The Freedom Center

12/19/2025

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is asking for public input on disability clinical care and competency training for medical professionals. This Request for Information (RFI) will help shape an upcoming policy brief on how well U.S. medical schools and training programs prepare providers to care for disabled patients.

NCD is seeking feedback from people with disabilities, families, clinicians, educators, and advocates on existing curricula, barriers to implementation, and how disability competency skills can improve care for all patients, including those with complex or chronic conditions.

Comments are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 6, 2026, and should be emailed to NCD Senior Attorney Advisor Amged Soliman at asoliman@ncd.gov.

Learn more and read the full RFI:
NCD announcement: https://buff.ly/muvsa86
Full RFI text: https://buff.ly/IJJBdQl

Dec. 1, 2025 WASHINGTON–The National Council on Disability (NCD) is requesting information to help inform an upcoming policy brief. The request for information (RFI) concerns the need for disability clinical care and competency training of medical professionals. With respect to the status of disab...

12/19/2025

Update for today (12/19): The power outage has been canceled. Transit offices are open, and all bus routes are operating on a normal schedule. Safe travels to everyone riding today.

🔌 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬!

The planned power outage for today, (12/19) 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝.

🚍 Transit's offices and building are OPEN, and all bus routes are running on their normal schedule.

We will see you onboard! 👋

12/18/2025

Independent Living programs are foundational to ensuring people with disabilities have choice, access, and opportunity in their communities.

NCIL’s Protect IL initiative focuses on raising awareness about the value of these services and the role they play nationwide through nonpartisan education and advocacy.

Learn more about why protecting Independent Living matters ⬇️

Join the Protect Independent Living Campaign!

Learn more / donate: https://bit.ly/48HxsoA

For over 40 years, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) has worked to ensure that people with disabilities have the same right as anyone else: to live independently, in their own homes, and as part of their communities.

Today, that right faces new uncertainty. Shifts in federal funding and oversight have created instability for the nationwide network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs).

These organizations provide critical services and advocacy every day, helping people transition out of institutions, securing housing, making homes accessible, providing peer mentoring, and ensuring access to healthcare, education, and employment.

When funding is disrupted, lives are disrupted. Without support, people risk losing their independence, being forced into costly institutions, or going without essential services.

That’s why NCIL is launching the Protect IL Campaign. This campaign will defend the infrastructure that makes supports and service delivery possible and stronger.

Together, we can protect what matters most: the freedom of every person with a disability to live in their own home, make their own choices, and participate fully in community life.

Join us. Protect Independent Living.

Image: Protect Independent Living Logo features a black umbrella. Beneath, the National Council on Independent Living logo features a multi-colored fingerprint.

12/16/2025

Missed I AM Session 3: Social Security Made Simple?

The recording is now available

Applying for or managing Social Security benefits can feel overwhelming, but this session breaks it down into clear, practical guidance. Hosted by Marilyn Morrison, Director of Maryland WIN (Work Incentives Network), the discussion covers:

- Easy, actionable tips for applying for or updating SSI and SSDI
- How to report changes and navigate paperwork
- What to do if you need to appeal a decision
- Why benefits counseling matters and how it can help
- An overview of how national policy changes may affect benefits

Watch the full recording here: https://youtu.be/FpTG0lGje5Q

This session is a helpful resource for people with disabilities, family members, and advocates looking to better understand Social Security benefits.

Applying for or managing Social Security benefits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This session offers easy-to-follow tips for applying, reporting changes, a...

12/16/2025

This is a great opportunity for students pursuing careers in disability and health. If you or someone you know is an undergraduate or graduate student in a related field, we encourage you to check it out and apply by March 6, 2026.

We’re now accepting applications for the 2026 Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability! This award is made each year to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies related to the broad field of disability & health. Applications accepted through March 6, 2026: https://aahd.us/initiatives/scholarship/

12/14/2025

TOMORROW!

I AM Session 3: Social Security Made Simple – Quick Tips & Smart Strategies
Monday, December 15 from 2:00–3:00 PM

Applying for or managing Social Security benefits doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This session breaks down what you need to know about SSI and SSDI in clear, easy-to-follow steps. Marilyn Morrison, Director of MD-WIN, will walk you through:

- Practical tips for applying or updating your benefits
- How to navigate paperwork, reporting changes, and appeals
- Why Benefits Counseling is so important — and how it can help you stay informed and in control

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

IMAGE: A maroon event graphic with large distressed white text reading “I AM.” Below it: “Social Security Made Simple: Quick Tips & Smart Strategies. Monday, December 15, 2:00–3:30 pm.” On the right side is the Maryland WIN (Work Incentives Network) logo over a background of the Maryland flag.

12/11/2025

LAST DAY TO RSVP!

Join us as we celebrate the season of gratitude, friendship, and community at The Freedom Center’s annual Holiday Party!

When: Friday, December 19, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 PM
Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
1415 W. 7th Street, Frederick, MD 21702

Enjoy good food, fun, and time with friends as we wrap up the year together. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share holiday cheer, and celebrate the many accomplishments of our community in 2025.

RSVP by December 11, 2025:
Click here to RSVP online: https://buff.ly/nvKmCNd
or email advocate@thefreedomcenter-md.org.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

IMAGE: Holiday Party invitation for The Freedom Center on December 19, 2025, from 1–3 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frederick. RSVP by December 11.

12/11/2025

Curious about 3D printing, engineering design, or assistive technology? This paid internship is a great way for Marylanders to build real-world skills while contributing to accessible, innovative solutions. If you or someone you know might be interested, check it out and help us spread the word!

Apply here: [https://tally.so/r/2Ej2Rg](https://tally.so/r/2Ej2Rg)

Made with Tally, the simplest way to create forms.

12/10/2025

If you need a proof of income letter (also called a benefit verification letter) for housing, loans, or other applications, there’s an easy way to get it instantly.

Anyone with a personal my Social Security account can log in and quickly access, print, or save a PDF of their benefit verification letter — including individuals who need to verify that they are not receiving benefits.

The Social Security Administration has created a short, step-by-step video that walks you through the process.

Watch here:
How To: Get a Social Security Benefit Verification Letter: https://buff.ly/zpGiM23

We encourage our community to use this digital option for faster, easier access to important documents.

Do you know how to get an income verification letter or benefit verification letter from Social Security? Just log in to my Social Security to get instant ac...