Independence Now, Inc.

10/15/2025

Researchers at Syracuse University’s Burton Blatt Institute are conducting a study to better understand how employment services impact jobseekers with disabilities — and they’re looking for participants.

If you are between 18 and 64 years old, currently receive SSI or SSDI, have internet access via phone, tablet, or computer, and are not receiving benefits counseling services, you may be eligible.

Participants will complete three short online surveys (about 30 minutes each) and be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Some participants may take part in additional sessions related to benefits counseling.

Participants will receive a $25 e-gift card for signing up and an additional $25 e-gift card for each completed survey.

Participation is voluntary and confidential.

To learn more or sign up, email VRstudy@syr.edu

Thank you for helping advance research that supports jobseekers with disabilities.

IMAGE: A Syracuse University Burton Blatt Institute flyer invites adults with disabilities who receive SSI or SSDI to join a study on employment services. Participants complete online surveys and receive e-gift cards. Contact VRstudy@syr.edu

10/15/2025

A white cane is more than a mobility tool — it’s a symbol of independence, confidence, and freedom for people who are blind or visually impaired.

In honor of White Cane Awareness Day, we’re revisiting our blog post about the history of the White Cane and sharing reflections from former IN board member Marc Wilkerson, who says using a white cane “provided me with the independent travel critical to the blessed life that I have enjoyed to this day.”

Read the full story: https://buff.ly/KdL67yy

IMAGE: Marc Wilkerson smiles while standing beside a chair, holding his white cane. Next to him, text reads: “The white cane provided me with the independent travel critical to the blessed life that I have enjoyed to this day.” – Marc Wilkerson. The Independence Now logo appears in the corner.

10/14/2025

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council and the Maryland Centers for Independent Living Present: The Return of the I AM Sessions to our community!

I AM Session 1: Rev Up Your Voice – Voting Rights & Access for People with Disabilities
Monday, October 20, 2025
2:00 to 3:00 pm via Zoom
Click here to register for I AM: https://buff.ly/gQGTSYQ

Your vote matters and your voice is powerful! Join us for “Rev Up Your Voice”, a dynamic session designed to empower people with disabilities to:

- Learn why voting matters for disability rights, policies, and your everyday life
- Understand how to find accessible polling places and use accessible voting machines
- Get step-by-step help with voter registration, absentee ballots, and what to bring on Election Day
- Hear real stories and strategies from experienced disability advocates
- Prepare to take action locally: become a disability voting champion in your community

This is a non-partisan, information-packed event. Whether you’ve voted before or will vote for the first time, this session gives you tools and confidence to make your voice heard.

Let’s come revved up, and ready to vote!

Click here to register for I AM: https://buff.ly/gQGTSYQ

IMAGE: Event graphic with a maroon background and bold text reading, “I AM. Rev Up Your Voice – Voting Rights & Access for People with Disabilities. Monday, October 20, 2:00–3:30 pm.” On the right, a person wearing an “I Voted” sticker smiles while handing paperwork across a table. A faded Maryland flag pattern appears in the background.

10/14/2025

Independence Now salutes the Southern Maryland Center for Independent Living - SMCIL on their 25th anniversary!

A wonderful gala was held on October 10th in Waldorf, MD, featuring reflections on the organization’s accomplishments, a silent auction, and tributes to their board, staff, and consumers.

Based in Mechanicsville, MD, SMCIL is dedicated to serving people with disabilities in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.

For more information, visit smcil.org

IMAGES: Photos from the Southern Maryland Center for Independent Living’s 25th Anniversary Gala, featuring speakers, award presentations, and attendees celebrating the organization’s milestone in Waldorf, Maryland. Alt text embedded in individual images.

10/13/2025

“I Want My Life Back.” That’s what many people say when they’re ready to move out of a nursing facility and return to community living.

Our Money Follows the Person (MFP) program helps residents transition into apartments, private homes, or small group settings with the supports they need.

Join our next free Zoom seminar to learn more:
WHEN: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM via Zoom
Register here: https://buff.ly/BjCqXuV

IMAGES: Front & back of Independence Now flyer titled “I Want My Life Back.” Promotes the Money Follows the Person program and monthly Zoom seminars to help people transition from nursing facilities to community living. Includes dates, registration link, and contact info. Alt text embedded in individual images.

10/13/2025

The Small Business Hub at National Disability Institute (NDI) is excited to welcome you to this year’s Disability Owned Convening, a fully virtual, national event taking place on November 5 and 6, 2025.

This accessible convening offers a wide range of topics aiming to empower entrepreneurs to navigate an ever-changing business landscape, including leveraging AI for business growth, achieving financial health, marketing, accessing support and resources, and panels highlighting how entrepreneurs with disabilities seize opportunities and overcome challenges to build thriving businesses.

National Disability Institute's 4th Annual Disability Owned Convening,

More info link https://www.disabilityownedconvening.com/

10/11/2025

Many Marylanders are feeling the impact of the federal government shutdown. The Moor-Miller Administration has launched a dedicated webpage to support federal employees and other workers affected by federal actions.

This resource hub provides up-to-date information on housing and eviction prevention, utility assistance, food and financial support, and other essential services to help Maryland residents stay safe and stable during this uncertain time.

If you or someone you know has been affected, please visit: https://buff.ly/VbOxcq9

Now more than ever, we stand with Maryland’s workers, families, and communities. No one should face these challenges alone.

On October 1st, Governor Wes Moore announced a series of additional actions to help Marylanders impacted by the federal shutdown. These actions reinforce the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to supporting Marylanders. This webpage outlines resources available to impacted federal employees ...

10/10/2025

Budgeting Basics: Building Independence Now

Monday, October 20
5:00 to 6:00 PM via Zoom

For people with disabilities, learning how to budget and save can be the key to greater independence, financial stability, and peace of mind. To support this effort, we are excited to welcome a representative from Trust Bank, who will share practical tools and tips on how to start saving and building financial confidence today. Part one of a two-part series.

Learn more & Register: https://buff.ly/3hK4dxh

LINK PREVIEW IMAGE: A notepad titled “Monthly Budget” lists expenses such as rent, student loan, streaming service, restaurants, coffee, and utilities beside written dollar amounts. Glasses rest on the page next to a pen and a smartphone displaying a spreadsheet.

For people with disabilities, learning how to budget and save can be the key to greater independence, financial stability, and peace of mind.

10/10/2025

The latest Weekly Roundup is here and it’s chock full of updates, opportunities, and events! Be sure to check out the return of the I AM Series, a powerful collaboration empowering people with disabilities to use their voices for change.

Session 1: Rev Up Your Voice – Voting Rights & Access for People with Disabilities
📅 Monday, October 20 | 2:00–3:00 PM via Zoom

Read more and register in this week’s Roundup: https://mailchi.mp/58327c227c3c/10032025-13058537

10/09/2025

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council and the Maryland Centers for Independent Living Present: The Return of the I AM Sessions to our community!

I AM Session 1: Rev Up Your Voice – Voting Rights & Access for People with Disabilities
Monday, October 20, 2025
2:00 to 3:00 pm via Zoom
Click here to register for I AM: https://buff.ly/iEwWnG9

Your vote matters and your voice is powerful! Join us for “Rev Up Your Voice”, a dynamic session designed to empower people with disabilities to:

- Learn why voting matters for disability rights, policies, and your everyday life
- Understand how to find accessible polling places and use accessible voting machines
- Get step-by-step help with voter registration, absentee ballots, and what to bring on Election Day
- Hear real stories and strategies from experienced disability advocates
- Prepare to take action locally: become a disability voting champion in your community

This is a non-partisan, information-packed event. Whether you’ve voted before or will vote for the first time, this session gives you tools and confidence to make your voice heard.

Let’s come revved up, and ready to vote!

Click here to register for I AM: https://buff.ly/iEwWnG9

IMAGE: Event graphic with a maroon background and bold text reading, “I AM. Rev Up Your Voice – Voting Rights & Access for People with Disabilities. Monday, October 20, 2:00–3:30 pm.” On the right, a person wearing an “I Voted” sticker smiles while handing paperwork across a table. A faded Maryland flag pattern appears in the background.

10/08/2025

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

At Independence Now, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue meaningful work. That's why we're spotlighting Maryland’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program—an invaluable resource helping Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities explore employment while maintaining access to essential benefits.

Learn how WIPA empowers individuals to navigate complex benefit systems, overcome myths about working, and achieve their goals.

Read the full story: https://buff.ly/3E6S05N

If you’re ready to begin your employment journey, contact our WIPA team today!
Phone: 240-638-0071
Email: info@innow.org

LINK PREVIEW IMAGE: MD-WIN Director, Marilyn Morrison, stands confidently outdoors with her arms crossed. Text on the graphic reads “Empowering Employment: Maryland’s WIPA Program,” with the Independence Now logo in the corner.

Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

10/07/2025

❗ Independence Now is open during the government shutdown.

As your local Center for Independent Living, we remain committed to serving people with disabilities in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. Our services, resources, and advocacy continue without interruption.

We understand that a government shutdown can cause uncertainty. Here’s what you need to know:

- Independence Now services are not affected. Our staff are here to answer questions, connect you with resources, and provide support.

- Most federal benefits continue. Programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are not interrupted, though new applications or certain federal services may be delayed.

- You are not alone. If you are worried about how the shutdown may affect your benefits or services, contact us directly. We will do our best to provide accurate information and guidance.

We continue to advocate. Independence Now and Centers for Independent Living across the country remain strong voices for disability rights and equal access, regardless of government operations.

Call us at 301-277-2839
Email us at info@innow.org

We’re here for you, today and every day.

IMAGE: Teal green background graphic with a white box outlined in yellow. At the top is a red circle with a white exclamation point. Inside the box, bold text reads: “Independence Now is open during the government shutdown.” At the bottom is Independence Now’s circular logo.