Accessible Resources for Independence

09/03/2026

Looking for ways to lower your utility bills or get help keeping your power on?

The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel is offering a series of free webinars covering energy assistance, utility protections, ways to save money, and more.

Upcoming sessions run September through December and are free to attend.

Sign up: https://opc.maryland.gov/Consumer-Webinar-Sign-up

Maryland Office of People's Counsel website

09/02/2026

Technology can be a powerful tool for independence!

Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI) was excited to participate in the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration’s annual Technology Solutions: Building My Good Life event, celebrating Maryland’s commitment as a Technology First state.

It was a great opportunity to connect with the community, share resources, and showcase some of the assistive technology (AT) that can help people with disabilities live more independently at home, at work, and in the community.

Did you know? ARI can help you acquire and utilize assistive technology that supports greater independence. Our team can help you explore AT options, connect with available resources, and identify tools that can make everyday activities easier at home, at work, and in the community.

From simple everyday devices to technology-based solutions, sometimes the right tool can make a big difference.

Want to learn more about ARI’s Assistive Technology Program? Contact our AT program Manager, Betsy Hein, at [email protected].

09/02/2026

Join us for an important virtual discussion on September 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM–2:00 PM about disability rights, advocacy, and living independently in the community!

Featured Speaker: Audrey Sellers
Advocate with Disability Rights Maryland
Register: https://buff.ly/lxri29E

Audrey will lead a presentation about knowing your rights, advocating for yourself, and understanding resources and protections available to people with disabilities. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about advocacy and how to speak up for the services and supports needed to live the life they choose.

We welcome:
-Individuals with disabilities
-Social Workers & Case Managers
-Nursing Facility Residents & Staff
-Family Members & Friends
-Community Members and Advocates

Your life. Your choices. Your voice. Join the conversation and take the next step toward getting your life back!

08/28/2026

Heartfelt congratulations to Secretary Carol Beatty on receiving the WeAchieve Legacy Champion Award! Your leadership and lifelong commitment to advancing independence, accessibility, and opportunity for people with disabilities have made a lasting impact across Maryland. All of us at Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI) are grateful for your advocacy and proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition with you!

Huge congrats to Secretary Carol A. Beatty on winning the WeAchieve Legacy Champion Award!

Thank you, Secretary Beatty, for everything you do for Marylanders with disabilities. Your endless advocacy, vision, and dedication to accessibility and real inclusion make such a huge difference—and inspire all of us every single day.

08/28/2026

Important information for Maryland Medicaid participants.

Your health coverage is important! Federal changes to Medicaid are coming in 2027. Maryland wants you to stay covered. Check in to find out if you’re impacted by these changes: marylandhealthconnection.gov/checkin/.

08/27/2026

Your voice matters. Your presence counts.

Accessible Resources for Independence and the Autism Society of Maryland invite you to a Virtual Community Meeting on Safety & the Disability Community in Howard County on Tuesday, September 1 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Join the conversation about safety concerns affecting people with disabilities in Howard County. Together, we’ll identify challenges and discuss solutions that support accessibility and well-being throughout our community.

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link: https://buff.ly/MCoq9F3

ASL interpretation and simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided.

The meeting will be facilitated by the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center and is funded through a grant from the Ethan Saylor Alliance, a program of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, in partnership with Howard County.

08/27/2026

Looking for free, convenient women’s health services? The Mama & Baby Mobile Health Unit will be back onsite at LARS on September 15th and 29th!

Services are FREE — no insurance required!

Services include:
• Wellness exams
• Mammograms
• STI screening
• Breast exams
• Pregnancy care & testing
• Pap smears
• Birth control exams & counseling

Share this post with a mom, sister, friend, or loved one who may benefit.

08/25/2026

Come experience wheelchair tennis in Annapolis!

The Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County is hosting a wheelchair tennis exhibition on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Naval Academy Brigade. Watch a world-class exhibition, then stick around for pizza and an opportunity to try a sports chair!

1:00 p.m. – Exhibition
2:00 p.m. – Pizza and try a sports chair

Wheelchair tennis classes are also being offered throughout August, with sports chairs provided. Walkers and electric chairs are welcome.

Questions? Contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

08/25/2026

Looking for a fun way for kids to get moving, try sports, and make new friends?

The Adaptive Open Gym at Severna Park Community Center offers a welcoming space for boys and girls ages 4–13 to play and build skills. Sessions are free to the adaptive sports community!

Saturdays this fall, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Severna Park Community Center, Main Gym
Fall dates: Sept. 5, 12 & 19; Oct. 3, 17 & 31; Nov. 7, 14 & 21

Register by Sept. 3 by emailing [email protected]

08/24/2026

🚗 Practice makes a traffic stop a little less stressful!

Pathfinders for Autism is hosting a free Traffic Stop Practice Session for drivers and passengers of all ages on Monday, November 2, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Marley Glen School in Glen Burnie.

Practice being pulled over with local law enforcement and learn helpful tips for interacting with first responders during an emergency.

Free to attend. Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/cMSBtLS

Anne Arundel County Traffic Stop Practice Sessions for Drivers and Passengers EVERYONE feels anxiety when they see that police car light up behind them and may worry about what will happen next. Come interact and practice being pulled over with local deputies and officers. This program is fully incl...