The Image Center for People with Disabilities

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==

05/13/2026

Join the Maryland Independent Living community for the next I AM session!

I AM Session 7: Maryland SILC Updates, IL Table Talk Launch, and the CUP Campaign
DATE: Monday, May 18, 2026
TIME: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Zoom

Register for I AM: https://buff.ly/SA0RT1Z
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC) has been busy working to “work smarter, not harder” to better serve our community. Join us for a warm and inviting session where we’ll pull back the curtain on what the Council is up to and how you can get involved.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS REQUESTS: If you wish to request an ASL interpreter or other reasonable accommodation, please email your request by May 4, 2026 to [email protected].

Register for I AM: https://buff.ly/SA0RT1Z

IMAGE: Graphic with bold red background reading “I AM” in large distressed white text. Below, white text says “Maryland SILC Updates, IL Table Talk Launch, and the CUP Campaign.” Event details read “Monday, May 18, 2:00–3:30 pm.” To the right is the Maryland SILC circular logo overlaid on a Maryland state flag design.

05/13/2026

Improving Disability Employment in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Disabilities (ODEAP) is hosting a provider focus group to gather recommendations on boosting employment success for Marylanders with disabilities. Your expertise is vital in shaping the state's future policies and outcomes.

Join us on May 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at 10270 Old Columbia Road, Suite 100, Columbia, MD 21046 to share your vision and input regarding disability employment.

When registering, please specify:
1. Attendance Mode: Indicate if you will attend in-person or via the hybrid (virtual) option.
2. Accommodations: Please list any specific accessibility requirements you may have.

Can't Attend?
If you are unable to join the session, we still value your input. Please submit your written comments to [email protected] by the deadline of Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

05/13/2026

Attention Harford County residents. Don't miss these exciting events.

05/12/2026

Save the date: May 19th from 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Do you know about the Maryland Client Assistance Program (CAP)? They may be able to help provide information, advice and advocacy to Marylanders with disabilities applying for and receiving services from Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and Centers for Independent Living (CILs).
CAP is having an information session that will:
Introduce the CAP Team
Give a brief overview of DORS and CILs
Discuss the purpose and support that CAP may provide
And offer a time for questions and answers (note: not individual cases)
This meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19th from 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm.
Please click the link for details
https://dors.maryland.gov/resources/Pages/CAP.aspx

05/12/2026

💙🧡 We are here at the Self-Advocacy Fair at the Elks Lodge in Severna Park!

Stop by and visit The IMAGE Center of Maryland to learn more about our Independent Living services, Teen Connect, community programs, and resources available for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Come connect, network, and celebrate the power of self-advocacy and community empowerment with us! We’d love to see you here. ✨