Independence Now, Inc.

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC), in partnership with Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state, is inviting Marylanders to help shape the future of disability advocacy, services, and independent living supports.

Maryland SILC has launched a statewide Needs Assessment Survey and a series of Community Town Halls to ensure the voices of people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and service providers are reflected in future planning and advocacy efforts across Maryland.

Take the Survey
Maryland SILC encourages individuals with disabilities, caregivers, family members, and service providers to complete the statewide survey to help identify service gaps, community priorities, and barriers to independent living.

Survey: https://buff.ly/McUw6Pw

Join a Virtual Independent Living Table Talk
Community members are also invited to participate in upcoming virtual discussions with Maryland SILC leadership and Maryland’s Centers for Independent Living.

August 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Register: https://buff.ly/PuLyzNm

September 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Register: https://buff.ly/KKVVsUD

Upcoming In-Person Town Halls

Baltimore Town Hall
The League for People with Disabilities
October 14, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Bay Area Town Hall
Week of October 5, 2026
Additional details coming soon.

About Maryland SILC and Maryland’s CILs
Maryland SILC works alongside Maryland’s Centers for Independent Living to advance disability rights, independent living, and systems advocacy throughout the state. CILs are community-based, cross-disability organizations led by and for people with disabilities.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/PrjwWN3

Don't miss the next I AM Session!

Join us on Monday, June 15, from 2:00–3:30 p.m. for Exploring the Attendant Care Plus Program, an informative discussion about a program that helps Marylanders with severe chronic or permanent physical disabilities direct their own care and choose their own service providers.

We're excited to welcome Maxine Morris, Program Manager with the Maryland Department of Disabilities, who will share information about eligibility, services, and how to apply for this valuable independent living resource.

Register today: https://buff.ly/ep83Jbk

IMAGE: Promotional graphic for the I AM Sessions presented by the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council and Maryland Centers for Independent Living. The graphic announces Session 8: Exploring the Attendant Care Plus Program on Monday, June 15, from 2:00–3:30 p.m. It features the Maryland Department of Disabilities logo, a QR code for registration, and contact information for Shannon Minnick. The design uses a red background with abstract Maryland flag-inspired elements.

Serve. Lead. Change.

Independence Now is now recruiting Board Members ready to make a meaningful impact in the disability community across Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.

If you have experience in fundraising, HR, technology—or a passion for advancing independence and inclusion—we invite you to bring your voice to the table.

Learn more and express interest: https://buff.ly/NADzqpT

Or reach out to Diane Palmer at [email protected]

IMAGE: Four adults, including a wheelchair user and a person with a cane, sit around a conference table in a meeting; graphic text reads “Serve, Lead, Change – Now Recruiting Board Members” with Independence Now logo.

Summer can bring unique challenges for people with disabilities. This free webinar is a great opportunity to learn about programs and services that are available across Maryland to support your health, independence, financial stability, and overall well-being.

Summer is here! As families juggle work and kids home from school, we’re highlighting all the free help and assistance to support our neighbors.

Join us for a free webinar on June 9 at 12 p.m. to learn what resources are available for you and your community members from several state agencies and nonprofit organizations.

You’ll get access to free food and nutrition programs, health care coverage and support programs, mental health resources and more.

Experts will also answer your questions live. Join us to stay informed and get connected.

Register here: https://maryland-gov.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vjm_WKnZSge2-Mb98xE4TA

Catch up on the latest from Independence Now!

This week’s Weekly Roundup includes an important update on the Money Follows the Person program, a thank you to our MD-YLF Champion Sponsors, opportunities to share your voice through the Maryland SILC survey and town halls, upcoming workshops and events, board recruitment, and much more.

Read the latest newsletter: https://buff.ly/zXRjmL5

Weekly Roundup: So Much New This Week — See What’s Inside New events, new research opportunities, and important deadlines.

Thank You to Our Champion Sponsor!

A special thank you to Wegmans Rockville for serving as a Champion Level Sponsor of the 2026 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD YLF)!

Their support helps make this life-changing leadership experience possible for Maryland high school students with disabilities. Through MDYLF, participants build leadership skills, explore independent living, connect with mentors and peers, learn about advocacy, and gain valuable tools for success in college, careers, and community life.

The 2026 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum will take place June 25–27, 2026, at Towson University. Thank you, Wegmans Rockville, for investing in the next generation of disability leaders.

Learn more about MDYLF: https://buff.ly/arUgvzh

IMAGE: Graphic thanking Wegmans for serving as a Champion Level Sponsor of the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum. The graphic features the Wegmans logo, the MDYLF logo, and the message: “Thank You to Our Champion Level Sponsor.” Event details at the bottom note MDYLF will take place June 25–27, 2026, at Towson University, with a link to learn more.

Refresh your body, mind, and spirit this summer!

Join Independence Now and Disability Partnerships for a fun and interactive cooking class featuring natural fruit-infused beverages, light summer dishes, music, movement, and great company.

📅 June 18, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Independence Now
12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 101
Silver Spring, MD 20904

To register or request a reasonable accommodation, contact Felisha Latimore at [email protected] or 240-945-2169.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/p2ogkJM

LINK PREVIEW IMAGE: A table covered with colorful, fruit-infused beverages and fresh summer foods.

Spring/Summer Refresher Cooking Class [In-Person] Learn how to create natural fruit-infused beverages and light summer dishes.

You’re Invited to Voices of Independence: Stories That Empower!

Join us for Independence Now’s Annual Meeting and a powerful afternoon of community, connection, and storytelling.

Thursday, July 9, 2026
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Independence Now
12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 101
Silver Spring, MD 20904

We’re centering the voices that matter most, YOU.

- Hear real stories from consumers whose lives have been impacted through advocacy, peer support, and access to services
- Celebrate the strength of our disability community
- Learn how we’re continuing to break barriers and build a more inclusive future

Come be motivated. Come be heard. Come belong. Together, we are not just sharing stories we are shaping change.

ADA Reasonable Accommodations: Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request 2 weeks before the event.

To request any reasonable accommodation or register to participate in the event, please contact Shannon Minnick at [email protected] or 240-638-0070.

IMAGE: Flyer for Independence Now’s 2026 Annual Meeting, “Voices of Independence: Stories That Empower,” happening July 9, 2026, in Silver Spring, MD. The flyer includes the event agenda, a photo of founder Cathy Raggio, and information about consumer stories, advocacy, and assistive technology highlights.

Thank You to Our Champion Sponsor!

A special thank you to the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for serving as a Champion Level Sponsor of the 2026 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MDYLF)!

Their support helps make this life-changing leadership experience possible for Maryland high school students with disabilities. Through MDYLF, participants build leadership skills, explore independent living, connect with mentors and peers, learn about advocacy, and gain valuable tools for success in college, careers, and community life.

The 2026 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum will take place June 25–27, 2026, at Towson University. Thank you, Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, for investing in the next generation of disability leaders.

Learn more about MDYLF: https://buff.ly/arUgvzh

IMAGE: Thank-you graphic recognizing the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center as a Champion Level Sponsor of the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MDYLF) Vendor Fair. Features the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and MDYLF logos with red, gold, and blue accents.

Medicare fraud can happen to anyone, and it can have serious consequences. Fraudulent billing, scams, and unauthorized use of Medicare information can put your healthcare benefits, personal information, and access to services at risk.

During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, we're encouraging older adults, people with disabilities, family members, and caregivers to stay alert and take a few simple steps to protect themselves:

- Review your Medicare statements regularly
- Never share your Medicare number with unknown callers or solicitors
- Be cautious of offers for "free" medical equipment or services
- Report suspicious activity immediately

Protecting Medicare helps ensure these vital benefits remain available for those who need them most.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) remind us that beneficiaries and their families are the first line of defense against fraud. If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and ask questions.

Learn more and read the full article: hhttps://acl.gov/news-and-events/acl-blog/june-1-5-medicare-fraud-prevention-week-heres-how-americans-can-help

To report suspected Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468.

Medicare fraud costs everyone — including you. Take simple steps to reduce your risk. Find resources and fraud prevention tips at SMPResource.org.