Accessible Resources for Independence

04/13/2026

🍀 Dine for a Cause: Join ARI at Brian Boru on April 30!

Looking for an easy way to support Accessible Resources for Independence while enjoying a great meal? Join us for a special dine-to-donate fundraiser at Brian Boru Irish Pub and Restaurant in Severna Park.

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Brian Boru will offer a fixed three-course menu, and $10 from every meal purchased will be donated to ARI to support programs and services that help people with disabilities live independently in their communities.

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Location: Brian Boru, 489 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146
Phone: 410.975.2678

Enjoy a Fixed Three-Course Menu:
🥗 Starter: A cup of Potato & Leek Soup or Tomato Whiskey Soup or beginner’s Caesar or Garden Salad
🍗 Main Course: Choose from Blazin’ Cajun Chicken, Haddock & Chips, Homemade Meatloaf, Shepherd’s Pie, or Severn River Sandwich
🍰 Dessert: Choose Pudding or Bailey’s Mousse

Cost: $30 per person plus tax and gratuity ($10 from each meal goes directly to Accessible Resources for Independence!)

Dine In or Carryout Available.

Celebrate great food for a great cause! Every bite supports ARI’s mission to empower people with disabilities to live independently.

Download the event flyer for full details and please share with friends, family, and your network to help spread the word: https://buff.ly/3HPenVo

Can’t make it? You can still support ARI by making a monetary donation to help continue independent living services in our community: https://buff.ly/ANHhENu

04/13/2026

Accessible Resources for Independence is seeking a part-time Executive Director. Applications are open through April 15.

Learn more and apply on our website: https://buff.ly/LpghHD2

IMAGE: Graphic with a blue and green background announcing “Now Hiring: Executive Director (Part-Time)” for Accessible Resources for Independence. Includes the ARI logo on the right and a note to apply by April 15.

04/13/2026

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re reminded how important it is to listen to and uplift autistic voices. Every lived experience adds to a fuller, more accurate understanding of autism and helps challenge outdated myths.

If you’d like to share your perspective, this is a meaningful opportunity from to be heard. Consider submitting a video to The Autistic Self Advocacy Network's campaign and add your voice to the conversation.

04/10/2026

Your voice matters—and this is your chance to make a real impact.

The Maryland Department of Disabilities, through a partnership with the Ethan Saylor Alliance, is hosting a Public Safety Event that brings people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) together with law enforcement to build understanding, trust, and safer communities.

DATE: April 20, 2026
TIME: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Public Safety Education and Training Center
6852 4th Street, Sykesville, MD
RSVP: https://buff.ly/YnqO2v5

This is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to:
- Share your experiences and be heard
- Help officers better understand people with disabilities
- Participate in small group discussions and role-play activities
- Contribute to real change in your community
- Get paid for your time

Your lived experience is powerful. By participating, you can help shape how first responders interact with and support people with disabilities—making communities safer for everyone.

Interested? Email Jennifer Eastman at Jennifer.eastman@maryland.gov to learn more.

IMAGE: Flyer promoting a Public Safety Event with bold “Your Voice Matters” headline, Maryland Department of Disabilities and Ethan Saylor Alliance logos, and photos of people with I/DD and law enforcement interacting in classroom and group settings.

04/09/2026

As the days grow longer and our community starts to get back outdoors, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next adventure. Whether it’s a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a long-awaited vacation, travel should be accessible, enjoyable, and stress-free for everyone.

That’s why ARI created the Accessible Travel Guide—a practical, easy-to-use resource designed to help you plan with confidence. The guide offers tips on everything from accessible transportation and lodging to packing smart and navigating new environments. It’s all about helping you think ahead, reduce barriers, and focus on what matters most: enjoying the experience.

You’ll also find helpful insights on advocating for your needs while traveling, using assistive technology on the go, and identifying features that support independence and comfort along the way.

Wherever you’re headed this season, a little preparation can go a long way. With the right tools and information, accessible travel isn’t just possible—it’s empowering.

Explore the Accessible Travel Guide: https://buff.ly/zpzxe97

IMAGE: A social media graphic with a scenic mountain road background promotes ARI’s Accessible Travel Guide, featuring the headline “Plan Your Next Adventure” and “Accessible Travel Starts Here.” The center highlights travel tips like transportation, lodging, and preparation, along with a call to action to explore the guide at arinow.org and the ARI logo in the bottom right.

04/09/2026

🚨 NEWS ALERT!

Maryland has launched a new initiative focused on making emergency response more effective and accessible for people with disabilities—and it’s something our community should know about.

The “Help Responders Help You” campaign, led by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management- MDEM, Maryland Department of Disabilities, and the Maryland 9-1-1 Board, encourages individuals to create a digital emergency health profile that can be shared with first responders during a 9-1-1 call.

For many people with disabilities, communication during an emergency can be a barrier. Having your health information, access needs, and preferences already documented helps ensure responders understand how to support you quickly, safely, and respectfully. It’s a simple step that can make a real difference when seconds matter.

This is especially important as Maryland continues to modernize its emergency systems, making it possible to share more information—like health details, photos, or videos—directly with 9-1-1.

Take a few minutes to create your emergency digital health profile today: https://buff.ly/o6y4tfb

To help make this process easier, our partners at the Maryland Department of Disabilities have created a step-by-step video (below) that walks you through how to set up your profile on your device or online.

You can also read the full announcement here: https://buff.ly/alkfob7



https://buff.ly/mVUwqNM

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

04/08/2026

April is Fair Housing Month! 🏠️

For people with disabilities, access to housing isn’t just about having a place to stay. It’s about having the freedom to choose your environment, stay connected to your community, and live with independence and dignity. These are the foundations of Independent Living.

Barriers to housing—whether physical, financial, or systemic—can limit those choices. That’s why fair housing protections matter, and why support from Centers for Independent Living is so important.

Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI) works alongside individuals to navigate the housing process and advocate for equal access. Whether you’re exploring options, applying for housing, or facing challenges along the way, support is available.

ARI can help with:
- Understanding your rights under fair housing laws
- Assisting with housing applications
- Connecting you to local housing resources
- Advocacy when barriers arise

If you’re navigating housing or have questions, ARI is here to support you. Contact us at 410-636-2274 or arinow@arinow.org

Other local housing resources:

Anne Arundel County
Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County: https://buff.ly/89gqg7u
Anne Arundel County Housing Resource Portal: https://buff.ly/a3urbkY

Howard County
Howard County Department of Housing & Community Development: https://buff.ly/uMazG7B
Howard County Housing Commission: https://buff.ly/i5Wmeat

IMAGE: A person using a walker receives house keys in front of a home with a ramp, alongside text about Fair Housing Month and access to housing.

04/08/2026

Your voice matters, and making it heard should be accessible to everyone.

The Maryland Disability Forum is hosting voter education workshops focused on understanding your rights, accessible voting options, and how to participate with confidence.

For our local community, the May 9 workshop in Ellicott City at the Maryland School for the Deaf is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and take action close to home.

Maryland Disability Forum Voter Education Workshop
DATE: May 09, 2026
TIME: 10:00 AM
LOCATION: MD School for the Deaf
8169 Old Montgomery Rd.
Ellicott City, Maryland, 21043

REGISTER: https://buff.ly/L36uEtW

These workshops reflect what Independent Living is all about: choice, self-determination, and having a say in the decisions that affect your life. And you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you need help registering, or want support along the way, ARI is here for you. Contact us at 410-636-2274 or arinow@arinow.org.

IMAGE: Flyer promoting Maryland Disability Forum voter education workshops, listing dates and locations including Ellicott City, with focus on accessible voting and making your voice heard.

04/07/2026

⏰ Tax Day is almost here — April 15 is right around the corner! If you haven’t filed yet, there’s still time—and you may qualify for free help.

Did you know you may be eligible for free tax preparation through programs supported by the IRS?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation for:

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

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free support for adults age 60 and older, including help with pensions and retirement-related tax questions.

Don’t wait—trained volunteers are available to help you file accurately and on time, at no cost.

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/3BY4zgC
📍 Find a 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.

04/07/2026

Spring is here—time to get outdoors, explore, and try something new! 🌞

Our April Give Me Five newsletter is packed with ideas and resources to help you make the most of the season:

✈️ Accessible travel tips
🛝 Inclusive playgrounds across Maryland
📱 Assistive tech spotlight
🍎 Healthy Anne Arundel Day
⚠️ Emergency preparedness resources

Take 5 minutes to catch up: https://buff.ly/9uxoRsa

IMAGE: Graphic titled “April 2026: 5 Things You Need to Know” listing topics including accessible travel, inclusive playgrounds, assistive technology, Healthy Anne Arundel Day, and emergency preparedness.

04/05/2026

⭐️ Last chance to apply — deadline extended to April 25

If you’ve been thinking about applying to the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD YLF), this is the 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
Final Application Deadline: April 25, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/arUgvzh

Please share with students, families, and educators who may be interested.

IMAGE: Group of diverse teens and young adults, including several wheelchair users, wearing matching Maryland Youth Leadership Forum shirts, with text announcing applications open, apply by April 25, and event dates June 25–27 at Towson University.