Accessible Resources for Independence

06/02/2026

The June edition of ARI's Take 5 to Learn 5 newsletter is here!

This month:
- 100% funding available for home accessibility modifications in Howard County rental properties through June 30
- Maryland SILC's statewide Needs Assessment Survey and upcoming town halls
- Benefits planning resources for people with disabilities
- An assistive technology spotlight on beach tents
- A research opportunity for Black individuals with disabilities

Read the newsletter and stay connected with resources, opportunities, and programs that support independent living: https://buff.ly/85TFsgD

06/01/2026

This is a great opportunity for young adults with disabilities to connect with disability leaders from across the country at the National Council on Independent Living's Annual Conference. If you're between 18 and 26, be sure to explore these scholarship opportunities and apply by June 12!

2026 Youth Scholarship Applications Now Open!

NCIL is offering scholarships to attend our 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living to youth with disabilities ages 18–26.

Additionally, NCIL offers the Emet Tauber Youth Scholarship for at least one youth with a disability who is also trans and / or Jewish.

The application deadline is June 12, 2026. Funds are limited, so interested parties should respond promptly.

Read more: https://bit.ly/42UBiqV

Image: Circular graphic with orchid background and text “Now Open: Youth Scholarship Applications.” Three raised hands hold red hearts.

05/30/2026

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

If you’ve been thinking about applying to the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD YLF), 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.

05/29/2026

Research Study Opportunity for Black Individuals with Disabilities

The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, in collaboration with New Mexico State University, is conducting a research study to better understand the experiences, challenges, and benefits of self-advocacy among Black individuals with disabilities.

Participants may be eligible if they:
- Self-identify as Black
- Have a documented disability
- Are 18 years or older
- Speak English
- Live in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.

Participants can receive compensation for each phase completed in the study.

This research aims to amplify lived experiences and support greater understanding and advocacy within the disability community.

Learn more or participate: https://buff.ly/RNxv5O7

Questions? Contact the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center:
ADAtraining@transcen.org
(800) 949-4232

Please share with anyone who may be interested or eligible.

IMAGE: Flyer featuring photos of Black adults with disabilities and information about a research study on self-advocacy experiences.

05/29/2026

this is a wonderful opportunity for artists with disabilities to share their creativity with the community!

Applications are open now for the 2026 Nina De Angelo Artists Without Limits exhibition. Be sure to submit your artwork by June 8. Details below.

Calling all Artists! 2026 Nina De Angelo Artists without Limits is still taking submissions for their exhibition at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library and Arundel Center.
Now is the perfect time to showcase your artwork!
Artists of all ages with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Deadline is June 8, 2026!

Reception on July 29, 2026, at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library
July 28 - August 28, 2026, at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library
September 1-30, 2026, at the Arundel Center

05/28/2026

This is NOT just a grab bar program.

ARI recently helped fund this custom accessibility ramp for a low-income renter in Howard County so they could safely access their home and continue living independently.

Too often, renters don’t realize help like this exists — or assume they won’t qualify.

⌛️ If you or someone you know is struggling to safely navigate their rental home, now is the time to apply. ARI has grant funding available through June 30 for accessibility and reasonable accommodation modifications in Howard County rental properties.

Examples may include:
- Ramps
- Grab bars
- Railings
- Comfort high toilets

⭐️ Approved modifications are covered at 100%. Program ends June 30!

Eligibility:
- Must live in a Howard County rental property
- Must meet income guidelines
- Must have landlord approval

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/4OSI8ph

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

💬 Please help us spread the word — we want this funding to help as many Howard County residents as possible before it expires.

IMAGES: Series of 9 photos showing a custom-built aluminum accessibility ramp installed at a Howard County rental property. The ramp includes multiple sloped sections, landing platforms, and handrails connecting the mobile home entrance to ground level to improve safe and independent access for the resident. Plus a promotional flyer promoting the program featuring a photo of an accessible shower.

05/27/2026

Your voice matters. We encourage Marylanders with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and providers to take part in this important statewide survey and upcoming town halls hosted by the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council. The feedback collected will help shape future advocacy, priorities, and independent living services across Maryland. Please consider participating and sharing widely!

Tools Load unfinished survey You have completed % of this survey % Caution: JavaScript ex*****on is disabled in your browser or for this website. You may not be able to answer all questions in this survey. Please, verify your browser parameters. Maryland Statewide Independent Living Needs Assessment...

05/27/2026

If you have time tonight be sure to check this out!

Don't forget to join us this evening for an important Multi-Chamber legislative conversation focused on the key issues impacting Anne Arundel County businesses. Hear directly from County Council and County Executive candidates as they share their perspectives on the future of our business community, economic growth, development, workforce challenges, and more.

This is a valuable opportunity to stay informed, engage with local leaders, and connect with fellow business professionals from across the county.

🔗 Register now and be part of the conversation >> https://buff.ly/4jIFQ7K

05/26/2026

This free webinar is a great opportunity to better understand the supports available for mental health emergencies, behavioral health concerns, and urgent safety situations.

05/26/2026

Need groceries? The Mobile Food Pantry will be at Brooklyn Park Library on Thursday, May 28 from 11 AM–1 PM offering free food to anyone in the community.

📍 Brooklyn Park Library
1 East 11th Avenue
Brooklyn Park, MD 21225

• Free food available to all
• No ID required
• All are welcome

Please bring a reusable shopping bag if possible.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/oFFCPpW



Anne Arundel County Food Bank, Healthy Anne Arundel

Free food available to all. No ID required. All are welcome. Please bring a reusable shopping bag, if possible. AAFoodBank.org