[MD-Sligo] Weekly Roundup: Thank You to Our Money Follows the Person Team

Mon Jul 6 13:01:39 UTC 2026

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https://www.innow.org/

** Weekly Roundup
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* Happy Independence Day! (#independence)
* A Fond Farewell to the Money Follows the Person Team (#MPF)
* Independence Now Annual Meeting (#annualmeeting)
* Upcoming Events (#upcoming)
* Partner Events (#PartnerEvents)
* Share Your Voice (#research)
* Visit IN Events Calendar (outbound link) (https://www.innow.org/events/)

** Happy Independence Day from Independence Now!
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Horizontal Independence Day banner featuring the Independence Now logo, patriotic fireworks, stars, and an American flag with the message, "Wishing You a Happy Independence Day!" and the reminder, "Stay Cool. Stay Safe."
As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we wish everyone a safe, enjoyable holiday with family and friends.

Please note that Independence Now's offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen during our regular business hours on Monday.

If you're celebrating outdoors, remember to stay cool, stay hydrated, and take extra precautions during the summer heat. Check on neighbors, family members, and others who may be especially vulnerable to high temperatures.

Have a fun, safe, and happy Fourth of July!

** A Fond Farewell to the
Money Follows the Person Team
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Group photo of approximately 17 Independence Now staff members gathered indoors during a farewell luncheon honoring the Money Follows the Person program. Several staff members use wheelchairs. At the center, Mike Saunders holds a thank-you card while Damon Walker and DeMarcus McLean are recognized for their leadership and contributions. The group smiles together in celebration of nearly 15 years of helping people transition from nursing facilities back into the community.

Independence Now bid a fond farewell during a luncheon to celebrate staff who have admirably operated the Money Follows the Person program that was terminated due to a federal budget cut. The program reliably assisted with supporting nursing home transitions for nearly 15 years. The staff regularly visited nearly 50 nursing homes to conduct outreach in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Seated center are Mike Saunders, Money Follows the Person program Director, and Damon Walker, Peer Support Counselor, with DeMarcus McLean, Peer Support Counselor, standing between them. Their energy, positivity, and unwavering commitment to the program are appreciated and will have a lasting impact. We will miss them tremendously as awesome colleagues and passionate advocates. Special thanks to the Maryland Department on Disabilities for funding to extend the program through June 30th.

Please note that the that “I Want My Life Back” monthly webinar will continue. The series is a community-focused transition support group dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and residents of nursing facilities learn about opportunities to successfully transition back into the community. The group provides education, resources, peer support, and real-life success stories to empower individuals to regain independence, self-direction, and a higher quality of life through community living and supportive services. The webinars are held every third Tuesday of the month at 1 pm.

Register for I Want My Life Back (https://buff.ly/kmwbVK7) (https://buff.ly/kmwbVK7). Other general inquiries about nursing home transition can be emailed to info at innow.org (mailto:info at innow.org) .

** Maryland SILC Launches Statewide Survey and Community Town Halls
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https://www.innow.org/2026/05/20/maryland-silc-launches-statewide-survey-and-community-town-halls/

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC), in partnership with Maryland’s Centers for Independent Living, has launched a statewide survey and upcoming town halls to gather input from people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and providers. Community feedback will help shape future disability advocacy and independent living priorities across Maryland.

Learn how to share your voice and help shape Maryland’s State Plan for Independent Living (https://www.innow.org/2026/05/20/maryland-silc-launches-statewide-survey-and-community-town-halls/)

** Mark Your Calendar!
Annual Meeting on July 9
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https://mcusercontent.com/eae54873d197b6ec3a4e31a68/files/54e38966-f4b5-882f-30ca-9fd208ec2b40/Independence_Now_039_s_2026_Annual_Meeting_flyer_1.pdf

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

Independence Now’s Annual Meeting
July 9, 2026
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Independence Now
12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 101
Silver Spring, MD 20904

Join us for a powerful afternoon of community, connection, and storytelling.

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.

Download Annual Meeting Agenda in accessible PDF format. (https://www.innow.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Independence-Nows-2026-Annual-Meeting-flyer-1.pdf)

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 sminnick at innow.org (mailto:sminnick at innow.org) or 240-638-0070

** Upcoming Events
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ADA Reasonable Accommodations
Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request two weeks before the event.
https://www.innow.org/event/lighting-your-path-2/

** Lighting Your Path
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July 8, 2026
1:00 to 3:00 pm via Zoom
Click here to join Lighting Your Path on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85734204468?pwd=pbuDmeJGV1bW28IQoRCDj2hGTFTe)

In recognition of Eye Injury Prevention Month, join us for an informative discussion on protecting your vision and caring for your eyes following an injury or vision loss. Learn practical strategies, available resources, and techniques that promote eye health and independence for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Guest speakers will share valuable information and answer your questions.

To request any reasonable accommodation or register to participate in the event, please contact Rochelle Harrod at rharrod at innow.org (mailto:rharrod at innow.org) or 240-898-2184

https://www.innow.org/event/creative-cooking-class-in-person-2/

** Creative Cooking Class [In-Person]
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July 16, from 10:30 to 12:00
Red Wiggler Farm at Ovid Hazen Wells Park
23400 Ridge Road, Germantown, MD 20876

Get ready for a fun and interactive Farm-to-Table experience at Red Wiggler Farm! Take a guided tour of the farm while learning about gardening, fresh seasonal produce, and healthy nutrition. Discover how locally grown ingredients can help you prepare delicious, affordable meals at home. We’ll also explore adaptive kitchen tools and techniques that make preparing healthy meals easier and more accessible for all.

To request any reasonable accommodation or register to participate in the event, please contact Rochelle Harrod at rharrod at innow.org (mailto:rharrod at innow.org) or 240-898-2184

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MucNyP4qRdaCILd5QmWOsw#/registration

** I Want My Life Back
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July 21, 2026
1:00 to 2:00 pm via Zoom
Register for I Want My Life Back (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MucNyP4qRdaCILd5QmWOsw#/registration)

“I Want My Life Back” is a community-focused transition support group dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and residents of nursing facilities learn about opportunities to successfully transition back into the community. The group provides education, resources, peer support, and real-life success stories to empower individuals to regain independence, self-direction, and a higher quality of life through community living and supportive services.

To request any reasonable accommodation or register to participate in the event, contact Shannon Minnick at sminnick at innow.org (mailto:sminnick at innow.org) or 240-638-0070.

https://www.innow.org/event/metroaccess-abilities-ride-transportation-seminar/

** MetroAccess/Abilities-Ride Transportation Seminar
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July 29, 2026
1:00 to 3:00 pm via Zoom
Register for Transportation Seminar (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uwbQPlRHS5upwGRy4JqBrA)

Have you experienced challenges scheduling or completing trips since the recent MetroAccess and Abilities-Ride system updates? Join Independence Now and Mr. Christiaan Kent for an important discussion about navigating recent service changes, understanding your rights as a rider, and effectively communicating concerns to improve transportation services. Your feedback matters, and this is your opportunity to make your voice heard.

To request any reasonable accommodation or register to participate in the event, please contact Rochelle Harrod at rharrod at innow.org (mailto:rharrod at innow.org) or 240-898-2184

https://www.innow.org/event/housing-seminar-2/

** Housing Seminar: Celebrating the ADA & the Fair Housing Act
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July 30, 2026
1:00 to 2:00 pm via Zoom
Register for Housing Seminar (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Txy1iiopSdyrIuaGwqlIpg)

Celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by joining us for an informative seminar exploring how the ADA strengthened fair housing protections for people with disabilities. Learn how the ADA and Fair Housing Act work together to promote equal access, independent living, and community inclusion while protecting your housing rights.

To request any reasonable accommodation or register to participate in the event, please contact Felisha Latimore at flatimore at innow.org (mailto:flatimore at innow.org) or 240-945-2169.

See all of Independence Now's upcoming events! (https://www.innow.org/events/?utm_source=Mailchimp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=EventEmail)

** Partner & Community Events
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https://buff.ly/38945zf

** Voter Education Workshops
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Various Dates and Locations
The Maryland Disability Forum is hosting voter education workshops designed specifically for people with disabilities. These sessions break down your rights as a voter, accessible voting options, and how to make sure your voice is heard in your community.

Register for Voter Education Workshops (https://buff.ly/38945zf)

https://buff.ly/nv5lmyB

** Free Virtual Adaptive Exercise Classes with Disability Partnerships
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Stay active, connected, and moving at your own pace with free virtual adaptive exercise classes from Disability Partnerships. Designed for people of all abilities, these classes support movement, wellness, and community.

>From Adaptive Zumba and Seated Fitness to Accessible Yoga and Adaptive Boxing, there’s something for everyone. Classes are caregiver-friendly and welcoming to individuals with limited mobility. All classes are free and offered weekly.

Learn more and register for Free Virtual Adaptive Exercise Classes (https://buff.ly/nv5lmyB)

** Share Your Voice!
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https://link.edgepilot.com/x/bRFXnypp7qHOQTW225I8TP4?u=https://csusb.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3aqLGRnColNQwdg?RID=CGC_jYs0wGWmDmiR8pR%26Q_CHL=email

** EISA 2.0 Content Validation Study
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Researchers at California State University, San Bernardino are seeking participants for a study to help improve the Electronic Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Satisfaction Assessment (EISA), a tool designed to measure satisfaction with performing everyday activities such as banking, shopping, and communication using internet-connected assistive devices.

Eligible participants must be age 18 or older, live in the United States, and have at least three years of experience using devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or apps to support independent living. The online survey takes approximately 25–30 minutes to complete.

Participants who complete the survey will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Learn more or participate in the EISA 2.0 Content Validation Study. (https://us.list-manage.com/Thr9eEqddCq?e=af4c493c51&c2id=739fdccb54a16e7dd5cddf45625a277e)

Questions or accessibility concerns? Contact Dr. Abbas Quamar at abbas.quamar at csusb.edu (mailto:abbas.quamar at csusb.edu) or 909-537-3692.

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

** Help Advance Research on Disability and Self-Advocacy
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The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and New Mexico State University are conducting a research study exploring the experiences of Black individuals with disabilities. Researchers are seeking participants to help better understand the challenges and benefits associated with self-advocacy.

Eligible participants must identify as Black, have a documented disability, be age 18 or older, speak English, and live in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Participants who complete all three phases of the study will receive compensation.

Complete the Research Study Interest Form (https://hest.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9SkP3lPsxVoBkbA?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

For questions about the study, email photovoicestudy2026 at gmail.com (mailto:photovoicestudy2026 at gmail.com)

** Let's Get Social!
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If you're not following us on social media you're missing out on loads of news, events, resources, and more that's relevant to you!

Take a second to follow us on social and stay in the know with the Independence Now Community, you'll be glad you did!
https://www.facebook.com/InNowOrg
https://www.linkedin.com/company/independence-now-inc./
https://twitter.com/InNowOrg
https://www.instagram.com/independencenow/
https://www.youtube.com/@independencenow8040
http://www.innow.org/
mailto:info at innow.org

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