The Freedom Center

03/09/2026

Waiting till the last minute to file your taxes? Don't worry! Free tax preparation help is available to members of our community through programs supported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation for people who qualify, including individuals who generally earn $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. For more than 50 years, VITA sites have helped make tax filing more accessible and easier to navigate.

Another option is the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, which provides free tax assistance for adults age 60 and older. TCE volunteers focus on issues such as pensions, retirement income, and other tax questions that commonly affect older adults.

Both programs are staffed by trained volunteers who can help you prepare and file your taxes at no cost.

Learn more about free tax preparation programs: https://buff.ly/3BY4zgC

Find a VITA or TCE site near you: (https://buff.ly/zionmCx

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs prepare tax returns for free for qualifying taxpayers.

03/09/2026

Coming up this Saturday!

The Maryland Disability Forum is hosting a free, in-person Voter Education Workshop for people with disabilities. This is a great opportunity to learn more about accessible voting options, understand your rights at the polls, and get clear information about how voter guardianship may affect your ability to vote.

If you want to feel more confident navigating the voting process and making sure your voice is heard, this workshop will provide practical information and a chance to ask questions in a supportive environment.

DATE & TIME: March 14, 2026 from 10 AM- 12 Noon
LOCATION: Utopia Entertainment, 5270 Randolph Rd, Rockville, MD 20852
REGISTRATION: https://buff.ly/GEW8jit

In Partnership With Jubilee Association of Maryland, The League for People with Disabilities, Maryland Disabilities Forum, Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc Maryland, Maryland Works, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.

03/09/2026

Important conversation happening tomorrow!

If you receive services through Maryland DORS or work with The Freedom Center or another CIL, it’s important to know about the Maryland Client Assistance Program (CAP). CAP can help explain your rights, answer questions, and provide advocacy support if you run into challenges accessing services.

Join tomorrow’s session to meet the CAP team, learn how the program works, and understand how this resource may be able to support you or someone you care about.

SAVE the DATE - Chat with CAP - Tuesday, March 10th at 2:00pm

The Maryland Client Assistance Program (CAP) may help to provide information, advice, and advocacy to Marylanders with disabilities applying for and receiving services from Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and Centers for Independent Living (CILs).

This informational session will:
• Introduce the CAP team
• Give a brief overview of DORS and CILs
• Discuss the purpose and support that CAP may provide
• Time for questions and answers (note: not individual cases)

Meeting ID meet.google.com/tfi-nmru-ymj Phone Number 413-350-0368 PIN: 685 300 653 #

03/06/2026

📢 The application deadline has been extended for the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum!

Shout out to Independence Now, Inc.'s intern from Gallaudet University for creating this great video highlighting the program. Watch to see how this 3-day leadership experience empowers high school students with disabilities to build confidence, explore their future, and connect with peers from across Maryland.

brings together high school juniors and seniors with disabilities for an immersive experience on a college campus, with interactive sessions on leadership, disability history, career exploration, and independent living.

Extended Application Deadline: March 28, 2026
Program Dates: June 25–27, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/3wmCeUG

03/05/2026

A new documentary series from the producers of Love on the Spectrum is currently casting adults who have never been in a romantic relationship and are ready to explore what connection could look like for them.

The series aims to thoughtfully follow individuals as they introduce themselves, take a chance, and discover meaningful connection on their own terms. Like Love on the Spectrum, this project is designed to center authenticity, dignity, and support throughout the experience.

Producers are seeking adults 18+ of all backgrounds, body types, abilities, ages, and ethnicities.

If this feels like it might be a good fit for you or someone in our community, you can learn more and complete the questionnaire here: https://buff.ly/LG20MF8

If selected, participants will be supported by producers throughout the process.

As always, please review details carefully and decide what feels right for you.

Untitled Dating Series

03/04/2026

🐰🥚 Check out this upcoming Sensory Friendly Visit with the Easter Bunny hosted by Frederick County Parks and Recreation, MD.

Families are invited to enjoy a calm, welcoming spring celebration designed for individuals of all abilities. Each session includes one-on-one time with the Easter Bunny in a supportive environment with lower noise levels, gentle lighting, and a relaxed pace.

While waiting for their visit, participants can also enjoy crafts, games, and an egg hunt with family and friends.

March 28, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Rock Creek Rec Center
Ages 2–21
Register here: https://buff.ly/Qo9dpZ1

A great opportunity for families looking for a more comfortable, inclusive way to celebrate the season.

03/04/2026

📢 TONIGHT!

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council is launching an exciting new statewide initiative — and you’re invited to be part of it!

The CUP Campaign, which stands for Courage to Use Your Power, is a call to action for Marylanders with disabilities, advocates, partners, and allies. The campaign is designed to amplify the voices of people with disabilities and spark a renewed sense of agency, collective strength, and community-driven advocacy across our state.

Campaign Kickoff Webinar
TONIGHT! March 4, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
Register for the CUP Campaign Launch: https://buff.ly/NGzEcfJ

Can’t attend the live kickoff? Contact Maryland SILC Executive Director Lorna-Mae Silcott at 240-452-1952 or executivedirector@marylandsilc.org to learn how you can stay involved.

The CUP Campaign encourages all of us to move beyond traditional advocacy and recognize the power we already hold — to influence policy, shape our communities, and strengthen the Independent Living movement. As part of the launch, Maryland SILC is also highlighting the IL Anthem, celebrating the history, resilience, and continued momentum of Independent Living.

Systemic change happens when we work together. ARI is proud to stand alongside Maryland SILC and our fellow Centers for Independent Living in building a stronger, more accessible Maryland.

Are you ready to use your power?

IMAGE: Graphic promoting the Maryland SILC CUP Campaign launch featuring a gold trophy labeled “Courage to Use your Power” and the headline “Do You Have the Courage?” Includes Zoom registration link, contact information, and event details for March 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

03/04/2026

Sharing an important update for our community. The Maryland Department of Health - Developmental Disabilities Administration is seeking public input on proposed changes to the Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver.

Programs supported through the waiver help many people with disabilities live independently and participate fully in their communities. If you or someone you support receives services through the waiver, this is an opportunity to learn more about the proposed updates and share your feedback.

Take a moment to review the information below and consider attending one of the upcoming webinars. Public comments are open through April 1.

Input needed - proposed changes to the Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver. We are hosting webinars on March 4 and March 11 to provide an overview of changes DDA is requesting to improve the long-term sustainability of the Community Pathways Medicaid waiver program. The webinar will also include a Question and Answer segment. The proposed changes to the current waiver will be considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We encourage the community to share feedback. DDA has opened a 30-day public comment period that runs through April 1, 2026. Comments can be submitted to wfb.dda@maryland.gov or mailed to: DDA Federal Programs Unit, 201 West Preston Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore MD 21201. Register for the March 4th webinar: https://bit.ly/3OTR6WS. More information can be found here: https://bit.ly/4l8haJm.

03/04/2026

The wait is over… the Paralympic Games are officially here! 🔥

Today we celebrate the power, talent, and determination of Paralympic athletes from around the world. Every competition is a reminder of what excellence, resilience, and teamwork truly look like.

We’re cheering for Team USA all the way 🇺🇸 — and sending a HUGE shoutout to Frederick’s own Noah Grove as he hits the ice for another shot at gold in sled hockey! 🥇🏒 Your hometown is proud, Noah! Read more about Noah: https://buff.ly/JM34KK1

Let the games begin!

IMAGE: Graphic featuring Team USA sled hockey player Noah Grove. On the left, a blue background displays his name “Noah Grove,” labeled “Sled Hockey,” with text noting he qualified for Milano Cortina 2026 and competed in the 2018 and 2022 Paralympics. On the right, a portrait of Grove wearing a light gray Team USA jacket with an American flag patch, arms crossed and smiling. Along the bottom, medal counts show 2 gold, 0 silver, and 0 bronze.

03/04/2026

The Freedom Center’s February Easy Meals class was filled with learning, laughter, and the smell of breakfast cooking.

This month, participants rolled up their sleeves to make chocolate chip pancakes and omelettes from scratch. Step by step, they practiced important independent living skills like measuring ingredients, safely using kitchen tools, following multi step directions, and working together as a team.

After preparing the meal, everyone sat down to enjoy the food they created themselves. There is nothing quite like the pride that comes from cooking your own meal and sharing it with others.

Easy Meals is about more than recipes. It is about building confidence in the kitchen, strengthening everyday life skills, and creating opportunities for greater independence. We are so proud of each participant for their effort, teamwork, and willingness to try something new.

Join us for our next Let’s Make Easy Meals on March 20 when we will be making tacos and refried beans.

Learn more and register here: https://buff.ly/Eea1VoN

03/03/2026

When Liana and her mom came to The Freedom Center, she had a clear goal in mind: she wanted to volunteer, especially with animals.

At the recommendation of DORS, they met with our team to explore possibilities. Finding the right volunteer opportunity can sometimes be challenging, but we worked together to identify options that aligned with Liana’s interests and strengths. That search led to a wonderful partnership with Friends For Life.

With the support of Emily, who provided thorough training and ongoing guidance, Liana secured a permanent volunteer position at the Petco on Route 26 that fits perfectly with her schedule.

In her role, Liana cleans cages, refreshes water, prepares food, and spends time socializing kittens. The work involves many detailed steps, and she has done an incredible job learning each responsibility and following through with care and consistency.

Now that Liana has reached her goal of becoming a volunteer, our next focus is building her skills and confidence to independently use public transportation to travel to and from Petco.

This is what independent living looks like: setting goals, building skills, and creating opportunities in the community.

If you or someone you know would like support exploring volunteer opportunities, call The Freedom Center at 301-846-7811 to learn more about how we can help.

IMAGE: Liana kneels on the floor inside an animal shelter cat room, playing with a gray kitten using a colorful toy wand. Pet carriers and storage bins are stacked nearby, and metal cat enclosures line the wall.