Danielle Bustos is a DMV Doer!
Shout out to our very own Danielle Bustos, who was recently featured as a DMV Doer by DC News Now!
Highlights from the 2025 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
The 2025 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MDYLF), held June 26–28, was a memorable and meaningful experience for young leaders with disabilities from across the state. Through interactive sessions, peer connections, and hands-on learning, participants explored leadership, advocacy, and independent living. The event wrapped up with a graduation ceremony recognizing each participant’s growth and engagement. See[…]
A Strong Start for the 2025 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
If last Saturday was any indication, Independence Now’s 2025 Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is on track to be one of our best yet! Under a bright, sunny sky at the University of Maryland, high school students from across the state—along with their families—gathered for an exciting kickoff event. The day was filled with energy, connection,[…]
Celebrating 25 Years of MDYLF: Calling All Alumni to Inspire the Next Generation!
This is an opportunity to share your journey, reflect on your MDYLF experience, and inspire the next generation of leaders!
Now Accepting Applications! 2022 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
The Maryland Youth Leadership Forum is now accepting applications for our 2022 event happening from Thursday, June 23rd to Saturday, June 25th, 2022. This exciting and educational training program includes the opportunity to meet with Maryland leaders with or without disabilities, participate in a legislative activity via zoom, build new skills for the future, and[…]
Congrats to 2021 Rising Star Award Recipient, Montel Medley!
It is with great joy that we present this award in Deborah Jackson’s honor and memory to Montel Medley who carries on her commitment to an independent life.
Focus on Transition Services
Montel went from Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegate to College Graduate! He says he’s made a lot of friends along the way.
Nurse Betsy on the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
“By meeting other students with a variety of disabilities, each delegate comes to realize that they are not alone in this world. It is amazing the positive transformation that students undergo within a short time period.”
Top 5! Transitioning Youth Services
We’re counting down the top 5 ways in which youth ages 16-30 can engage with Independence Now!
Spotlight on Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
MDYLF is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students with disabilities in their final years of high school who attend a four-day event with training on leadership, disability history and culture, advocacy, and careers.