Silver Spring, Maryland —Independence Now is pleased to announce the election of Miriam Ruttenberg as Secretary of its Board of Directors. Ruttenberg will serve in this leadership role through June 30, 2027, bringing extensive legal experience, a strong background in disability rights advocacy, and a longstanding commitment to advancing the rights of people with disabilities.
An attorney with three decades of experience, Ruttenberg has dedicated most of her career to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities to be able to live independently in the community and make their own decisions about their lives.
From 2018 to 2023, she served as Training Director for the Mental Health Litigation Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Massachusetts, where she developed and managed certification and continuing legal education programs for court-appointed attorneys. Her work included strengthening accessibility practices in professional training, supporting attorneys representing individuals with disabilities, and contributing to efforts to improve guardianship laws and practices.
Previously, Ruttenberg served as a Senior Attorney and Staff Attorney with the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, advocating for individuals in matters involving mental health care, education, guardianship, and civil rights. She also chaired a statewide coalition that successfully advanced legislation addressing the arrest of students for minor behavioral issues in schools.
Beyond her legal practice, Ruttenberg has contributed to numerous professional and community initiatives, including serving as Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Women’s Bar Foundation’s Women’s Prison and Reentry Project. She has also presented nationally on disability rights, reasonable accommodations, and respectful representation of clients with disabilities.
Ruttenberg earned her Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts from Hampshire College.
Regarding her election to Board Secretary, Ruttenberg said,”I am honored to serve as Secretary of Independence Now’s Board of Directors. After a rewarding year working with fellow Board members and seeing IN’s excellent work firsthand, I look forward to supporting everyone who advances its mission in this new role.”
Independence Now also extends its appreciation to Kim Allen for her service as Board Secretary. Allen has stepped down from the officer position but will continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.
About Independence Now
Independence Now is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living designed, governed, and staffed by people with disabilities and serves consumers residing in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Maryland. Driven by a vision that people with disabilities live independent and fully inclusive lives and are recognized by society as equal, Independence Now offers a comprehensive suite of services that include Information and Referral, Advocacy, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills training, and Transition.
Visit innow.org to learn more and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
