Accessible Resources for Independence

10/13/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and financial independence is an important part of building a successful future!

Join Maryland DORS and Maryland ABLE for a FREE virtual training, "Promoting Financial Stability and Greater Independence for People with Disabilities."

Learn how Maryland ABLE can help people with disabilities save money, build financial security, and work toward greater independence without jeopardizing eligibility for certain public benefits.

📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Virtual via Zoom

This training is open to everyone, including people with disabilities, job seekers, service providers, and community partners.

Registration is required. Sign up today: https://buff.ly/tmhV5Gv

10/21/2026 ABLE Training Registration.

10/13/2026

Empower your independence and learn about your rights!

Join Maryland's Centers for Independent Living on Monday, November 16, at 2 p.m. for our next I AM (I Want My Life Back) webinar featuring Maryland’s Client Assistance Program (CAP)!

Our guest speaker, Samantha McGinley from Maryland DORS, will share how CAP helps people with disabilities understand their rights, access services, and work toward their independent living and employment goals.

Learn how to apply for DORS services, understand eligibility requirements, and explore resources to help you find and maintain employment.

Register today: https://buff.ly/65j2Jr1

To request a reasonable accommodation, including sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids and services, please contact Shannon Minnick at [email protected] or 240-638-0070 at least two weeks before the webinar.

10/08/2026

Help keep our Howard County neighbors warm this winter!

The Howard County MultiService Center is collecting new and gently used winter clothing and hosting a FREE Cold Weather Gear Distribution Event for community members of all ages, from infants to adults!

Winter Clothing Donations Needed
Coats, hats, gloves, and heavy socks are needed in all sizes! Donations are being accepted Mondays through Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., through October 13.
Donation Location: Howard County MultiService Center, 9900 Washington Boulevard, Suite I, Laurel, MD 20723.

Volunteers are also needed to help collect, sort, and organize donations.

FREE Cold Weather Gear Distribution
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to noon
- Location: North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Wh***ey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723
- Available Items: Coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for children and adults, while supplies last.

This community initiative is organized by Howard County Community Resources and Services, the Office of the Local Children's Board, and the MultiService Center, in partnership with GRACE.

For more information, contact Valerie Mathis at 410-313-0242 or visit https://bit.ly/HowardCountyMSC.

Please share to help spread the word to individuals and families who could benefit!

10/07/2026

Howard County residents, your voice matters!

The Howard County Commission on Disabilities wants to hear directly from people with disabilities, family members and unpaid caregivers, service providers, and educational professionals about the issues that matter most to our community.

The Commission is conducting a study examining disability-related needs, policies, and programs in Howard County, including education, employment, transportation, housing, and peer relationships. The anonymous survey takes just 5–10 minutes to complete.

At ARI, we know how important it is for people with disabilities to have a voice in the policies, programs, and services that affect their everyday lives. We encourage our Howard County community to participate and share your experiences. Your feedback can help identify needs, highlight barriers, and inform recommendations for the future.

Take the survey: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions/commission-disabilities?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Please share this opportunity with others in the Howard County disability community!

09/22/2026

Here’s another opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape services and priorities for Marylanders with disabilities!

The Community Advisory Council at the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities is seeking new members, including people with developmental disabilities, family members, and direct support professionals.

Interested? Applications are due September 30.

Make your voice heard in Maryland's disability community!

The Community Advisory Council (CAC) at the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD), Kennedy Krieger Institute, is officially seeking new members to join their mission!

They are currently seeking:
• Individuals with developmental disabilities
• Family members
• Direct support professionals

🗓️ Deadline: September 30, 2026. To learn more & apply: Contact Kayla Velez at [email protected] or apply online using the link below:
https://apricot.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/26c3fb8b-3870-4eff-858c-184e78365c48

09/22/2026

Voting is one important way people with disabilities can make their priorities and concerns heard.

Accessible Resources for Independence is sharing this upcoming virtual Candidates for Governor Forum from the Maryland Disabilities Forum. Hear directly from Maryland’s candidates for Governor about issues affecting people with disabilities and learn more as you prepare to cast your vote this November.

The forum will be held Thursday, October 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ASL interpretation, Spanish translation, and CART services will be available.

Register for the Candidates for Governor Forum:
https://events.mdworks.com/CandidateforGovernorsForum #/

In November, Marylanders will vote for Governor, state Senators and Delegates, U.S. Representatives, and more.

To help you prepare, the Maryland Disabilities Forum is hosting a Candidates for Governor Forum. Current Democratic Governor Wes Moore and Republican candidate Dan Cox will answer questions about important disability issues.

The forum is virtual and free to attend. It is on Thursday, October 22 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Accommodations including ASL interpretation, Spanish translation, and CART services are available.

Register now at https://events.mdworks.com/CandidateforGovernorsForum #/

09/14/2026

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, **St. Philip’s Episcopal Church’s Little Chapel Food Pantry** will be open this Sunday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, while supplies last.

Please share this resource with friends, family, neighbors, or anyone in the community who may benefit.

09/10/2026

Join us for an important virtual discussion on September 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM–2:00 PM about disability rights, advocacy, and living independently in the community!

Featured Speaker: Audrey Sellers
Advocate with Disability Rights Maryland
Register: https://buff.ly/lxri29E

Audrey will lead a presentation about knowing your rights, advocating for yourself, and understanding resources and protections available to people with disabilities. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about advocacy and how to speak up for the services and supports needed to live the life they choose.

We welcome:
-Individuals with disabilities
-Social Workers & Case Managers
-Nursing Facility Residents & Staff
-Family Members & Friends
-Community Members and Advocates

Your life. Your choices. Your voice. Join the conversation and take the next step toward getting your life back!

09/03/2026

Looking for ways to lower your utility bills or get help keeping your power on?

The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel is offering a series of free webinars covering energy assistance, utility protections, ways to save money, and more.

Upcoming sessions run September through December and are free to attend.

Sign up: https://opc.maryland.gov/Consumer-Webinar-Sign-up

Maryland Office of People's Counsel website