Our Team-
Melissa Blubaugh
Council Chair
Melissa Blubaugh has been a dedicated member of the disability community for over 32 years, since her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 1993. Her personal experience navigating mobility challenges ignited a powerful commitment to advocacy, leading her to join the Board of Directors of Resources for Independence (RFI), Western Maryland’s Center for Independent Living, in 2011. Recognizing her leadership abilities, the RFI Executive and Assistant Directors encouraged her to pursue an appointment to the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC), which she embraced in the summer of 2020. Today, Melissa holds significant leadership roles on the Maryland SILC serving as Council Chair, Executive Committee Member, and Infrastructure Committee Chair. She continues her long-term service on the RFI Board. Her influential voice has resonated as a Disability Rights Advocate with members of the United States Congress commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. As a sought-after speaker, Melissa shares her insights on her diagnosis, personal journey, and the critical needs of the disability community, and she actively represents the SILC at national forums.