DMV Doers | Maryland native helping teenagers with disabilities prepare for the future

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Danielle Bustos works for Independence Now out of Silver Spring, Md., an advocacy group for people with disabilities.

Bustos is also the event coordinator for the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum. She recruits teenagers with disabilities across the state to participate in a 3-day program at Towson University.

Danielle says it’s a great opportunity for students to learn about what services and programs are out there to help them as they move forward in their journey.

“For many of the students, it is their first time being away from home,” said Bustos, “It is an adjustment for them and their parents.”

Danielle says the program helps parents get prepared

“The number one conversation I have with the parents is how important it is for them to let go and to allow them to have this experience of being away from home for a little while, especially if the student wants to live independently in the future,” said Bustos.

Independence Now will hold an open house at its Silver Spring location on Sept. 9 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.innow.org/.