North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities

05/29/2026

NCCDD's May newsletter is available now!

In this month's Highlights and Hot Topics:
- Letter from the Executive Director
- Hurricane Season is Here – Now is the Time to Be Prepared!
- Public Policy Updates (as of 5/15/26)
- Thank You to Our Outgoing Council Members!
- NCCDD Introduces Storytelling Initiative Led by Self-Advocates
- Upcoming NCCDD Webinars in June

Read the full newsletter on our site: https://nccdd.org/news-media/highlights-hot-topics/may-2026-highlights-and-hot-topics

05/29/2026

Adults with I/DD in NC: The Ability Leadership Program - North Carolina (ALP-NC) is launching its newest program, ALP StoryShare! And you're invited!

Story sharing is an important part of how people connect around the world. For the disability community, it is also a key factor in building understanding and creating change.

Your lived experience matters, and storytelling is one way to speak up about issues important to you. ALP-NC StoryShare is an online program that empowers people with I/DD to share their stories in a clear and meaningful way.

Applications are currently being accepted from North Carolina adults with I/DD. There are 26 spots available and priority is given to people with I/DD that apply before June 1st. The final deadline for all applications is 9am June 8th.

Submit your application at this link: https://forms.gle/L6nrobgudP2mJec5A

If accommodations are needed to complete the Google form, please email info@alp-nc.org.

05/28/2026

Grantee Spotlight: Bloom Fitness is Building Health, Confidence, and Connection Through Inclusive Fitness

This project focused on developing a highly accessible and easy-to-use fitness app designed for and by people with I/DD.

The Bloom Fitness app is available on both iOS and Android devices, offering athletes with I/DD and their caregivers a way to participate in fitness classes anytime, anywhere.

“Bloom keeps me in shape mentally and physically. My favorite thing is actually everything. The app is easy to use.” — Weldon

“Bloom gives me a lot of energy and I get to dance with friends.” — Aaron

“I love Bloom. It is making me lose weight. It makes me feel good. I like the live classes on the app and we can see the instructor.” — Anna

“Bloom is exciting to do and it is fun for me. I like the Bloom Live classes because the instructor brings the house down!” — David

This project highlights how accessible technology, combined with community-centered programming, can improve both physical health and social connection for people with I/DD.

Learn more about Bloom Fitness in our newsletter here: https://nccdd.org/news-media/highlights-hot-topics/april-2026-highlights-and-hot-topics

05/27/2026

Excerpt from the latest message from NCCDD’s Executive Director Talley Wells:

“This spring, many of us have been down to the General Assembly to prepare for the I/DD Legislative Caucus and to attend hearings on critical issues. While each issue is difficult, we have made friends on both sides of the aisle. We are building energy and support for the I/DD community.

It is not clear to me yet when all of our hard work will create new funding and possibilities for the I/DD community, but I know it will. I know our hard work will make a difference because our community shows up and perseveres and innovates and makes friends.

I find hope in the spring. I also find hope in the hundreds of people with I/DD who travel each year to our General Assembly to build support and relationships. I am grateful for each of you!”

Talley Wells
NCCDD Executive Director

Read his full message in our newsletter here: https://nccdd.org/news-media/highlights-hot-topics/april-2026-highlights-and-hot-topics

05/22/2026

Upcoming Online Event: The Council Presents

Topic: Registered Apprenticeship
Date: Thursday, May 28th
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Register: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/JTEBPG47SW2g2Z9fVyH0PQ #/registration

Registered Apprenticeship is an employer-driven training strategy that strives to meet the needs of the employer while providing an on-the-job learning experience coupled with related classroom education and reward for skills gained. The result is a nationally recognized credential and continued career opportunities.

In this session of our series, join us as we hear from Dale Yarborough, Deputy Director of the Apprenticeship NC, who will lead us through an overview of apprenticeship training programs, and respond to your questions on this valuable pathway to employment options.

05/14/2026

On April 29th, hundreds of people from across the state came together for the 2026 I/DD Legislative Caucus in Raleigh.

Advocates, legislators, staff, and community members talked about the importance of and ways to improve Medicaid, accessibility, inclusion, and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

If you weren’t able to attend, you can still be involved!

NCCDD has a “My Story Matters” form you can fill out from home to share your story. Your lived experience helps leaders understand what people in the disability community need. Share your story here: https://nccdd.org/get-involved/my-story-matters

Thank you again for your support, participation, and advocacy during the I/DD Legislative Caucus. We can’t wait to see you all again in 2027!

Photo credit: Soo Keith Photography

05/12/2026

Webinar Alert!

https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/GwJ-kZReQ7G4Joz9GYr_6g #/registration

Join the next Self-Advocate Discussion Series on May 20: Adulting with I/DD (the Cutters are back!)

“Adulting” means handling everyday life—relationships, work, fun, and responsibility.

In this session, guests Barton and Megan Cutter, along with people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD), share real-life adulting stories. These include dating, work, awkward moments, and everyday experiences.

Have you ever had a backup plan on a date? Been asked an uncomfortable personal question? Have a story about a first or favorite kiss? Join us to share what adulting is really like as a person with I/DD.

Date: Wednesday, May 20
Time: 1 PM ET
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Register now: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/GwJ-kZReQ7G4Joz9GYr_6g #/registration

05/10/2026

Council Member Kay McMillan recently spoke with NC Health News about the 2026 I/DD Legislative Caucus advocacy day and the future of Medicaid and the Innovations Waiver program in North Carolina.

“It might be a little obvious looking at me that I have a significant physical disability. I use this power wheelchair and communication device — both Medicaid funded,” she said. “My awesome life is made possible because of the home- and community-based supports.”

Read the full story here:

Families and disability advocates urged state lawmakers to ensure Medicaid funding, expand Innovations Waiver slots and address shortages in the workforce.