Accessible Resources for Independence

06/24/2026

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

06/24/2026

Our friends at Disability Partnerships are offering free, virtual adaptive exercise classes designed to support movement, wellness, and connection for people of all abilities.

From Adaptive Zumba and Seated Fitness to Accessible Yoga and Boxing, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re looking to stay active, try something new, or move at your own pace.

- All classes are FREE and virtual
- Weekly schedule available
- Limited-mobility and caregiver-friendly

Register here: https://buff.ly/nv5lmyB

IMAGE: Flyer titled “Access In Action” promoting Disability Partnerships’ free, virtual adaptive exercise classes. The flyer features a person practicing yoga in a living room. A weekly class schedule lists Adaptive Zumba, Seated Adaptive Fitness, Adaptive Line Dancing, Accessible Yoga in English and Spanish, Adaptive Boxing, and Small Group Training. Registration information, a QR code, and the Disability Partnerships logo are included.

06/23/2026

In Howard County, 1 in 3 residents is a renter yet renters are often left out of conversations about housing. We invite renters to join and share their experiences, discuss challenges and help shape a more affordable, safe and accessible housing system.

Here are the details for our free Renters Town Hall:

📅 Monday, June 29
🕒 6:00 - 8:00 pm
📍Horizon Foundation (10221 Wincopin Circle, Suite 200, Columbia MD 21044)
🥗 Dinner will be provided.

Join the growing movement to create a better housing system in Howard County!

Space is limited. Click here to register: https://secure.everyaction.com/tFu3mFvSJ0WGb6q8PNzi9A2

06/23/2026

Today is Primary Election Day!

Your voice matters, and every vote is an opportunity to help shape the future of our communities. If you haven't voted yet, polls are open today and it's not too late to make a plan.

Howard County voter information: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/board-elections/voter-information

Anne Arundel County voter information: https://www.aacounty.org/elections/voting-information

For statewide election resources, visit vote.md.gov/vote2026.

Accessible voting options are available to help ensure every eligible voter can participate. Get informed, make a plan, and make your voice heard.

Hey Maryland! It is Election Day! For important election information visit vote.md.gov/vote2026

06/22/2026

ARI joins the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the disability community, and advocates across the nation in recognizing the anniversary of the Olmstead decision and the profound impact it continues to have on the lives of people with disabilities.

Olmstead affirmed a simple but powerful principle: people with disabilities have the right to live, work, learn, and participate in their communities with the supports they need and the choices they deserve. More than a legal decision, it represents a continuing movement toward greater independence, self-determination, and equal opportunity.

Today, we honor the advocates whose efforts made this landmark ruling possible, celebrate the progress that has been achieved, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing work ahead. ARI stands in solidarity with people with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living, and partners throughout Maryland and across the country as we continue the fight to protect, preserve, and expand disability rights for future generations.

The promise of community living belongs to everyone, and together we will continue working to ensure that promise becomes a reality for all.

Honoring Olmstead: Maryland’s Unwavering Promise to Community Living

On the 27th anniversary of the landmark Olmstead Supreme Court decision, the Maryland Department of Disabilities reaffirms a core civil rights principle: people with disabilities belong in their communities.

Olmstead established that the unnecessary segregation of individuals with disabilities is unlawful discrimination. While recent federal guidance has raised questions about the scope of state obligations, Maryland’s commitment remains absolute. Community living promotes dignity, independence, and stronger communities for everyone.

True inclusion is not just about where services are delivered; it is about providing meaningful choice, equal opportunity, and the supports needed to succeed. Maryland will continue working alongside advocates, families, and partners to protect and expand community-based services, ensuring the promise of Olmstead remains a reality for generations to come.

Use the link to read the full statement from MDOD. https://bit.ly/4fZufF5

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day!

Today, we celebrate fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures whose guidance, support, and encouragement help strengthen families and communities.

Accessible Resources for Independence wishes all dads and father figures a wonderful Father's Day filled with appreciation, joy, and time with loved ones.

IMAGE: Father's Day graphic featuring the message "Happy Father's Day" in blue lettering on a light background with green and blue accents. The Accessible Resources for Independence logo appears prominently near the bottom of the design.

06/19/2026

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history.

As we reflect on the significance of freedom, we also recognize the importance of ensuring that all people have the opportunity to participate fully in their communities and pursue lives of choice and independence.

Please note that Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI) will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. We will reopen and resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22.

IMAGE: Graphic featuring the Juneteenth flag waving across the top of a light cream background. Large text reads “June 19” and “Juneteenth,” followed by the phrase “Celebrating Freedom • Honoring History.” The Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI) logo appears at the bottom. The design uses red, white, and blue colors inspired by the Juneteenth flag and has a clean, uncluttered layout.

06/18/2026

If you or someone you love is currently living in a nursing facility and would like to learn more about moving back into the community, we invite you to join our upcoming "I Want My Life Back" virtual support group.

This free session provides information, resources, peer support, and real-life success stories from people who have successfully transitioned from nursing facilities to community living. Learn about available programs, services, and supports that can help you regain independence, choice, and control over your life.

July 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM via Zoom
Register today: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MucNyP4qRdaCILd5QmWOsw #/registration

Please share with anyone who may benefit from this information.

IMAGE: Flyer for "I Want My Life Back," a virtual transition support group for people with disabilities and nursing facility residents interested in community living. The flyer includes photos of two individuals with disabilities, a description of the program, monthly Zoom seminar dates, a QR code, and registration information.

06/14/2026

TOMORROW! Don't miss the next I AM...

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.