign-up.

11/18/2025

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to highlight a condition that impacts millions of Americans. Whether you’re living with diabetes or supporting someone who is, knowledge is power. Together, we can promote early detection, reduce risk, and build healthier communities.

The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition offers helpful tools, information, and resources to support prevention and management. We encourage coalition members to share these with your community.

🔗 Access the resources here: https://buff.ly/ACa4w5f

IMAGE: November is Diabetes Awareness Month and a blue ribbon.

11/18/2025

📣YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED!

SHA has released its Draft ADA Transition Plan, and this is an important chance for our community to be heard. If you live with a disability, support someone who does, or care about accessibility in Maryland, we encourage you to review the plan and share your feedback. Every comment helps push our transportation system toward equity, safety, and true accessibility for all.

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has released its Draft ADA Transition Plan, outlining ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility across public rights-of-way owned and maintained by SHA — and they want to hear from YOU.

If you are a person with a disability, a caregiver, an advocate, or someone passionate about accessibility, this is your chance to help. Your feedback helps ensure our roads, sidewalks, crossings, and public spaces work for all of us.

Use the link below to join in one of the public virtual meetings or to take the online survey.
https://bit.ly/3X1xVeO

11/17/2025

Even though the government shutdown has ended, many in our community are still feeling its residual impacts. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has published a helpful explainer outlining what this means for disabled Americans, including updates on SNAP benefits, LIHEAP energy assistance, reinstated federal workers, and temporary Medicare extensions.

If your benefits have been delayed or you’re having trouble accessing resources, you are not alone. Funding is beginning to flow again, but some programs may take time to fully restart at the state level. We encourage consumers to check the Maryland Department of Human Services website for updates, stay alert for utility scams, and reach out if you need support navigating resources.

Read AAPD’s full explainer here: https://buff.ly/GuS4if3

Accessible Resources for Independence will continue sharing updates as information becomes available. If you need assistance connecting with community resources, please contact us at 410-636-2274 or arinow@arinow.org.

After 43 long days, Congress reached an agreement to end the government shutdown. The agreement funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (including SNAP benefits) and the Department of Veterans Affairs through September 2026 and maintains 2025 funding levels for all other federal government agencies...

11/17/2025

TODAY AT 2PM!

I AM Session 2: Building Community Power Through Advocacy!
Monday, November 17, 2025
2:00–3:30 pm via Zoom
Click here to register for I AM: https://buff.ly/TgVaIwg

Change doesn’t happen alone — it happens when we raise our voices together! Join this empowering session to learn how people with disabilities, CILs, and advocacy groups can organize, share stories effectively with legislators, and make real change on Maryland disability policy issues.

IMAGE: A digital flyer with a maroon background reads: “I AM. Building Community Power Through Advocacy. Monday, November 17, 2:00–3:30 pm.” On the right, a woman with short brown hair wearing a red sweater smiles while gesturing with her hand, seated in a wheelchair. A faded Maryland flag pattern appears in the background.