Accessible Resources for Independence

01/12/2026

❗ Open enrollment through the Maryland Health Connection ends Thursday, January 15!

HealthCare Access Maryland partners with the Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Health Connection to help Marylanders enroll in health insurance. They can help you enroll in, renew, or make changes to your Medicaid (also called Medical Assistance) coverage or private health insurance purchased through Maryland Health Connection. And they can answer questions about your coverage.

To inquire about locations and hours, call 410-649-0521.

Click here for more information: https://buff.ly/7RgqBEJ

Join HealthCare Access Maryland in creating healthier communities by supporting our mission to connect Marylanders to vital health insurance, care, and resources—your partnership can truly make a difference.

01/12/2026

Parenting and caregiving can feel especially overwhelming when disability and mental health intersect. You’re not alone, and support matters. We’re glad to share this free, confidential parent and caregiver support group from NAMI Howard County for families navigating mental health concerns. Connection, understanding, and shared experience can make a real difference.

Join us Monday for a free mental health parent and caregiver support group: https://buff.ly/Di8dWqO

01/12/2026

❗️Happening now!

For those in need, Lifehouse Church Drive-Thru Food Pantry, today, January 12, 2026, at Lifehouse Church, 12304 Baltimore Avenue, 12 - 4pm.
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Para quienes lo necesiten, el banco de comida auto servicio para llevar de la iglesia Lifehouse estará disponible hoy, 12 de enero de 2026, en la iglesia Lifehouse, ubicada en 12304 Baltimore Avenue, de 12:00 a 4:00pm.

01/09/2026

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

Join us in Annapolis for Independent Living Day, when CIL staff, board members, volunteers, and community members from across Maryland will come together for a day of advocacy and meetings with elected officials. This is an important opportunity to share our experiences, strengthen relationships, and advocate for policies that support independence and inclusion for people with disabilities. 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.

01/08/2026

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.

01/08/2026

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/arUgvzh

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.

01/07/2026

❗ Important update on savings and financial tools for people with disabilities.

Starting in January 2026, more people are eligible for Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act is now in effect, expanding who can open an ABLEnow account. If you’ve looked into ABLE accounts before—or thought you didn’t qualify—now is a good time to take another look.

ABLEnow accounts allow people with disabilities to save for everyday needs or future goals without affecting eligibility for certain benefits, including Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Funds can be used for many disability-related expenses that support health, independence, and quality of life. Family members, friends, and organizations can also contribute.

Eligibility now includes individuals whose disability began before age 46, opening the door for thousands more people to take advantage of these savings accounts.

Read about it in the news! https://buff.ly/xQuDAFL

And to learn more or get started, contact Maryland ABLE at 855-563-2253.

Beginning in January 2026, thousands more Marylanders will qualify for a unique savings program designed to empower people with disabilities without putting their essential benefits at risk.

01/07/2026

Finding accessible, affordable housing is a key part of independent living and community inclusion.

We’re glad to help spread the word that Howard County Housing & Community Development is accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Homeownership Program during the January open enrollment period. This program offers quality new homes at reduced prices for income-eligible buyers who want to put down roots in Howard County.

📅 Application deadline: January 30

The MIHU Rental Program is also available year-round, offering reduced-rent apartments on a first-come, first-served basis.

Access to stable, affordable housing supports independence, choice, and long-term stability. If you or someone you know may be eligible, we encourage you to explore these opportunities.

If you would like assistance learning more about these programs, ARI is here to help. Contact us at 410-636-2274 or arinow@arinow.org.

01/06/2026

Substance use challenges can affect anyone, and people with disabilities often face added stress, isolation, pain, or barriers to care that can increase risk. This time of year can be especially difficult, with colder weather, shorter days, financial pressure, and changes in routine.

Grassroots Crisis Intervention provides free, 24/7 support for individuals facing substance use challenges or seeking treatment. No referrals, appointments, or insurance are needed. Services include screenings, counseling, withdrawal management, and medication-assisted treatment. Their team also helps connect people to longer-term recovery supports such as insurance enrollment, financial planning, and transportation, all in a safe and welcoming environment.

Get help now through Grassroots Crisis Intervention:
Call 410-531-6677 or dial 9-8-8, 24 hours a day
Walk in to the free, 24-hour crisis center at 8990 Old Annapolis Rd, Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045
Request transportation by calling 410-531-6677
Learn more at https://buff.ly/3D4jJNW

If you need support connecting with Grassroots or want help understanding your options, contact ARI.
Phone: 410-636-2274
Email: arinow@arinow.org

01/06/2026

❗ Paid opportunity for people with disabilities to share feedback.

MCD Global Health is looking for people with disabilities to review health education resources for a project called Screening for All. These resources help explain preventive health screenings—tests that check for health problems before you feel sick.

The resources cover topics like breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, osteoporosis, and health questionnaires. They were created with input from people with disabilities, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare experts. Now they want more feedback to make them even better.

If you are selected, you will:
- Review health resources
- Share written feedback
- Join group discussions on Zoom

Accommodations and technical support will be available to support full participation.

Time commitment and pay:
- 8 one-hour Zoom meetings (Fridays at 11:00 a.m. ET, January–May 2026)
- Review 11 resources, such as articles, checklists, and screening guides
- Complete short surveys
💲 Compensation: $1,000

Deadline to apply: January 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET

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

This is a chance to use your lived experience to help make health information more accessible for the disability community.

01/06/2026

🎉Start the new year informed and connected!

ARI’s January newsletter is here with 5 Things You Need to Know to kick off 2026, including winter emergency preparedness, community partnerships, accessible assistive technology, housing stability, and new resources.

Read the January newsletter: https://buff.ly/rlbZIx9

Make staying informed part of your 2026 routine.

Subscribe to ARI’s newsletter: https://buff.ly/fFJdCBv

IMAGE: Graphic titled “January 2026: 5 Things You Need to Know” highlighting ARI’s January newsletter topics, including emergency preparedness, assistive technology, housing stability, and community programs.

01/05/2026

Some members of the ARI team recently attended Weathering the Winter, a practical Lunch & Learn webinar hosted by the Maryland Emergency Preparedness Network and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.

The session shared realistic, easy-to-follow tips for staying safe during winter, including how to prepare your home, get your vehicle ready for winter travel, use heating safely, and plan for power outages. The focus was on prevention, preparedness, and making informed decisions to reduce winter risks at home and on the road.

If you’re looking for helpful reminders to stay safe this season, you can watch the full webinar here: https://buff.ly/hmRKi9B