Barrier-Free
  • Home
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • Our Story & Core Values
    • Meet the Team
    • Booking Barrier-Free
    • Calendar
    • Stay Connected
  • Programs
    • Inclusive Theater Companies
    • Life Skills & Social Studio >
      • Intake for New Members
      • Weekly Registration
      • Studio FAQ
    • Individual Skill Coaching
    • Expressive Arts Programs
    • Music Studio >
      • Music Studio New Members
      • Weekly Registration
    • OUT Loud
    • Social Club
  • Get Involved
    • Enroll
    • Attend an Event
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
    • Jobs
  • Media
  • Blog
  • Store
  • Donate
    • Sponsorship Levels

Barrier-Free Blog

People with Disabilities and Finances

6/24/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
*Disclaimer: I am in no way a financial expert. I am speaking from my personal experience and those around me.* 

​
Money is what makes the economy thrive. Money is a part of our everyday life. For people with disabilities, it can be challenging to understand the concept of money. It can be challenging because concepts of having money are often abstract and you're unable to physically see it. They may have trouble understanding a need vs. want, where the money comes from, balancing a budget, or making change. They often need someone to support them in their financial decisions. It may be a skill that is worked on for a lifetime.

If someone with a disability applies to Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to receive funding and is approved, they are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. Medicaid does not allow a person using their service to have more than 2,000 dollars in the banking account, both checking and savings combined. This can be difficult to manage if the person with a disability works 30 to 40 hours a week. When working 30-40 hours a week, I would have to withdraw a large portion of my paycheck, so I wouldn't exceed the 2,000 dollar limit. Now that I'm working part-time, I don't have to do that often.

A person with a disability may be unable to work full-time. This could be for a variety of reasons. It could be because of access to transportation, the job's physical demands, or personal preference. Because of being unable to work full-time and not having more than 2,000 dollars in one's bank account, it's easy for people with disabilities to live in poverty. Once in one federal program, you often put into another or qualify for another. Because it's easy for people with disabilities to easily be in poverty, parents, family members, or those supporting the individual are left financially supporting them. On top of the massive toll, it takes to care for someone with a disability. 
​

Some staggering statistics about socioeconomic status and people with disabilities: 
  • Median earnings for people with no disability were over $30,469, compared to the $20,250 median income reported for individuals with a disability (U.S. Census Bureau, 2015) 
  •  In an extensive study of individuals 65 years and older, 20.9% of those without a disability failed to complete high school, compared to 25.1% and 38.6% of individuals with a non-severe or severe disability, respectively, who were unable to finish high school (Steinmetz, 2006).
  • According to the 2015 Census, about 15.1% of the population age 25 and over with a disability have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher, while 33% of individuals in the same age category with no disability have attained the same educational status (U.S. Census Bureau, 2015).
It's also no secret that those of lower socioeconomic status have poor health and lower quality of life. In April 2017, a study in the American Journal of Public Health found the life expectancy in the United States of those with autism spectrum disorder to be 36 years old compared to 72 years old for the general population. Another study examined the association between income and life expectancy in the United States from 2001 to 2014. It found between the top 1% and bottom 1% of the income distribution, life expectancy differed by 15 years for men and 10 years for women. This is a huge difference. 
How to Help: 
Those in Maryland or Pennsylvania. Ask your Senators to support and co-sponsor the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Savings Penalty Elimination Act! Tell your Senators that $2,000 - $3,000 in asset limits is just not enough to live! These limits have not been updated since 1989, forcing many people with disabilities into poverty.
To learn more and to take action, click HERE
https://action.thearc.org/VynIJ0a?p2asource=email-062422
Terms to Know: 
​H.U.D./Section 8: housing assistance for people with disabilities 
DDA: Developmental Disabilities Administration  The DDA is the primary State agency that funds community-based services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.
The DDA provides a coordinated service delivery system, so that people receive appropriate services oriented toward the goal of full integration into their community.

Medicaid: Medicaid provides health coverage to individuals and families with limited income and resources. You’re automatically offered Medicaid if you receive other types of public assistance. That may include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Foster Care. Low-income families, children, pregnant women, and aged, blind, or disabled adults may also qualify for Medicaid. You can have private health insurance and be eligible for Medicaid.
ABLE account: ​The federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act authorized states to establish tax-advantaged savings programs so individuals with disabilities can save and invest money (up to $16,000 a year) without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits. 
Sources: 
https://health.maryland.gov/dda/pages/dda.aspx​ 
https://211md.org/resources/health-care/medicaid/
https://www.ablenow.com/learn/basics/​
Joseph Guan, Guohua Li. Injury mortality in individuals with autism. American Journal of Public Health. April 2017
https://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/publications/factsheet-disability.pdf​
​
Chetty, R., Stepner, M., Abraham, S., Lin, S., Scuderi, B., Turner, N., Bergeron, A., & Cutler, D. (2016). The Association Between Income and Life Expectancy in the United States, 2001-2014. JAMA, 315(16), 1750–1766. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.4226
Picture

​Written by Emily Wachter

​Emily Wachter is the owner and entrepreneur of Photography through Autism. She is a lifelong writer and photographer with a passion for disability rights, social justice, and psychology. She is a college student at Carroll Community College with dreams of being a case manager. Emily has spoken on a number of disability panels on living with autism and experiences of bullying. She is involved with a number of disability groups in Maryland, including YoungLife Capernaum, Disability Express Group, and Special Olympics. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends, coloring, and shopping.

0 Comments

Autism Awareness vs. Acceptance

4/20/2022

0 Comments

 
April marks Autism Awareness Month. Every parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those with Autism Spectrum Disorder will tell you that every day, every month of every year is Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a lifelong disability. According to Webster's Dictionary, acceptance means 1. the act of taking or receiving something offered. 2. favorable reception; approval; favor. 3. the act of assenting or believing: acceptance of a theory. 4. the fact or state of being accepted or acceptable. Awareness means 1. the state or condition of being aware; having knowledge; consciousness. 

Awareness is knowing that something is happening. 
Acceptance is seeing a person for who they are. 
Awareness is focused on shortcomings or deficits. 
Acceptance is focused on what you're good at and what can you do for yourself. 
Awareness means you can identify a neurodiversity. 
Acceptance means you're able to talk to neurodiverse individuals and gain understanding and compassion. 
Awareness is trying to cure me. 
Acceptance is not trying to cure me. 
Picture
Image created by Maisie Moore she/they - Autism Advocate @mini.moores
Sources:
https://nsadvocate.org/2018/03/20/autism-awareness-or-acceptance-two-very-different-mindsets/
https://www.instagram.com/mini.moores/​
Picture

Written by Emily Wachter

Emily Wachter is the owner and entrepreneur of Photography through Autism. She is a lifelong writer and photographer with a passion for disability rights, social justice, and psychology. She is a college student at Carroll Community College with dreams of being a social worker. Emily has spoken on a number of disability panels on living with autism and experiences of bullying. She is involved with a number of disability groups in Maryland, including YoungLife Capernaum, Disability Express Group, and Special Olympics. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends, coloring, and shopping.

0 Comments

April Bulletin

4/12/2022

0 Comments

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Logo

April Bulletin

Contents:

  • Autism Awareness Month

  • Performance Photo Galleries

  • THANK YOU - Purple Bucket!

  • PEEPshow Now Open

  • Virtual Info Session

  • NEW Programs & Classes

  • Art & Wine Festival

  • Community Events

Barrier-Free Announcements

Celebrating Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month April 1 - 30

Join us all throughout April and year-round as we celebrate the achievements, talents, and abilities, of neurodiverse individuals with autism!

Performance Photo Galleries

A BIG thank you to Mort Shuman for expertly capturing our Saturday, March 19th performances!

Click Here - S’mores Wars Photos
Click Here - One Star Resort Photos

THANK YOU!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

27 days, three phenomenal performances, over 80 unique donors, and two matching donors, we have raised $20,104 for our Purple Bucket Campaign.

Thank you for helping us keep our programs affordable and accessible. Thank you for supporting our mission. Thank you for supporting inclusion.

Click Here to Donate

15th Annual PEEPshow!

The 15th Annual PEEPshow opens TODAY April 8 - 18 at The TownMall of Westminster!

Please vote online or in-person for Barrier-Free's submission "S'mores Wars” made by our Studio members!

This sweet fundraising event features marshmallow masterpieces all crafted from or inspired by PEEPS®. You can view the entries for free and buy votes for your favorites, with all proceeds benefiting the Arts Council.

Barrier-Free is proud to be funded in part by a Community Arts Development grant from the Carroll County Arts Council.

Virtual Info Session

Join us on Zoom Tuesday, April 19th at 6:15pm to learn about Barrier-Free's Life Skills & Social Studio, NEW Music Studio offerings, and Expressive Arts Classes.

Current and prospective Barrier-Free"ers" are encouraged to attend as well as community members seeking to learn more about Barrier-Free.

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

Click Here to Register

NEW - Barrier-Free Music Studio

Mike Morton, aka "Music Mike," Barrier-Free’s beloved Music Director is proud to present Barrier-Free’s Music Studio!

Music is a universal language that anyone can understand, and at the Barrier-Free Music Studio our goal is to make music accessible to everyone! We offer musical classes, lessons, and support for people of all abilities, with a focus on self expression and gaining self-confidence in your own voice. Music is an amazing way to break down the barriers that divide us.

Music Mike will be offering Music & Mentorship private lessons and Jam Sessions at The Music Studio located at 7520 Main St #103 Sykesville, MD 21784 on Sundays.

Click Here to Learn More

Click Below to see a Jam Session Sneak Peek

Summer Classes Now Enrolling!

All Summer classes will be offered IN-PERSON. Please check class details for the location.

BUNDLE & SAVE - click “Learn More” on any class.

​Currently Barrier-Free is not offering any virtual programming.

Summer Improv

Barrier-Free’s beloved summer class is back for ANOTHER round of acting fun! During the course of this 8-week class, participants will learn and engage in the basics of character-based improv and sketch comedy.

Learn More

Power Up!

This 8-week class will encourage individuals to practice various physical & drama skills - coordination, balance, and nonverbal communication - through lots of fun activities and exercises. These activities will include anything from a football toss to hip-hop dancing - something to keep everyone engaged and excited!

Learn More

Join us at the Art & Wine Festival

Saturday, May 7

Barrier-Free Life Skills & Social Studio members are thrilled to be an Art Vendor at the upcoming Art & Wine Festival in Downtown Sykesville!

Stop by to support our members!

Learn More

Community Events

Run Wild for Autism

Please join Pathfinders for Autism for their 12th Annual Run Wild for Autism. The run is back in person at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore to bring a day of awareness, competition and fundraising for the community.

Learn More

Transition Symposium

​​​​​​​A free 4-part webinar series designed for transitioning individuals and their families.

There are two webinars left!

Learn More

Shine in Your Own Light Showcase

Join the Howard Count Autism Society for an evening of artistic expression! Shine! in Your Own Light Showcase featuring the performances and visual art of teens and adults with Autism.

Learn More

Thank you for you support!

Highlights from S’mores Wars at McDaniel College Theater!

Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon YouTube icon
Logo

0 Comments

March Bulletin

3/5/2022

0 Comments

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Logo

March Bulletin

Contents:

  • Inclusive Theater Shows

  • Guest Actor Cameos

  • Order a Digital Show Copy

  • Purple Bucket Campaign

  • NEW Music Studio

  • Spring & Summer Classes

  • Community Events

Barrier-Free Announcements

Join us for S’mores Wars & One Star Resort!

Join us March 12 & 13 2022 for the premiere of S'mores Wars & One Star Resort, LIVE & IN PERSON!

First, join us on Sweet Retreat Isle for the S'mores Wars competition! Reigning champion, Flamin' Roger, and his group of campfire friends will be coaching and cheering on a team of new competitors, each hoping to secure a win. Mix in a goofy airport crew, campfire songs, and WAY too much baggage for a laugh-out-loud adventure from start to finish! Ready? Set. S'mores!

Up next, what happens when a seemingly "great deal" dream island getaway turns into a vacation nightmare? You wind up at a One Star Resort complete with a bumpy shuttle service, a vegan restaurant, and a janky maintenance man named Steve. That's right. Steve. Brace for impact!

Click Here to Learn More About our Inclusive Theater Companies
Click Here to Purchase Advance Tickets

Guest Actor Cameos

Barrier-Free is thrilled to welcome Mayor Mona Becker and Mayor Stacy Link to the stage on Saturday, March 12 at 7pm and Sunday, March 13 at 2pm!

Dr. Becker has been a Westminster resident since 2003 and a champion for our community!

In addition to her role as the Mayor of Westminster, Dr. Becker co-founded the Environmental Studies Department at McDaniel College and is the Science Department Chair at Westminster High School.

They are an active member of the Carroll County Arts Council, the Westminster Farmer’s Market, and an advocate for downtown businesses.

Mayor Link has been a Sykesville resident since 2005. Her service to the community started in 2011 when she became part of the then grassroots downtown revitalization program. Soon thereafter, she was appointed to the Sykesville Historic District Commission, then served two terms on the Town Council before being elected Mayor of Sykesville in May, 2021.

Mayor Link has been an occupational therapist since 1997 and specializes in adaptive technology and environmental accessibility for persons with disabilities. She is a nationally certified assistive technology professional and holds an Executive Certificate in Home Modifications.

When our Barrier-Free Studio members are taking our strolls on Main Street in Sykesville, inevitably we run into Mayor Link, and it is always a pleasure to see her at one of her favorite local spots!

Can’t make it to the shows?

Barrier-Free's upcoming shows S'mores Wars & One Star Resort are being professionally recorded by School Days Productions!

Digital copies make the perfect keepsake or provide an opportunity to watch our shows if you are unable to attend in-person.

Click Here to Order a Digital Copy

Donate to our Purple Bucket Campaign

What is “The Purple Bucket Campaign?”

Annually in March, Barrier-Free hosts our largest direct donation campaign of the year, lovingly called “The Purple Bucket Campaign.”

The purple bucket is a nod to the early days of Barrier-Free where folks may remember purchasing tickets to see a show and having their change be made out of a plastic bucket.

Although we are a long way from plastic bucket days, we still rely on donations from our supporters to keep our programs affordable and accessible for all families.

Please make a donation to Barrier-Free this month and help us fill our bucket! Thank you for already helping us raise $3060!

Click Here to Donate

Sponsorship Levels

Donate by Saturday, March 5 to have your family or company name listed in our program for S’mores War & One Star Resort estimated to reach 1000+ individuals!

Click Here to View our Sponsorship Page

NEW - Barrier-Free Music Studio

Mike Morton, aka "Music Mike," Barrier-Free’s beloved Music Director is proud to present Barrier-Free’s Music Studio!

Music is a universal language that anyone can understand, and at the Barrier-Free Music Studio our goal is to make music accessible to everyone! We offer musical classes, lessons, and support for people of all abilities, with a focus on self expression and gaining self-confidence in your own voice. Music is an amazing way to break down the barriers that divide us.

Music Mike will be offering Music & Mentorship private lessons and Jam Sessions at The Music Studio located at 7520 Main St #103 Sykesville, MD 21784 on Sundays.

Click Here to Learn More

Click Below to see a Jam Session Sneak Peek

Spring/Summer Classes Now Enrolling!

All Spring & Summer classes will be offered IN-PERSON. Please check class details for the location.

BUNDLE & SAVE - click “Learn More” on any class.

​Currently Barrier-Free is not offering any virtual programming.

Silly Songs

Find Your Creative Voice! During this eight-week course, participants will gain confidence in their own voice through singalongs, music games, and songwriting workshops, culminating in an original song written by the whole group and recorded during rehearsals.

Learn More

Dating While Neurodiverse

Join us for an 8-week class for neurodiverse adults ages 18+ where we talk about it all! We'll cover everything from the social nuances of dating and navigating relationships to sexual education, consent, and appropriate ways to communicate.

Learn More

Summer Improv

Barrier-Free’s beloved summer class is back for ANOTHER round of acting fun! During the course of this 8-week class, participants will learn and engage in the basics of character-based improv and sketch comedy.

Learn More

Power Up!

This 8-week class will encourage individuals to practice various physical & drama skills - coordination, balance, and nonverbal communication - through lots of fun activities and exercises. These activities will include anything from a football toss to hip-hop dancing - something to keep everyone engaged and excited!

Learn More

Community Events

Traffic Stop Practice

EVERYONE feels anxiety when they see that police car light up behind them. You begin to wonder, “Am I in trouble?” “What did I do wrong?” In that moment, slowing down your brain and thinking about what you need to do can be difficult. So it’s time to start thinking about what you should do BEFORE you get pulled over. The goal is to have a safe interaction during a traffic stop.

Sign up now for Traffic Stop Practice Sessions, sponsored by Pathfinders for Autism, in Harford County (3/30), Frederick County (4/21), and Charles County (5/4)

Click Here to Learn More

2022 Transition Symposium

2022 TRANSITION SYMPOSIUM​​​​​​​

A free 4-part webinar series designed for transitioning youth ages 14-21 with IEP/504 plans, their families, and professionals.

The webinars will be held monthly via Zoom on February 17, March 15, April 21 and May 24, 2022.

Visit the REGISTRATION PAGE for more information.

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

Get your celebration on during World Down Syndrome Day! Join us in Annapolis on March 21st for remarks from advocates and state leaders, refreshments, and plenty of dancing, as the state officially recognizes 3/21 as #WorldDownSyndromeDay!

Click Here to Register

Thank you for you support!

John and Gary are ready to safely escort you to the S’mores Wars on March 12 & 13 at McDaniel College Theater/ We’ll see you there!

Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon YouTube icon
Logo

0 Comments

Ready, Set, Give! ?

3/1/2022

0 Comments

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Logo

Purple Bucket Campaign Kick-Off!

What is “The Purple Bucket Campaign?”

Annually in March, Barrier-Free hosts our largest direct donation campaign of the year, lovingly called “The Purple Bucket Campaign.”

The purple bucket is a nod to the early days of Barrier-Free where folks may remember purchasing tickets to see a show and having their change be made out of plastic bucket.

Although we are a long way from plastic bucket days, we still rely on donations from our supporters to keep our programs affordable and accessible for all families.

Please make a donation to Barrier-Free this month and help us fill our bucket!

Click Here to Donate

Donation Levels

Donate by Saturday, March 5 to have your family’s name or company’s name listed in our program for S’mores War & One Star Resort estimated to reach 1000+ individuals!

Click Here to View Our Sponsorship Page

Join us for S’mores Wars & One Star Resort!

Join us March 12 & 13 2022 for the premiere of S'mores Wars & One Star Resort, at McDaniel College Theater!

First, join us on Sweet Retreat Isle for the S'mores Wars competition! Reigning champion, Flamin' Roger, and his group of campfire friends will be coaching and cheering on a team of new competitors, each hoping to secure a win. Mix in a goofy airport crew, campfire songs, and WAY too much baggage for a laugh-out-loud adventure from start to finish! Ready? Set. S'mores!

Up next, what happens when a seemingly "great deal" dream island getaway turns into a vacation nightmare? You wind up at a One Star Resort complete with a bumpy shuttle service, a vegan restaurant, and a janky maintenance man named Steve. That's right. Steve. Brace for impact!

Click Here to Learn More About our Inclusive Theater Companies
Click Here to Purchase Advance Tickets

Thank you for you support!

P.S. Exciting news coming Friday, March 4!

Keep an eye on your inbox for our March Bulletin to find out more!

Music Mike & Rosemary jamming on the ukuleles!

Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon YouTube icon
Logo

0 Comments
<<Previous

    About our Blog

    The Barrier-Free blog exists as a space to share Barrier-Free news, helpful information, and a creative sharing space.

    ​Enjoy!

    Archives

    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019

    Categories

    All
    Actor Spotlight
    Disability Awareness & Activism
    Grant Announcement
    Life Skills Studio
    Newsletters
    Social Club
    Theater

Barrier-Free Logo
Copyright © Barrier-Free 501(c)(3) All rights reserved.
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Web Accessibility Statement
Website Design by Lauren Burr
Donate
 7520 Main Street #103 Sykesville, MD 21784   |   Email: info@barrierfreemd.com    |   Phone: 301-799-8669 (text preferred)   |   EIN: 84-2964880
Picture
Picture
We are proud to be funded in part by a Community Arts Development Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council
Picture
We are proud to be funded in part by an Awesome Foundation grant from the Hey Westminster project
Picture
Picture

Barrier-Free is committed to providing access to our web pages for individuals with disabilities. The content of this site has been tested for usability and accessibility using a combination of standards-based, automated procedures and accepted heuristic methods. We make every effort to comply with the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Compliance is an ongoing process and we encourage notification when information on our website is inaccessible. If for any reason you are having difficulty accessing any of our resources please contact  Lauren Burr, Executive Director at laurenburr@barrierfreemd.com.

  • Home
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • Our Story & Core Values
    • Meet the Team
    • Booking Barrier-Free
    • Calendar
    • Stay Connected
  • Programs
    • Inclusive Theater Companies
    • Life Skills & Social Studio >
      • Intake for New Members
      • Weekly Registration
      • Studio FAQ
    • Individual Skill Coaching
    • Expressive Arts Programs
    • Music Studio >
      • Music Studio New Members
      • Weekly Registration
    • OUT Loud
    • Social Club
  • Get Involved
    • Enroll
    • Attend an Event
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
    • Jobs
  • Media
  • Blog
  • Store
  • Donate
    • Sponsorship Levels