[MD-Sligo] Weekly Roundup: Election Reminder, New "I Want My Life Back" Webinar, Other Events, and more!

Mon Jun 22 12:44:40 UTC 2026

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https://www.innow.org/

** Weekly Roundup
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* Honoring Juneteenth (#juneteenth)
* Your Voice Matters! (#Vote)
* Update Regarding Money Follows the Person (#MFP)
* Important News from the Maryland SILC (#MDSILC)
* Now Recruiting Board Members (#board)
* 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/)

** Honoring Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
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Horizontal Juneteenth graphic on a light cream background featuring the Juneteenth flag on the left and the Independence Now logo on the right. Large text reads “Celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day,” with the message “Honoring freedom. Celebrating progress. Building a better tomorrow.” Icons and captions below read “Remember Our Past,” “Celebrate Our Present,” and “Build Our Future.” Red, green, blue, and gold accents inspired by the Juneteenth flag appear throughout the design.
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 and equal opportunity, we also acknowledge the ongoing work of building stronger, more accessible communities for all.

Please note that Independence Now will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22.

** Your Voice Matters
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Vote Badges Background - Pile of Red White and Blue Political Campaign Buttons 3D Illustration
We encourage all eligible voters in Prince George’s County and Montgomery County to participate in the upcoming Primary Election and make your voice heard in shaping the future of our communities.

Primary Election Day: June 23,2026

This is a reminder to check your voter registration, know your polling location, and explore accessible voting options available in your county.
* Information for Prince George’s County voters (https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov⁠)
* Information for Montgomery County voters (https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov⁠)
* Maryland State Board of Elections (https://elections.maryland.gov⁠)

Every vote is a way to use your voice in decisions that impact housing, transportation, education, disability services, and more.

Let’s stay engaged and informed.

** Important Update on the Money Follows the Person Peer Outreach and Support Program
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We want to share an important update regarding the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Peer Outreach and Support program. After nearly 15 years of helping individuals transition from nursing facilities into the community, the program will end on June 30, 2026, due to federal budget cuts.

** What this means:
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* Current Transitions: Individuals currently working with a Peer Support Counselor will continue receiving support through June 30, 2026.
* Transition Planning & Waivers: Assistance with transition planning and waiver-related support will remain available through June 30, 2026.
* Ongoing Support: After the program ends, individuals are encouraged to connect with other resources to continue exploring community living options.

** Alternative Resources for Support:
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* State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Provides advocacy for residents’ rights and assistance with concerns related to long-term care.
* Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Offer information on local services, supports, and funding options.
* Centers for Independent Living (CILs): Community-based, peer-led organizations that support people with disabilities in living independently.

To find a Center for Independent Living near you, visit: https://marylandsilc.org/find-a-cil/

This program has played a meaningful role in supporting independence and community living across Maryland. While this change is significant, resources remain available to help individuals explore their options and continue planning for the future.

For questions or assistance before June 30, 2026, Peer Outreach Counselors will continue to be available. You may also contact Independence Now at 301-277-2839 or info at innow.org (mailto:info at innow.org) for additional information or support.

** 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/)

** Now Recruiting Board Members!
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https://www.innow.org/2026/04/17/now-recruiting-board-members/

Independence Now, a Center for Independent Living, is seeking passionate and experienced individuals to join our Board of Directors. We are especially interested in candidates with backgrounds in fundraising, human resources, or technology who are ready to bring their expertise to a mission-driven organization.

Learn more about board service with Independence Now and how to get involved (https://www.innow.org/2026/04/17/now-recruiting-board-members/)

** 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/housing-seminar-financial-readiness-for-housing-applications/

** Housing Seminar: Financial Readiness for Housing Applications
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June 25, 2026
1:00 to 2:00 pm via Zoom
Register for Housing Seminar (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/B6ebARL2SUi5leB-LnpMfw)

Prepare for your housing journey with confidence. This session will cover the ABCs of financial documentation, including tips for retrieving statements from Cash App, Zelle, and traditional banking institutions.

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.

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.

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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