November is National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month, a time to recognize and support the vital role of caregivers in the disability community. CILs can celebrate by hosting virtual workshops or support groups that offer caregivers essential resources, self-care strategies, and peer support.

Promoting caregiver recognition events and sharing accessible materials on caregiver rights and available services will further empower families who are caring for individuals with disabilities. These efforts can help ensure caregivers feel appreciated and supported year-round. For more information, visit the Caregiver Action Network’s website.

Cultivating Gratitude During the Season of Thanksgiving

Greetings One and All,

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of gratitude. It is a time when we come together to appreciate the blessings in our lives and express our heartfelt thanks to those around us.

What Gratitude Means: Gratitude is more than a polite acknowledgment; it is a profound recognition of the goodness we receive. It is the warmth that fills our hearts when we recognize the kindness of others, the beauty of nature, and the simple joys that enrich our days.
Acknowledging Accomplishments: We often celebrate achievements, milestones, and progress. But let us also recognize the accomplishments of those who face unique challenges. People with disabilities, for instance, demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination. Whether it’s the ability to see, walk, communicate, or express themselves, their achievements are worth celebrating.
Expressing Gratitude: This year, let us actively express our gratitude:
- Reach Out: Extend a heartfelt thank you to colleagues, friends, and family. A simple note or conversation can brighten someone’s day.
- Acts of Kindness: Perform random acts of kindness. Hold the door open, lend a helping hand, or offer a genuine compliment.
- Volunteer: Give your time to local charities or community initiatives. Your presence can make a significant impact.
- Practice Mindfulness: Pause and appreciate the present moment. Notice the small blessings—the warmth of the sun, a shared laugh, or a comforting meal.
What Are You Grateful For? Take a moment to reflect on your own blessings:
- Is it the support of loved ones?
- The opportunity to serve our community?
- The privilege of good health?
- The chance to learn and grow?
A Challenge for Us All: Let us challenge ourselves to show gratitude not only through words but also through actions. Let kindness be our currency and compassion our guide. As council members, we have the power to create a positive ripple effect in our community.

Remember, gratitude is contagious. When we express it sincerely, we inspire others to do the same. Let this season of Thanksgiving be a time of reflection, appreciation, and shared goodwill.

With warm regards,

Lorna-Mae Silcott

Executive Director, Maryland SILC

Medicare Open Enrollment Runs Now Thru December 7th

Medicare Open Enrollment Runs October 15th to December 7th

If you have Medicare, October 15th to December 7th is the time to review and make changes to your coverage options. You can:

Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
Change to another Medicare Advantage Plan
Join or change Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

You can make as many changes as needed during this time and the changes will take effect January 1, 2024.

Local assistance is available to help you navigate Medicare Open Enrollment. The Maryland State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free unbiased counseling in all 23 counties and Baltimore City. Call your local SHIP office to schedule an appointment. Visit aging.maryland.gov to learn more.

Raising Your Voice in the 2024 Election

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Are you prepared to cast your ballot?

The disability community has a powerful voice, and voting is one of the most important ways to make it heard. Every election shapes the policies and laws that affect our daily lives, from healthcare and education to transportation and accessibility. That’s why it’s crucial for people with disabilities to show up at the polls and participate in the democratic process.

To help ensure you’re prepared, we encourage you to access these resources provided by our state disability community.

The Maryland Senate Candidate Forum For People with Disabilities and Their Allies: Featuring U.S. Senate Candidates Angela Alsobrooks & Larry Hogan

On October 22, 2024, the Maryland Disabilities Forum invited U.S. Senate Candidates Angela Alsobrooks and Larry Hogan to address our disability community and answer questions important to our powerful voting bloc.

Check out a recording of the forum below:

Accessing Democracy

The National Disability Rights Network made a documentary Accessing Democracy which profiles voters with disabilities as they discuss what their lives are like and what the next president could do to fight for our community. The new documentary short focuses on one of the largest and most neglected voting blocs in the United States – the disability community! Hear from voters about how it’s time for those seeking office to show up for us.

Click below to watch Accessing Democracy:

Making Our Voices Heard: Accessible Voting for the Disability Community

Moderated by Chris Nusbaum, Bridges Project Coordinator and Social Support Specialist at The IMAGE Center, this discussion featured insights from two voting rights experts:

Jeff Kaloc, Governmental Affairs Specialist at the National Federation of the Blind
Braden Stinar, attorney and voting rights specialist at Disability Rights Maryland

The panel dove into the critical importance of understanding your rights as a voter, especially in the upcoming election season. Whether voting in person or by mail, it’s essential to be informed about the accessible options available to you.

Check out a recording of the panel below:

Other Events from the Community

Voting Access Webinar

Disability Rights Maryland, in partnership with the Bay Area Center for Independent Living, hosted a presentation on what to expect at the polls as a voter with a disability, ensuring awareness of important upcoming election deadlines, and registered interested attendees. To learn more, contact Disability Rights Maryland or the Bay Area CIL.

Washington County Voter Workshop

Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc of Washington County, and Maryland Disabilities Forum recently hosted a Voter Workshop tailored for individuals with disabilities to gain valuable insights into accessible voting options, your rights as a voter, and how to make sure your voice is heard at the polls. For more information, contact Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc of Washington County, or the Maryland Disabilities Forum.

More Resources

Additionally, here are some helpful resources to assist you in voting:

Make sure your voice counts this election season. Together, we can ensure that the needs and rights of the disability community are represented in every vote cast!

Celebrating Jade Gingerich: A Champion for the Disability Community

We are proud to acknowledge our esteemed Ex-Officio member, Ms. Jade Gingerich, for her exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the disability community. On September 9th, Jade was honored by the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) for her remarkable 26 years of dedicated service to the state in this vital area.

Throughout her career, Jade has played a pivotal role, both prior to and since the establishment of the Department of Disabilities, advocating tirelessly for policies and initiatives that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her efforts have been instrumental in improving students’ readiness for post-school outcomes, ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to thrive in their future endeavors.

Moreover, Jade has worked diligently to enhance access to employment opportunities for Marylanders with disabilities, championing initiatives that break down barriers and promote inclusivity in the workplace, such as the creation of the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program, Maryland Medicaid Buy-In, and the elimination of subminimum wage.

We are also thrilled to announce that Jade’s hard work has recently been recognized with two significant federal grants. The first, a nearly $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Disability Innovation Fund, will support the development of a transition linkage tool to ensure students with disabilities exit school connected to essential post-school services. The second, totaling $4.5 million from the Social Security Administration (SSA), will focus on utilizing Medicaid data to connect potentially eligible children to Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both grants span five years, and it’s clear that Jade will have a busy and impactful few years ahead!

Jade’s commitment to fostering an equitable environment has made a significant impact on countless lives. We celebrate her not only for her accomplishments but also for her passion and dedication to empowering others. Her work continues to inspire us all, and we are grateful for her leadership in the disability community.

Thank you, Jade, for your outstanding service and commitment to creating a more inclusive Maryland.

Highlighting Ticket to Work During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The Ticket to Work Program is a pivotal initiative by Social Security that empowers individuals with disabilities to pursue employment opportunities while maintaining their benefits. It’s designed to facilitate a smoother transition into the workforce, offering participants the freedom to choose from a variety of service providers that best suit their employment needs. This program underscores the importance of autonomy and tailored support in career development for those receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Benefits counseling serves as a crucial adjunct to the Ticket Program, providing personalized guidance on navigating the complexities of various benefit programs and work incentives. It’s a resource that demystifies the interplay between employment income and benefits, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about their work and financial futures without jeopardizing the support they rely on. Together, the Ticket to Work Program and Benefits Counseling form a comprehensive support system for individuals aiming to achieve financial independence and professional fulfillment.

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967(TTY), Monday through Friday

Maryland SILC Seeking Individuals with Disabilities to Apply to for Council Membership

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council is seeking individuals with disabilities to apply to be a member of the Council. This is a volunteer position.

Maryland SILC promotes the independent living philosophy which includes consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy. These factors are essential to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, as well as to ensure the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of society.

Individuals interested in applying for council membership can download our Membership Application Form to complete and submit along with a resume for consideration.

For questions and additional information, contact executivedirector@marylandsilc.org.

Maryland SILC Appoints Lorna-Mae Silcott as New Executive Director

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lorna-Mae Silcott as its new Executive Director. Lorna-Mae brings various personal and professional independent living philosophy experiences to this role.

She is an individual with a visual impairment who refuses to let anything stop her from achieving her goals. She is an enthusiastic individual who lives life to the fullest. She has been an educator and an advocate for over 20 years and was recently employed as a disability advocate for The Freedom Center which serves Frederick and Carroll County in Maryland. She was employed at the Freedom Center for over 5 years. As a disability advocate at the Freedom Center, she provided youth with pre-employment transition services, was on the housing case management team, received her benefits counseling certification, and was a valued part of the employment network. She also hosted a weekly show called “The Freedom Train” which educated, informed, and encouraged the community.

She served on the MSILC Executive Counsel as Vice-Chair and Secretary for 3 years. In these roles, she expanded her knowledge on promoting the independent living philosophy which includes consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy. In her quest to learn more about Maryland’s SILC, she has attended conferences such as the SILC Congress, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), and the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL).

She strongly believes in serving with excellence and is enthusiastic about letting others know they do not have to settle for less. She believes that her journey from seeing to becoming visually impaired has allowed her an opportunity to use every situation as a teachable moment to educate others about her capabilities, so they are not so focused on her disability. She uses her life story to encourage others and show that if she did it, they can too. Her motto is “I am built for this.” This means that whatever life brings, we are prepared and pre-packaged to manage it. She believes she has much to offer to those she meets, especially in the community, and takes every opportunity to help others achieve their goals.

Lorna-Mae is the proud mother of two incredible career-driven adults. They have both inspired and motivated her to aspire to be one of God’s best.

Lorna-Mae Silcott started in her new role on August 5, 2024.