The Freedom Center

03/30/2026

Out and about in the community! 🙌

Dave Drezner and Darren Braun had a great time representing The Freedom Center at Move Mobile’s Resource Fair—connecting with community members, sharing resources, and building new partnerships along the way.

We love opportunities like this to spread the word about independent living and all the supports available right here in our community!

IMAGE: Darren Braun and Dave Drezner stand behind a resource table with informational materials and a Freedom Center branded tablecloth at a community resource fair.

03/30/2026

Looking for more independence in your daily life? The Attendant Care Plus (ACP) Program could help you take control of your support services—at home, at work, or at school.

If you’re an adult with a physical disability who is working, job-seeking, in school, or transitioning from a nursing facility, this program may give you the flexibility to hire and manage your own personal assistants—on your terms.

Not sure where to start or if you qualify? Reach out—we’re here to help you explore your options and support your goals for living in the community. 💙

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4s96a1f

Take control of your daily support with the Attendant Care Plus (ACP) Program!
This program provides financial help so Marylanders with physical disabilities can hire their own assistants for support at home, work, or school and other ongoing supports.

- Who is eligible? Adults (18–64) with severe physical disabilities who are:

- Working or looking for a job.

- Enrolled in college or a training program.

- Transitioning out of a nursing home (or working to stay in the community).

Live life on your terms—choose your own providers and manage your own care. Use the link below to learn more.
https://bit.ly/4s96a1f Got questions? Email the ACP staff at mdod.acp@maryland.gov.

03/28/2026

Frederick County is celebrating Deaf History Month!

Join Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, the Maryland Deaf Community Center, and the Maryland School for the Deaf for a special ceremony honoring Deaf history, culture, and community. The event will reflect on the past and look toward the future as our country approaches its 250th birthday.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Arc on Market Street
555 S. Market Street, Frederick

Can’t attend in person? The event will be recorded for later viewing on FCG TV.

RSVP: YBravo@FrederickCountyMD.gov

IMAGE: Flyer inviting the public to a Frederick County ceremony celebrating Deaf History Month on March 31, 2026, featuring a photo of a speaker using sign language in front of an audience and the Frederick County seal.

03/27/2026

Taco time was a success! 🌮

Participants joined The Freedom Center’s Let’s Make Easy Meals cooking class to build hands-on skills while preparing tacos and refried beans together. From chopping ingredients to cooking and assembling their meals, everyone practiced practical, everyday techniques in a fun and supportive environment.

Programs like this help strengthen independence, confidence, and connection—one meal at a time.

Ready to join us for the next class? 🍔

This April, we’ll be making cayenne pepper–seasoned turkey burgers with thick-cut fries while continuing to build essential cooking skills.

Spots are limited—sign up today and share with someone who might be interested!

Register here: https://buff.ly/CMfkAO0

IMAGES: Group of people participating in The Freedom Center’s cooking class in a community kitchen, preparing and cooking ingredients, assembling meals, and enjoying food together, alongside a flyer promoting an upcoming class featuring turkey burgers and fries with event details and registration information. Alt text embedded in each image.

03/26/2026

Being prepared can make all the difference—especially for people with disabilities and those who support them.

Join us for I AM Session 6: Strengthening Emergency Preparedness for Independent Living, an informative session led by the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management focused on practical, inclusive emergency preparedness.

Learn how to build a personalized emergency plan, gather essential supplies, and identify supports to help maintain independence before, during, and after an emergency. Caregivers will also gain helpful tips to support loved ones.

April 20
2:00–3:30 PM
Via Zoom
Register today: https://buff.ly/cTax04E

IMAGE: Graphic with “I AM” branding and Maryland flag accents promoting “Strengthening Emergency Preparedness for Independent Living,” April 20 from 2:00–3:30 pm via Zoom. Includes image of emergency supplies—water, medical items, backup power equipment, and a kit beside a wheelchair.

03/26/2026

🐰🥚 Don't miss this Saturday's 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.

03/25/2026

Running out of time to file? You’re not alone. The 2026 tax filing deadline is April 15.

If you still need to file, you can get your taxes done for free with help you can trust.

The CASH Campaign of Maryland offers free, in-person tax preparation for individuals and families earning under $69,000 per year. IRS-trained and certified staff and volunteers prepare accurate returns and help make sure you receive any refunds and credits you’re eligible for, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Find a free tax site near you: https://buff.ly/zwOG9WH

Free Tax Preparation Resources Free Tax Preparation UPDATE: Free tax preparation sites in the Baltimore metro area are FULL. Some appointments may become available if there are cancellations. To check for any remaining openings please check our sites online calendar by clicking HERE or call 410-234-...

03/25/2026

📢 APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING!

Thinking about your future after high school? The Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD YLF) is a unique 3-day leadership experience designed for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who want to strengthen their confidence, leadership skills, and self-advocacy.

During MD-YLF, delegates stay on a college campus and participate in interactive sessions on leadership, disability history, career exploration, and independent living. Along the way, they also meet other young people from across Maryland, building friendships and sharing experiences that often last well beyond the program.

Dates: June 25–27, 2026
Application Deadline: THIS SATURDAY, March 28, 2026
Learn more and apply for MD-YLF: https://buff.ly/Wekjc2l

This project is supported by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and fully funded by the Administration for Community Living as part of a total award of $1,265,982.

IMAGE: Flyer announcing Maryland Youth Leadership Forum applications open, featuring youth in a leadership activity, deadline March 28, event June 25–27 at Towson University, with link to innow.org/mdylf.

03/24/2026

Pathfinders for Autism is hosting a Traffic Stop Practice Session in Frederick County on May 27. These sessions offer a safe, supportive space to practice what to expect during a traffic stop, ask questions, and learn how to communicate effectively with law enforcement.

Whether you’re a driver or passenger, this can be a valuable way to reduce anxiety, increase safety, and feel more in control.

Learn more and sign up: https://bit.ly/49DkhT8

Pathfinders for Autism has Traffic Stop Practice Sessions planned all over Maryland this spring. Click the link to sign up and participate. All drivers and passengers are welcome! https://bit.ly/49DkhT8