Melissa Blubaugh, Board Chair

Melissa Blubaugh has been a member of the disability community for nearly 30 years, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993. As MS impacted her mobility, she reached out to her local agencies for information about opportunities and services available for people with disabilities. What began as a need for self-advocacy led her onto the path to advocate for her peers in the disability and IL communities. In 2011, Melissa accepted a seat on the Board of Directors of Resources for Independence (RFI), the Center for Independent Living serving consumers residing in Western Maryland. At the urging of the RFI Executive and Assistant Directors, she applied for appointment to the Statewide Independent Living Council. In addition to Melissa’s commitment to serving as Vice-chair and Executive Committee member of the Maryland SILC, she is overjoyed to continue her long-term service as an RFI Board Member. In July 2021, Melissa was among the Disability Rights Advocate panelists celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at a Facebook live Equity & Justice Roundtable with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Congressman David Trone on National Disability Independence.