July marked Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals with disabilities.

For many, rebuilding a sense of independence starts with access to healthcare and mobility tools. This summer, IRC client, Charles* reached a major turning point on his journey toward stability: the start of the prosthetics-fitting process that would restore his impaired mobility.  

Before Charles enrolled in the IRC in Silver Spring’s Intensive Case Management (ICM) program earlier this year, living as a double amputee with chronic medical conditions made daily life difficult. Without access to professional caregiving services or a steady source of income, his family struggled to make ends meet. New to healthcare in the U.S., Charles also faced language barriers which made navigating care for his unique circumstance more challenging.  

A wheelchair sitting outside a temporary shelter at one of IRC’s global program sites.
A wheelchair sitting outside a temporary shelter at one of IRC’s global program sites.
Photo Credit: Mohammad Abu Samra for the IRC

IRC staff stepped in to support Charles in addressing his most urgent needs first. Working alongside a state-assigned Supports Planner, the team developed a care schedule for daily living activities and helped Charles submit an application for in-home caregiving. The team also connected Charles to healthcare specialists, arranging regular medical appointments and securing the necessary referrals for prosthetics.  

As a result, Charles was approved for upper and lower limb prosthetic fittings, a major milestone in his path to greater independence. Through the support of the IRC, Charles has also learned how to schedule his own rides and attend appointments on his own, enabling him to live self-sufficiently. 

While the fitting process is still underway, Charles is optimistic. 

The prosthetics are expected to not only enhance his mobility and quality of life but will also enable him to reclaim more control over his day-to-day life. 

By removing structural barriers and building individualized plans for newcomers with specialized needs, the ICM team at the IRC ensures clients like Charles access to the resources and care essential for long-term stability. 

Each step forward and each milestone is a testament to what’s possible when case management is done with care and dignity. 

*Client name changed to preserve their anonymity.