Independence Now, Inc.

11/24/2025

Giving Tuesday is almost here, and you can help us build strong momentum before December 2. Making a gift today will support people with disabilities in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties gain the skills, confidence, and resources they need to live independently.

The best way to make an impact is through our Facebook fundraiser. Every public donation helps expand our reach and encourages others to join in.

♥️ Give today and help us move closer to our Giving Tuesday goal: https://buff.ly/tq9WbOG

📣 Please share this post to help spread the word.

11/24/2025

Great news for MobilityLink riders. Reservations through the Mobility App are back up and running. If you use the app, you may need to log in again or restart it the first time you open it.

11/21/2025

Spread Holiday Cheer with Independence Now!

This holiday season, you can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by supporting Independence Now’s Amazon Holiday Wish List!

Your gift, big or small, helps us bring joy, independence, and connection to our consumers during the holidays. Each item on our list directly supports someone in our community, from adaptive tools and home essentials to fun surprises that will brighten the season.

You don’t have to wait until the holidays to give back! We know the holidays can be tough and money can get tight, so we’re starting our drive early, giving you the chance to spread kindness now, without hesitation. Every gift makes an impact!

Visit our Amazon Wish List: https://buff.ly/7TruLKf

Choose a gift that speaks to your heart and ship it directly to Independence Now.

Together, we can make the holidays brighter and remind our community that they are seen, valued, and celebrated.

11/21/2025

Our Weekly Roundup is here. Catch up on ways to support the community this Giving Season, register for I AM Session 3: Social Security Made Simple, and check out our upcoming events and partner opportunities. From our Holiday Celebration to youth programs, wellness classes, research studies, and more, there are so many ways to get involved and stay connected.

Read now! - https://mailchi.mp/0c53339d083d/11212025

11/21/2025

You’re Invited! Independence Now Holiday Celebration!

Get ready to dance, sing, and celebrate YOU at Independence Now’s biggest bash of the year! Join us for “Dancing into the Holidays!” an afternoon filled with good food, great music, karaoke fun, and awesome raffles. Whether you’re busting a move or belting out your favorite tune, this celebration is all about joy, connection, and community.

When: Friday, December 12, 2025, from noon to 3:00 PM
Where: Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center
1319 Apple Ave Activity 2, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Dancing into the Holidays: A Holiday Celebration—together!

ADA Reasonable Accommodations: Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon a 2-week request before the event.

To request any reasonable accommodation or register to participate in the event, please contact Shannon Minnick at sminnick@innow.org or 240-638-0070.

IMAGE: Invitation graphic for Independence Now’s Holiday Celebration. The background is black with gold sparkles and large gold snowflakes. Text reads: “You’re invited! Holiday Celebration. December 12, 2025 from 12 PM to 3 PM. Silver Spring Recreation & Aquatic Center, 1319 Apple Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910.” Independence Now logo appears at the top.

11/20/2025

You’re invited to Goals with Heart: Creating Purpose Through Art and Giving

Join us for an uplifting afternoon of creativity, reflection, and giving back. Together, we’ll explore how setting personal goals can inspire kindness and turn that inspiration into art gifts for residents of a local nursing facility.

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Independence Now
12301 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD

No art experience needed—just bring your creativity and your heart.

To register or request accommodations, contact Sammi Hampton at shampton@innow.org

Learn more: https://buff.ly/CAcXDV0

Together, we’ll explore how setting personal goals can inspire kindness — and turn that inspiration into a beautiful art project gift that will be shared with residents in a local nursing facility.

11/20/2025

The Maryland Department of Disabilities is hosting an important webinar on home modifications, and we encourage our community to take part.

Home Modifications: What They Are and How to Get Them
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
1:00–2:00 PM EST

From ramps and grab bars to walk-in tubs, stair lifts, faucet extenders, and smart home technology, home modifications can play a crucial role in helping people remain safe and independent where they live. This session will explain what these modifications are and how to access them in Maryland.

Register here: https://buff.ly/3Rg4YHa

Independence Now has a specialist dedicated to supporting home modification needs. If you need assistance navigating or requesting home modifications so you can remain independent in your own home, contact Jake Clark at 240-898-2188 or email jclark@innow.org. We’re here to help.

IMAGE: Screenshot of a Maryland Department of Disabilities email promoting a November 26, 2025 session on home modifications, with event details and an image of a stair lift.

11/20/2025

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.

11/19/2025

In case you missed it, the recording of Rev Up Your Voice is now available!

This session breaks down why voting matters for people with disabilities and offers clear, practical guidance on accessible voting, voter registration, absentee ballots, and more.

Whether you’re a first-time voter or a long-time advocate, this conversation gives you tools and confidence to make your voice heard.

Watch the full session here: https://youtu.be/hAqUjLgXiY4

Your vote matters and your voice is powerful. This recorded session, “Rev Up Your Voice,” brings together disability advocates and community members for a dy...

11/19/2025

On November 12th, Independence Now proudly hosted its first annual Assistive Technology Resource Fair for the Blind and Visually Impaired!

We are thrilled to share that the event had an incredible turnout of members of the blind and visually impaired community, families, and vendors all came together to learn, connect, and explore resources designed to support independence.

Independence Now would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended. We hope you left with valuable information, new connections, and the tools you need to continue your journey toward greater independence.

If you need additional support or have questions about resources, please reach out to us anytime.
www.innow.org

We also want to give a special thank you to our amazing vendors for their partnership and dedication to the community:

- Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP)
- Maryland Relay
- Maryland Accessible Telecommunications
- National Federation of the Blind – Sligo Creek Chapter
- Able Services

IMAGES: Seven photos show attendees, staff, and vendors interacting, exploring assistive technology devices, and receiving resources during Independence Now’s Assistive Technology Resource Fair for the blind and visually impaired. Alt text embedded in individual photos.

11/18/2025

COMMENT PERIOD ENDING SOON!

The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board is inviting residents and community members to share feedback during the public comment period for the draft Visualize 2050 National Capital Region Transportation Plan.

The comment period runs from October 23 to November 21, 2025. You can review the draft plan, the FY 2026–2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Air Quality Conformity Analysis Report at https://buff.ly/2uZ6hx8.

Visit the Get Involved page to learn how to submit comments or share information with your networks: https://buff.ly/tAEH1JW

A TIP Forum will also be held on November 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). You can attend in person or join virtually at https://buff.ly/22GTSLO.

The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, WMATA, and the District, Maryland, and Virginia DOTs held a TIP Forum on November 13. The forum included short presentations about the programming process and the projects included in the TIP. Learn more.