Realize the Possibilities of Independent Living
Powerful peer to peer support for people with disabilities to become more independent in their lives and communities.
Shannon Minnick
Deputy Director
240-638-0070
sminnick@innow.org
“We are people with disabilities advocating and educating our peers to be more independent in homes and communities. We operate according to the philosophy that people with disabilities govern their own lives. We provide an array of services to people with ALL types of disabilities who live in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Contact me to learn more about our five independent living core services and start on your road to independence, whatever that may look like for you!”
Our Independent Living Core Services
Contact us about our services and programs to see firsthand
our commitment to freedom, power, and Independence Now!
Peer Counseling
It is our belief that individuals with disabilities are the best guides to independence; therefore, Independent Living Specialists:
- serve as role models
- assist with self-exploration
- assist with self-directed goals setting and achievement
- direct consumers to appropriate services and programs
- serve as advocates
Individual & Systems Advocacy
- System Advocacy – Staff interacts with local, state, and federal legislators and agency leaders on behalf of people with disabilities to advocate for more responsive disability policy in personal assistance services, housing, employment, transportation, youth/transition, visitability and other major issue areas.
- Individual Advocacy – Staff works individually and in group settings with consumers to assist with increasing their personal self-advocacy skills and knowledge of their civil rights.
Independent Living Skills Training
IL Specialists facilitate one-on-one and group skills trainings in an array of areas to promote independence, such as:
- independent housing
- decision making and time management
- local, national and legislative laws
- transportation and employment
- budgeting, cooking and kitchen safety
- other areas according to individualized needs
Information and Referral (I&R)
As a resource and advocacy center, IN serves as a guide through the maze of services by connecting consumers and the general public with current information on programs, equipment and community resources. Information and referrals help assist consumers to build a network of supports as they pursue goal achievements and furtherance of their independence.
Referrals are also made to other community organizations and programs.
IN publishes a monthly newsletter “IN Touch” that outlines all monthly and quarterly activities such as:
- Housing Information Seminars
- Employment Seminars
- Lunch or Dinner and Movie (this combines our Creative Cooking Class and Advocate’s Theater)
- Transportation Action Group (TAG)
- Let’s Get Together (for people wanting and waiting to move to the community)
Transition
Transition services has several parts, first, supporting students with disabilities transition from high school to work or post-secondary education. It is also Transition and Diversion from Nursing Homes- Assisting to make the transition from institutions back into the community and into their own homes or to prevent Nursing Facility placement.
News & Updates
What's Happening in the Independent Living Community
A Day to Recharge: Highlights from Independence Now’s 2025 Staff Retreat
https://www.innow.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Staff-Retreat.mp4 A slideshow of Independence Now staff enjoying their annual retreat: painting masks, smiling with a therapy dog, engaging in games like charades, and attending a wellness talk. Candid, joyful moments show relaxation, connection, and creativity. At Independence Now, our staff work every day to empower people with disabilities to live independently and on their
Anchors Aweigh with Independence Now!
On June 3rd, Independence Now staff and consumers set sail on an unforgettable adventure with Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) in beautiful Annapolis, MD. The sun was shining, the breeze was perfect, and the smiles were endless as we experienced the freedom and joy of adaptive sailing! Animated GIF featuring a smiling woman in a
Embracing Spring: A Time for Renewal, Self-Care, and Empowerment
As the chill of winter gives way to the warmth of spring, we at Independence Now your Center for Independent Living serving Montgomery and Prince George’s counties celebrate this season of renewal and growth. Prioritizing Self-Care Spring invites us to rejuvenate not only our surroundings but also our well-being. Engaging in self-care is essential, especially
Community Resources & Information
Maryland Youth Leadership Forum