The Image Center for People with Disabilities

06/12/2026

Your voice matters! 🗣️

Join us for the Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities Listening Session focused on 3-1-1 and Emergency Preparedness. Help shape more accessible city services by sharing your experiences, concerns, and ideas. Together, we can build a more inclusive Baltimore for everyone.

♿️🏙️

06/11/2026

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC) and Maryland’s Centers for Independent Living invite you to join the next I AM Session:

Exploring the Attendant Care Plus Program
Monday, June 15, 2026
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Register for the I AM Session - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XlaFDyIYSqG938HLSWrGPg?utm_source=chatgpt.com #/registration

The Attendant Care Plus (ACP) Program provides financial reimbursement to help individuals with severe chronic or permanent physical disabilities direct their own care and choose their own service providers. This self-directed approach empowers participants to make decisions about the supports they need to live independently in their communities.

During this session, Maxine Morris, Program Manager with the Maryland Department of Disabilities, will provide an overview of the program, eligibility requirements, available services, and how individuals can apply.

Whether you are a person with a disability, family member, advocate, service provider, or simply interested in learning more about independent living supports available in Maryland, this session is for you.

We hope you'll join us for this informative discussion and learn how the Attendant Care Plus Program helps Marylanders live with greater choice, control, and independence.

06/11/2026

Maryland residents now have the option to add a butterfly symbol to their driver's license or identification card to show a developmental or intellectual disability. These disabilities may not be immediately noticeable. The butterfly symbol helps first responders and law enforcement understand a person's needs during an interaction. Adding the symbol is completely voluntary.

06/11/2026

Need help or have a question related to DORS?
Check out DORS' website page; How Can We Help You . . . ? If You Have a Question about DORS

Link - https://dors.maryland.gov/resources/Pages/contact.aspx
• If You Have a Question About Your or a Family Member’s DORS Services
• If you would like to speak with a DORS representative.
• If You Would Like to Speak with a Client Advocate or Get Help with an Appeal
• If You are a Student/Student's Family or School Personnel
• If You Are Advocating on the Behalf of Individuals with Disabilities
• If You Are or Would Like to become a CRP or a DORS approved Vendor
• If You Are an Elected/Appointed Official, helping a constituent
• If You Would Like DORS to Participate in Your Event

06/11/2026

05/27/2026

Please help us spread the word! 🗣️

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (MSILC), in partnership with Centers for Independent Living across the state, is conducting a statewide Needs Assessment Survey to better understand and address the needs of Marylanders with disabilities.

We encourage consumers, caregivers, family members, and service providers to complete the survey and share their experiences, concerns, and priorities. Your feedback will help guide future advocacy, planning, and disability services throughout Maryland.

Survey Link:
https://disabilityresearch.net/survey/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=777001&lang=en

In addition, MSILC will be hosting virtual and in-person Town Halls to hear directly from the community.

Virtual "Independent Living Table Talk" (via Zoom)

Connect with us from anywhere in the state to discuss the issues that matter most to you.

• August 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Zoom Registration - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GYVWKQ2TSZmfhdiwX5ASxA

• September 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Zoom Registration - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/upVlitQYSbi-8fTdb8tqLg


In-Person Town Hall Sessions

We are hitting the road to meet you in your own communities:

- Baltimore Town Hall:
- Location: The League for People with Disabilities
- Date: October 14, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

- Bay Area Town Hall:
- Date: Week of October 5, 2026
- Details: We are heading to the Bay Area! Please keep an eye and ear out for the specific date, time, and location announcement coming soon.

Tools Load unfinished survey You have completed % of this survey % Caution: JavaScript ex*****on is disabled in your browser or for this website. You may not be able to answer all questions in this survey. Please, verify your browser parameters. Maryland Statewide Independent Living Needs Assessment...

05/19/2026

💙🧡 We are incredibly proud to share this amazing collaboration made possible through The IMAGE Center’s Volunteers for Medical Engineering (VME) Program!

University of Maryland engineering students spent two years designing and building a custom motorized therapy swing for a 13-year-old girl with special needs — helping provide greater independence, joy, and accessibility for everyday life.

This project highlights the power of innovation, inclusion, and community partnership. Through the VME Program, lives are being changed one creative solution at a time.

A special thank you to the UMD students, faculty, volunteers, and everyone involved in making this happen for Avaleigh and her family. 💙

Read the full story here: https://www.wmar2news.com/news/region/harford-county/pretty-awesome-umd-students-build-custom-motorized-swing-for-13-year-old-with-special-needs

University of Maryland engineering students spent two years building a custom motorized swing for a 13-year-old Harford County girl with special needs — then delivered it to her front door.

05/19/2026

⛵ Set Sail with Independence Now THIS THURSDAY!

Join us this Thursday, May 21 from 1:30 to 5:00 pm for a fun and inclusive Crab & Adapted Sailing Group Outing. Enjoy the freedom of being out on the water with adapted sailing designed so people of all abilities can participate safely and confidently. Whether you’re new to sailing or just looking for a relaxing and empowering day, this is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun in a supportive environment.

Location: Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating
7040 Bembe Beach Road, Annapolis, MD 21403

SPOTS ARE RUNNING OUT! Reserve yours today.

To RSVP, contact Shannon Minnick at [email protected]. Requests for accommodations should be made at least two weeks in advance.

Come enjoy a day of adventure, accessibility, and community. We can’t wait to see you there.

IMAGE: Graphic promoting an accessible sailing outing with Independence Now and CRAB, featuring people enjoying a sailboat ride.

05/19/2026

HEY HABC! If you're 60 years old or older, you can get free credits for taxi use. See details above.

05/14/2026

Inclusive Influence: Social Media Accessibility Best Practices

Join us to learn why accessible social media matters and explore common barriers that can prevent people from fully engaging with your content. You’ll walk away with simple ways to make your posts more inclusive and impactful.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Register now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/p7csu9h?source_id=9373400c-b392-49cf-85cb-73485f9b9a46&source_type=em&c=Ggp3ipd0QCV-finU9XJyKpg0XpttA01VXJ2B5Ki-9RRF89qwWO2k_w==