Independence Now, Inc.

THIS THURSDAY!

The Maryland Disability Forum is hosting voter education workshops across the state—designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. Learn about your voting rights, accessible voting options, and how to confidently participate in elections.

These sessions are a great opportunity to build knowledge, connect with others, and strengthen your voice in your community.

Don't miss these sessions close to our region:

May 14, 2026
1:00 PM
SEEC
Silver Spring, MD 20910

May 14, 2026
5:30 PM
SEEC
Silver Spring, MD 20910

👉 Find a location near you and register: https://buff.ly/lXwvylT

If you need assistance registering or would like support attending, Independence Now is here to help. Call us at 301-277-2839.

Thank you to The Image Center for People with Disabilities for sharing this meaningful research opportunity. Efforts like this help amplify lived experiences and deepen understanding of self-advocacy within the disability community. We encourage eligible individuals across the Mid-Atlantic region to consider participating and lending their voices to this important work.

📣 Research Study Opportunity for Black Individuals with Disabilities 📣

The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, in collaboration with New Mexico State University, is conducting a research study to better understand the experiences, challenges, and benefits of self-advocacy among Black individuals with disabilities.

✅ Eligibility Requirements:• Self-identify as Black• Have a documented disability• Be 18 years or older• Be English-speaking• Live in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.

💵 Participants can receive compensation for each phase completed in the study.

Link : https://hest.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9SkP3lPsxVoBkbA

This important research aims to amplify lived experiences and support greater understanding and advocacy within the disability community.

For more information or questions, please contact the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center:📧 [email protected]📞 (800) 949-4232

Please share with anyone who may be interested or eligible! 💙

IN THIS WEEK'S ROUNDUP: Young leaders took the spotlight at our inaugural Youth Leadership Forum Junior in partnership with Charles County Public Schools! 🌟

PLUS:
✅ Board member recruitment
✅ Upcoming workshops & events
✅ Accessible sailing with CRAB
✅ Research & community opportunities
✅ Last chance to share your Independence Now story

Read the full newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/1b380be14477/05082026

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.

Independence Now is proud to recognize Independent Living Day in Maryland and celebrate the impact of the Independent Living movement across our state.

Independent living means having choice, control, and equal access to the supports and opportunities that allow people with disabilities to fully participate in community life. Through peer support, advocacy, information and referral, and independent living skills training, Centers for Independent Living help empower people to live life on their own terms.

We’re honored to stand alongside Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council and our fellow CILs in continuing the work toward a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable Maryland for all.

🎉 Maryland Proclaims May 5, 2026 as Independent Living Day!

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC) is proud to share that Governor Wes Moore has officially proclaimed May 5, 2026, as Independent Living Day in Maryland! 🦀✨

This proclamation honors the vision that every Marylander with a disability should have the information, choices, and control over the supports they need to participate fully in all aspects of society.

At the heart of this movement is the Independent Living philosophy:

Consumer Control: Services designed and operated by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities.
Peer Support & Advocacy: Empowering one another to break down barriers.
Equal Access: Ensuring no one is left behind in our pursuit of opportunity and choice.
Today, we celebrate the vital work of our Centers for Independent Living (CILs)—the community-based hubs that model "Nothing About Us Without Us" every single day.

Join us in celebrating independence, self-determination, and a Maryland that is accessible to all! 🗽♿️