Accessible Resources for Independence

07/25/2025

Scammers are getting smarter — but so can you.

Join the free Anti-Scam Webinar Series from University of Maryland Extension’s Marylanders Online program and learn how to recognize and avoid today’s most common scams — including AI-generated fraud.

Virtual sessions begin August 5
4:30–6:00 PM
Offered in English and Spanish

These webinars are a great resource for individuals, caregivers, and service providers.

Register now: https://buff.ly/RuOPnhw

07/24/2025

Joan Rumenap and Betsy Hein, ARI’s Co-Interim Executive Directors, attended the Maryland Department of Disabilities’ 35th Anniversary Celebration this morning at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center!

We were proud to celebrate the impact of the ADA alongside our former Executive Director Katie Collins-Ihrke and ARI Board Member John-Edward Heath. Thank you, MDOD, for your leadership and commitment to accessibility, equity, and opportunity for all Marylanders with disabilities.

IMAGES: Two photos from the Maryland Department of Disabilities’ 35th Anniversary Celebration show ARI’s Co-Interim Executive Directors, Betsy Hein and Joan Rumenap, smiling with colleagues in an event space. In one photo, they are pictured with ARI Board Member John-Edward Heath; in the other, they’re joined by former Executive Director Katie Collins-Ihrke. Rows of patterned chairs, event signage, and other attendees are visible in the background.

07/24/2025

Yesterday was a powerful day at the 2025 NCIL Conference! Members of the ARI and Independence Now, Inc. teams made their way to Capitol Hill by Metro to meet with staff from the offices of Senator Van Hollen and Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

Advocates shared their stories, made their voices heard, and reinforced the importance of disability rights and independent living.

We’re proud to be part of this national movement for change and access!

07/23/2025

📣 Free health services and pregnancy support for women and families in Laurel!

The Mama & Baby Mobile Health Unit will be onsite at Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, Inc. (311 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD 20707) on August 12 and August 26 offering free services like wellness exams, pregnancy care, STI screenings, and birth control counseling — no insurance required.

On August 12, be sure to visit the Coaching Salud Holística table while you’re there! They’ll be sharing information about their free virtual pregnancy and postpartum classes, available in both English and Spanish. These sessions are led by doulas, health coaches, and medical professionals — and open to everyone, not just those who are pregnant. You could even win a prize for participating!

Call (301) 437-5788 with questions or to make an appointment.
Learn more or sign up for classes: https://buff.ly/lpQhhXR

07/22/2025

Scenes from Day 1 at !

Yesterday, our own Joan Rumenap and Jeff Silverman hopped on the Metro and made their way to DC to take part in the National Council on Independent Living’s annual March and Rally at the Capitol.

It was a powerful day of advocacy, connection, and visibility. We were thrilled to see them representing ARI alongside our friends from Independence Now, Inc., Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council, and the broader Maryland delegation.

Being part of this movement means standing up, speaking out, and showing the world what community power looks like.

IMAGES: Three photos from Day 1 of the 2025 NCIL Conference featuring Joan Rumenap and Jeff Silverman riding the Metro to the Capitol, posing together at the Q90 exhibitor booth, and joining a group of Maryland advocates for the March and Rally for disability rights. Alt text embedded in individual photos.

07/21/2025

🎬 Big day at ARI! WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore stopped by to shine a spotlight on our Assistive Technology Demonstration Library!

Reporter Jenyne Donaldson interviewed our Co-Interim Executive Director Joan Rumenap and Peer Support Specialist Jeff Silverman. Joan gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at our Assistive Technology Library and demonstrated some standout devices, while Jeff shared how peer support makes a difference and showed off his own adapted vehicle in action!

Catch the story on WBAL’s evening newscast tonight at either 4:55 or 5:55 PM. Don’t miss it!

📺 Help us spread the word about the impact of assistive tech and peer support by tuning in and sharing the segment!

IMAGES: Group of six photos showing reporter Jenyne Donaldson interviewing Peer Support Specialist Jeff Silverman and Co-Interim Executive Director Joan Rumenap, both indoors and outdoors. Jeff showcases his adapted vehicle while Joan demonstrates assistive technology devices. The team poses together at the end in front of the WBAL news van. Alt text embedded in individual photos.

07/19/2025

Brandeis University is conducting a research study focused on the experiences of disabled people of color transitioning from institutions back into the community. They’re seeking staff from health plans, aging care organizations, providers, state agencies, CILs, and other support organizations to participate in a 90-minute virtual focus group.

Participants will receive a $50 gift card. Insights will help shape future policy.

Sign up: https://buff.ly/QMEn889
Questions: hcbsaccess@brandeis.edu

07/18/2025

The Maryland Medicaid Administration has released an FAQ to explain what the new federal budget law means for your Medicaid coverage. While recent news may be concerning, there are no immediate changes to your benefits in Maryland.

Stay informed and learn how to keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important notices.

Read the full release: https://buff.ly/LINaeDl

07/17/2025

📣 Did you know ARI offers free Assistive Technology Demonstrations?

Whether you're a person with a disability, a family member, or a service provider, ARI’s Assistive Technology Demonstration Library is here to help you explore tools that support greater independence.

Get hands-on guidance from an Assistive Technology Specialist and learn how specific devices can meet your unique needs all at no cost.

Learn more or schedule a demo: https://arinow.org/services/technology-library/

Or contact our Assistive Technology Program Manager, Betsy Hein, at bhein@arinow.org or call 410-636-2274.

Assistive Technology Demonstration Library Assistive Technology Demonstrations are available for people with disabilities as well as family members and service providers so that they can learn more about general or specific types of assistive technology. Demonstrations are guided by an Assistive Tec...

07/15/2025

We're excited to uplift this beautiful celebration of Disability Pride Month! At ARI, we know how powerful self-expression can be, especially when it challenges limits and embraces identity. Don’t miss this vibrant showcase of talent from artists with disabilities in Anne Arundel County!

County Executive Steuart Pittman, the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, and the Department of Aging and Disabilities invite you to attend a public art exhibition celebrating artists with disabilities in Anne Arundel County.

2025 Theme: “The Power of Inclusion”

Opening Night Reception
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library
1410 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
https://conta.cc/4lxrUAt

07/14/2025

Today marks 60 years since the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law — a vital piece of legislation that continues to help older adults stay connected, supported, and independent in the communities they call home.

At ARI, we proudly support older adults in Anne Arundel and Howard Counties with free services that make aging in place possible. Whether it’s help finding accessible housing, navigating benefits, or connecting with peer support, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Our Assistive Technology Lending Library also offers hands-on access to devices that can enhance safety and independence at home — from mobility tools to smart home gadgets and communication aids.

Let’s keep honoring the spirit of the OAA by making sure every older adult has what they need to live with dignity and choice.

🔗 Learn more: https://arinow.org
📞 (410) 636-2274 | ✉️ arinow@arinow.org

On this day in 1965, the Older Americans Act was signed into law, launching a national commitment to helping older adults age with dignity, independence, and good health. For 60 years, the OAA has powered local services like meals, transportation, caregiver support, elder justice, and more. Read more: https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/celebrating-60-years-older-americans-act-advancing-health-and

07/14/2025

Are you a young person with a disability?

Brandeis University is doing a research study about the things that young people with disabilities think are important for their sexual health. The researchers also want to learn about the things that make it difficult or easy for people to get sexual health services. The research team will use what they learn in the interviews to make a website. The website will teach teens and young adults with disabilities about taking good care of their sexual health.

You can do an interview if:
● You have a disability, medical diagnosis, or chronic illness that impacts your day-to-day life.
● You are between 15 and 25 years old.
● You were born in the United States and you still live in the United States.
● You speak English or sign using American Sign Language.

Contact the research team if you want to do an interview.
📞 Call 781-736-3928 OR
✉️ Email YouthStudy@Brandeis.edu

💻 Learn more about the study on our website: tinyurl.com/SRH-Study