Accessible Resources for Independence

02/28/2026

On Thursday, February 26, staff from Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI) joined fellow Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Consumers, and independent living advocates from across the state for Independent Living Day in Annapolis. At a time when funding and policy decisions are directly affecting people with disabilities, it was more important than ever to be present, engaged, and united.

Throughout the day, ARI staff met with key legislators and staff, including Mike Rogers - Delegate for District 32 (Anne Arundel County), Delegate Mark Chang (District 32, Anne Arundel County), Chloe Ashby, Legislative Aide to Delegate J. Sandy Bartlett (District 32, Anne Arundel County), Nancy Crawford, Chief of Staff to Senator Pam Beidle, District 32 (Anne Arundel County), and Eric Benner, District Director for Senator Guy Guzzone (District 13, Howard County). These meetings provided an opportunity to share real experiences from our community and to highlight the essential role CILs play in supporting independence and inclusion.

One of the central topics of discussion was recent funding cuts impacting Nursing Facility Outreach programs, also known as Money Follows the Person (MFP). These programs, offered by CILs across Maryland and nationwide, provide outreach and peer support to individuals living in nursing facilities who are interested in transitioning back to community living. Through this work, residents connect with peers who have made that transition themselves—offering practical guidance, reassurance, and a powerful example of what’s possible.

Due to federal budget reductions and broader fiscal constraints facing the State of Maryland, CILs have experienced significant impacts, including staff reductions and the loss of these vital outreach services. While we understand the complex budget environment, we also emphasized the long-term value of investing in community-based supports that promote independence, choice, and cost-effective alternatives to institutional care.

Lunch was generously provided by the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC), and we heard remarks from John Brennan, Assistant Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD); Jennifer Eastman, Director of Community Living Policy with MDOD; and Rachel Fishman, Administrator of the Maryland Partnership for Affordable Housing. Their insights reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration as we work to strengthen opportunities for people with disabilities to live and thrive in their communities.

Independent Living Day is a powerful reminder that advocacy matters. When we come together—sharing our stories, building relationships, and focusing on solutions—we help shape policies that protect independence and expand opportunity across Maryland. ARI is proud to stand alongside our partners and our community in that work.

IMAGES: Seven photos from Independent Living Day in Annapolis featuring Joan Rumenap & Betsy Hein, Interim Co-Executive Directors of ARI; Yasmina Saba, Independent Living Specialist at ARI; Trish Foley, ARI Board Secretary; Damon Walker, Peer Support Counselor with Independence Now, Inc.; Susan Larsen, Accessible Communications Specialist; Delegate Michael J. Rogers; Nancy Crawford; John Brennan; Rachel Fishman; Mark Chang; and a group photo of the entire IL day delegation. Alt text embedded in individual images.

02/27/2026

Your community is your power. Join the Maryland Independent Living community for a conversation led by Dave Drezner, Executive Director of The Freedom Center, focused on practical strategies for peer support, community engagement, and self-advocacy.

I AM Session 5: Building Stronger Independent Living Communities
March 16 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Register here: https://buff.ly/aM6CkSG

Learn how to use your voice to influence policy, strengthen local disability services, and make a meaningful impact in your community. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with Maryland Centers for Independent Living and access resources for ongoing support.

Together, we can build stronger, more connected Independent Living communities.

02/26/2026

Our friends at Maryland Access Point of Howard County (MAP) are offering a 6-week support group for parents and caregivers of adult children with disabilities. This series is designed to provide connection, guidance, and practical information in a supportive environment.

Thursdays, 2:00–3:30 PM
Weekly, March 12 – April 16
Bain 50+ Center
5470 Ruth Keeton Way
Columbia, MD 21044

For more information and to sign up, contact Shiowei, MSW Intern:
Phone: 410-313-1401
Email: scheng@howardcountymd.gov

IMAGE: Flyer for a 6-week support group for caregivers of adult children with mental health and developmental disabilities. The group meets Thursdays from 2:00–3:30 PM, March 12 through April 16, at the Bain 50+ Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044. For more information and to sign up, contact Shiowei, MSW Intern, at 410-313-1401 or scheng@howardcountymd.gov. The flyer includes soft pink and yellow design elements, plant illustrations, and an illustration of people sitting in a small group discussion.

02/26/2026

📣 Research opportunity for adults receiving HCBS

Researchers in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Home and Community-Based Services at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are looking for people who receive HCBS to pilot test surveys designed to evaluate the person-centeredness of their services. Participants will undergo a brief screening and consent call (Zoom or phone, unpaid) and will complete two or more 10-minute surveys on different aspects of their HCBS (online, via Zoom with a research assistant, or via phone) and will receive a $30 gift card for each completed survey. Participants will complete the same surveys 2 to 9 months later for $40 per completed survey. Participants can complete up to 6 surveys for a total of $200.

To see if you are eligible for the study, take this quick screener: https://buff.ly/0Bc6OUq

For more information email hcbs-rrtc@sralab.org.

This research is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (IRB #: STU00214517).

IMAGE: Flyer from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab recruiting adults who receive home and community-based services to participate in a paid survey study, with a QR code to check eligibility.

02/25/2026

This is a moment when every voice truly counts.

Be part of the conversation at the Maryland Disability Forum’s free, in-person Voter Education Workshop for people with disabilities. Get clear, practical information about accessible voting options, understand your rights at the polls, learn how voter guardianship may impact you, and find out how to confidently make your voice heard in this election season.

DATE & TIME: March 14, 2026 from 10 AM- 12 Noon
LOCATION: Utopia Entertainment, 5270 Randolph Rd, Rockville, MD 20852
REGISTRATION: https://buff.ly/GEW8jit

In Partnership With Jubilee Association of Maryland, The League for People with Disabilities, Maryland Disabilities Forum, Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc Maryland, Maryland Works, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.

02/25/2026

❗ APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING!

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/RIDazu0

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.

02/24/2026

Did you know you may be eligible for free tax preparation assistance through programs supported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been helping people file their taxes for more than 50 years. VITA sites offer free basic tax return preparation to individuals who qualify, including:

- People who generally earn $67,000 or less
- People with disabilities
- Taxpayers with limited English proficiency

In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax help specifically for adults age 60 and older, with a focus on pensions, retirement income, and other tax issues common for seniors.

Trained volunteers can help make the tax filing process easier and more accessible—at no cost.

Learn more about free tax preparation programs: https://buff.ly/3BY4zgC

Find a VITA or TCE site near you: https://buff.ly/zionmCx

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs prepare tax returns for free for qualifying taxpayers.

02/23/2026

This Thursday! Independent Living Day is almost here, and now more than ever, our community needs your voice and your support.

Save the Date: Independent Living Day in Annapolis
February 26, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join us in Annapolis as CIL staff, board members, volunteers, and community members from across Maryland come together for a powerful day of advocacy and meetings with elected officials. At a time when funding and policy decisions directly impact people with disabilities, it’s critical that lawmakers hear from us.

This is your opportunity to share your story, build relationships, and stand up for policies that protect independence, access, and full inclusion in our communities. We hope you’ll be part of it. More details to come.

IMAGE: Graphic promoting Independent Living Day in Annapolis with a photo of the Maryland State House. Text includes the event title, date February 26, time 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and location Maryland State House, with a message encouraging advocacy for independence and inclusion for people with disabilities.

02/23/2026

Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the Maryland Client Assistance Program (CAP). If you’re applying for or currently receiving services through DORS or partnering with a Center for Independent Living, CAP can offer information, guidance, and advocacy support.

Join this session to get to know the CAP team, learn more about your rights, and ask general questions about the ways they may be able to help. You’ll find the meeting link and call-in details in the post below.

SAVE the DATE - Chat with CAP - Tuesday, March 10th at 2:00pm

The Maryland Client Assistance Program (CAP) may help to provide information, advice, and advocacy to Marylanders with disabilities applying for and receiving services from Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and Centers for Independent Living (CILs).

This informational session will:
• Introduce the CAP team
• Give a brief overview of DORS and CILs
• Discuss the purpose and support that CAP may provide
• Time for questions and answers (note: not individual cases)

Meeting ID meet.google.com/tfi-nmru-ymj Phone Number 413-350-0368 PIN: 685 300 653 #

02/23/2026

These tools can make a real difference in how people with disabilities are understood and supported during interactions with law enforcement and first responders. Clear communication matters, and options like the Blue Card and the butterfly symbol can help reduce confusion and increase safety.

We encourage our community members and families to learn more and consider whether these tools may be helpful for them.

MVA is proud to highlight two important tools that support safer, more inclusive interactions:

🔵 Our voluntary Blue Card Designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities communicate with law enforcement.

🦋 Our optional butterfly symbol on Maryland licenses and IDs, which helps first responders recognize hidden disabilities.

02/23/2026

As we continue our Black History Month celebration, we not only reflect on the trailblazers who paved the way, but also celebrate the Black creators and advocates who are making history and shaping the future today.

This month, we’re proud to honor Matthew Whitaker, a multi-instrumentalist, Grammy-winning artist, Emmy and NAACP Image Award nominee, composer, arranger, and band leader whose extraordinary talent and leadership continue to captivate audiences around the world. Blind since birth, Matthew has built a remarkable career that reflects both artistic brilliance and unwavering determination.

Matthew’s passion for music began at age three, and his journey has taken him to national stages including Showtime at the Apollo, the Today Show, Ellen, and 60 Minutes. A graduate of The Juilliard School and a product of public education, he is deeply committed to expanding access to music education and investing in the next generation of artists.

Beyond his musical achievements, Matthew is also an advocate for accessibility, consulting with companies and developers to help improve access for people with disabilities. His career reflects artistic excellence alongside a strong commitment to inclusion and opportunity.

Watch Matthew Whitaker perform Rhapsody In Blue with the Bella Foundation Orchestra: https://buff.ly/c4JxCYO

Throughout this month, we celebrate Black excellence, disability leadership, and the creators and advocates whose impact continues to expand what’s possible.

Paris 2025 UNESCO HeadquartersBella Foundation OrchestraHelen Helen Cha-Pyo (Conductor)

02/20/2026

This is a fantastic opportunity for students and young professionals who are blind or low vision to gain hands on experience, build leadership skills, and connect with a strong national network. Apply by March 14.

Opportunities like this help expand career pathways and expectations for what's possible!

Gain hands-on experience driving innovation in the blindness field while contributing to the movement that raises expe