The Freedom Center

02/20/2026

Did you know? The Freedom Center is the Center for Independent Living serving Carroll and Frederick Counties, Maryland.

We are a community based nonprofit led by and for people with disabilities. Our services are free and available to anyone who identifies as a person with a disability, as well as family members, caregivers, and others seeking information or support.

Independent living means having control over your own life. It means making choices about where you live, how you live, and the goals you set for yourself. It does not mean doing everything alone. It means having the supports, resources, and opportunities you need to participate fully in your community.

The Freedom Center provides the five core independent living services:

- Information and referral to local and statewide resources
- Individual and systems advocacy to remove barriers in housing, transportation, education, employment, and civil rights
- Peer counseling from people with lived experience
- Independent living skills training such as budgeting, cooking, travel training, time management, and more
- Transition services for individuals moving from nursing homes to the community, youth transitioning from school to adult life, and those seeking to avoid institutional placement

Our work focuses on increasing access, expanding opportunity, and supporting people with disabilities to live in the most integrated setting of their choice.

If you live in Carroll or Frederick County and want to learn more about how we can support you, contact The Freedom Center today at 301-846-7811.

IMAGE: Graphic promoting The Freedom Center as the Center for Independent Living serving Carroll and Frederick Counties. On the left, a smiling man using a power wheelchair cooks on a portable stove at an outdoor table. On the right, text reads “The Freedom Center is the Center for Independent Living serving Carroll and Frederick Counties.” A tagline says, “Independence starts with the right support. Connect with The Freedom Center and explore free services designed around you.” Icons highlight Transition Services, Self and Systems Advocacy, Peer Support, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills, and more. Website thefreedomcenter-md.org and phone number 301-846-7811 are listed. The 25th anniversary logo appears in the top corner.

02/19/2026

This Black History Month, we honor Brad Lomax, a leader whose work connected the Black freedom movement and the disability rights movement and helped shape the Independent Living movement we carry forward today.

Brad Lomax was a member of the Black Panther Party, a wheelchair user living with Multiple Sclerosis, and a dedicated disability rights advocate. In 1975, recognizing the lack of services in his own community, he helped establish the East Oakland Center for Independent Living under Black Panther sponsorship, expanding access to peer support and attendant services in an underserved neighborhood.

He also played a critical role in the historic 1977 Section 504 sit ins, where disabled activists occupied a federal building for 25 days to demand enforcement of the Rehabilitation Act. Lomax’s participation, along with fellow Black Panther Chuck Jackson, strengthened cross movement solidarity. The Black Panther Party provided daily hot meals to sustain protestors throughout the occupation.

His leadership reminds us that the Independent Living movement has always been rooted in lived experience, community leadership, and collective action.

We’re sharing this PBS American Masters video in honor of his legacy. Watch and learn more: https://ow.ly/mQTx50TjtXj

02/18/2026

This Saturday! Don't miss this great chance to make new connections in a welcoming, supportive space.

Have you watched the speed dating scenes on the show Love on the Spectrum? We did and thought about how we could create something similar with more supports. That's when we knew a collab with Frederick County Parks and Recreation, MD would be the way to make it happen! Join us on February 21st for a Meet and Mingle to make new friends and enjoy great conversation and games!

02/17/2026

Our friends at the National Council on Independent Living are raising an important point about the need for clarity and shared understanding when it comes to Home and Community-Based Services.

As Theo Braddy shares, we cannot strengthen or protect services if we are not aligned on what they truly are and how they impact the daily lives of people with disabilities. Clear definitions matter because real lives and real independence are at stake.

Take a moment to read and listen. https://bit.ly/4tYiYth

A Message from Theo Braddy: We Cannot Fix What We Refuse to Define

Listen to the audio version of this message: https://bit.ly/4tHk8c6

Hello again. This is Theo W. Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living, bringing you another message. This one I call “We Cannot Fix What We Refuse to Define”.

I recently logged off a high-level stakeholder meeting with a disturbing realization. People in the room were very smart. They were well-intentioned. They were responsible for implementing supports and services for people with disabilities, and yet they were making major decisions about Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) without a shared understanding of what those services actually are.

The conversation moved quickly, but underneath it all was something more basic and more troubling. We were not speaking the same language. Core services were described in ways that did not reflect the lived realities of people who rely on them every day. Terms were used interchangeably, imprecisely, and sometimes incorrectly.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4tYiYth

Image: Group of 16 gathers on a sidewalk during NCIL's 2025 March to U.S. Capitol, including Theo Braddy and Victor Pineda. Participants are standing in front of a banner that says ADA35 with March and Rally sponsor logos. They are holding signs reading “Listen to Disabled Voices,” “Disability Rights are Human Rights,” and “Speak Up, Stand Out, Fight Back.”

02/13/2026

The Freedom Center will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents Day.

We will reopen during regular business hours on Tuesday, February 17.

IMAGE: Graphic with a faded American flag background and blue border. Text reads: “The Freedom Center will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents Day. We will reopen during regular business hours on Tuesday, February 17.” The Freedom Center 25th anniversary logo appears at the bottom.

02/13/2026

NEXT FRIDAY!

Breakfast favorites are on the menu at February’s Easy Meals! 🍳🥞

Join us for our monthly cooking class and learn practical, independent living skills while making chocolate chip pancakes and omelettes. This is a free, hands-on class with limited space, so be sure to RSVP today.

Friday, February 20, 2026
1:00–4:00 PM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Frederick

RSVP here: https://buff.ly/xpphOOT

You can also register by phone at 301-447-0279.
Questions? Email dbraun@thefreedomcenter-md.org



IMAGE: Flyer for The Freedom Center’s February Easy Meals cooking class featuring a photo of chocolate chip pancakes topped with whipped cream.

02/12/2026

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.

02/12/2026

Your community is your power. Join the Maryland Independent Living community for a conversation led by our very own Dave Drezner, Executive Director of The Freedom Center, focused on practical strategies for peer support, community engagement, and self-advocacy.

I AM Session 5: Building Stronger Independent Living Communities
March 16 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Register here: https://buff.ly/aM6CkSG

Learn how to use your voice to influence policy, strengthen local disability services, and make a meaningful impact in your community. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with Maryland Centers for Independent Living and access resources for ongoing support.

Together, we can build stronger, more connected Independent Living communities.

02/11/2026

Ready to roll into your next chapter?

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, Inc. is looking for women ready to share their stories, advocate for disability rights, and represent the strength of our community.

Who can apply:
- Female, 21 or older
- Maryland resident for at least 6 months
- Use a wheelchair or scooter for mobility
- Ready to champion disability rights

Competition Date: March 21, 2026
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Location: The League for People with Disabilities, Baltimore

To request an application, email: maryland@mswheelchairamerica.org

Support the mission and empower women with disabilities: https://buff.ly/w3gsBjl

Tag someone who should apply and help us spread the word.

IMAGE: Flyer for Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, Inc. with the headline “Roll Into Your Next Chapter.” It states the organization is looking for applicants. Eligibility includes being a female age 21 or older, a Maryland resident for at least six months, using a wheelchair or scooter for mobility, and being ready to share your story and champion disability rights. Competition details list March 21, 2026 at The League for People with Disabilities in Baltimore, with an application deadline of February 28, 2026 and an email address to request an application. A QR code appears in the center labeled “Scan Me.” The right side encourages sharing the flyer and includes a donation link. A small illustration shows diverse women using wheelchairs and mobility devices gathered together outdoors.

02/10/2026

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 high-quality returns and help ensure taxpayers receive refunds and credits they may be eligible for, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

Learn more and find a free tax site near you: https://buff.ly/zwOG9WH

Free Tax Preparation Resources NEW! Direct File Starting in 2025 Marylanders may be eligible to file directly with the IRS for FREE. Learn More Free Tax Preparation UPDATE: Free tax preparation sites in the Baltimore metro area are FULL. Some appointments may become available if there are cancellati...