2026 New Year Message
the unyielding strength of the independent living movement.
2026 New Year Message: Our Strength is in Our Struggle
To Our Valued Partners, Advocates, and the Maryland Disability Community:
As we stand at the threshold of 2026, I am reminded that the history of the Independent Living movement has never been one of quiet paths or easy victories. It has been a history of “good trouble,” of demanding a seat at the table, and of transforming “impossible” into “mandatory.”
Today, we face a horizon that tests our resolve. With a state budget deficit looming and significant proposed cuts to the services that sustain our independence, many in our community feel the weight of uncertainty. We are navigating a period where the very infrastructure of our autonomy—from self-directed services to the dedicated workforce that supports them—is under immense pressure.
Facing the Challenge
We do not ignore these challenges; we meet them with the clarity and courage they demand. The proposed $458 million reduction to disability services is more than a line item—it is a threat to the quality of life for over 21,000 Marylanders. It is a challenge to our shared vision of a Maryland where every individual, regardless of disability, can live, work, and thrive in their own community.
The Power of “We”
But let us be clear: Strength is not the absence of struggle; it is the mastery of it. Our community is not defined by our limitations, but by our resilience. While the fiscal climate may be cold, the fire of our advocacy has never been hotter.
- To our CIL Partners: Your dedication on the front lines ensures that “Independent Living” remains a reality, not just a philosophy.
- To our Legislators: We are here to partner with you, but we are also here to remind you that the rights of Marylanders with disabilities are non-negotiable.
- To our Community: Your voice is the most powerful tool we possess. In 2026, we will use it louder than ever before.
Our Resolution for 2026
This year, the Maryland SILC commits to more than just “monitoring” the State Plan for Independent Living. We commit to radical inclusion. We will fight to protect the funding that prevents institutionalization. We will advocate for a workforce that is paid fairly for the essential work they do. And we will continue to build a Maryland where inclusion is not an afterthought, but a foundation.
The “blank page” of 2026 is before us. Let us write a chapter of defiance against the status quo and a testament to the power of collective action.
We are still here. We are still strong. And we are just getting started.
Happy New Year,
Lorna Mae Silcott
Executive Director Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council