On Thursday, February 26, staff and advocates from Independence Now joined fellow Centers for Independent Living (CILs), consumers, and disability advocates from across Maryland for Independent Living Day in Annapolis. At a time when funding and policy decisions are directly impacting people with disabilities, it was more important than ever for our community to show up, speak out, and stand together.
Click here to see the photo album for Independent Living Day 2026 on Facebook.
Throughout the day, Independence Now met with key legislators and staff, including Delegate Tiffany Alston (District 24, Prince George’s County), Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (District 20, Montgomery County), Delegate Derrick Coley (District 24, Prince George’s County), Delegate Andrea C. Harrison (District 24, Prince George’s County), Delegate David Moon (District 20, Montgomery County), Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins (District 20, Montgomery County), Senator Joanne C. Benson (District 24, Prince George’s County), and Senator William C. Smith, Jr. (District 20, Montgomery County). We also had the pleasure of encountering Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller during the day. These conversations created space to share real experiences from our consumers and to reinforce the essential role CILs play in advancing independence, access, and inclusion in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.
A central focus of our discussions was the impact of funding cuts to Nursing Facility Outreach programs, also known as Money Follows the Person (MFP). These programs connect individuals living in nursing facilities with peer mentors who have successfully transitioned back into the community. This work is not abstract policy. It is life-changing support that promotes independence, community integration, and cost-effective alternatives to institutional care.
While we recognize the difficult fiscal landscape facing Maryland, we emphasized the long-term value of investing in community-based supports that strengthen families, expand workforce participation, and uphold the right of people with disabilities to live where and how they choose.
Lunch was generously provided by the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC), and we heard remarks from Delegate Mark Chang (District 32, Anne Arundel County); John Brennan, Assistant Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD); Jennifer Eastman, Director of Community Living Policy with MDOD; and Rachel Fishman, Administrator of the Maryland Partnership for Affordable Housing. Their insights reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration as we work to strengthen opportunities for people with disabilities to live and thrive in their communities.
Independent Living Day is a powerful reminder that advocacy matters. When we come together to share our stories and build relationships with lawmakers, we help shape policies that protect independence and expand opportunity across our state. Independence Now is proud to stand alongside our partners and our community in that work.
