Maryland Department of Disabilities is thinking of hosting one or more events geared towards helping disabled college students connect with each other, learn about policy, provide feedback to the state, learn about job opportunities and resources and more! Interested? Fill out this interest form and stay in the loop.

Accessible PDF Flyer

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 and the incident period for the COVID-19 major disaster both will conclude on May 11, 2023, and federally funded programs will return to normal operations. This process will include an end to the temporary, but significant, changes made to Medicaid enrollment and eligibility rules, as well as to some of the flexibilities extended to State Units on Aging for programs funded through the Older Americans Act. 

To help the aging and disability networks navigate this “unwinding” period, ACL will be sharing program guidance, information and resources, and tips on their COVID-19 website.

Understanding the special education process is important for families of children with disabilities to make sure schools are complying with the regulations set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

School districts are required to provide special education and related services to eligible children with disabilities. Special education is a set of services that children with disabilities receive to support their success at school. The services each student receives are based on their unique needs—and parents are allowed to give consent for the school to provide some services but not others.

Are you familiar with the process and what rights you have by law?

The Arc’s online Special Education Advocacy Curriculum provides the information you need to navigate the special education system. You will get an introduction to IDEA and early intervention services, learn what Section 504 is and who qualifies, find out what procedural safeguards are available for parents, and more.

Start the training now for only $99 and gain the knowledge to advocate for your student to receive the services and supports they need to succeed.

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Accessibility Seminar: The Accessibility of Google Workspace March 22, 2023, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET

Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. via Zoom

Register today for the Google Workspace Seminar

Google’s web-based productivity suite is an attractive alternative to Microsoft Office. Screen reader users can easily use Google Workspace, which includes tools for ensuring the accessibility of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations for users with disabilities. Join us as we explore Google Workspace, demonstrate how its applications work with screen readers, and review some best practices for creating accessible content.

If your organization uses Google Workspace and you need to ensure the accessibility of your content, or if you use a screen reader, you won’t want to miss this training opportunity!

Register today for the Google Workspace Seminar, March 22, 2023, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Speakers Needed!

Independence Now and the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum are hosting Recreating History: A Disability Movement Scavenger Hunt on April 5, 2023 in Washington DC. The scavenger hunt will celebrate significant moments in Disability Rights History that happened in Washington, DC.

Seeking individuals who were present during these events, particularly the 1990 “Capitol Crawl,” to speak to event participants about their experiences.

Lunch will be provided to all participants. If you would like to speak at “Recreating History” or would like to learn more about the event, contact Danielle Bustos at dbustos@innow.org or 240-898.2189.