North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities

04/16/2026

️North Carolina, we want to hear from you!

The NC Council on Developmental Disabilities is planning for the next 5 years (2027–2031).

And now, we need your feedback on our goals! This will help decide how funding is used to improve services and supports for people with I/DD.

Take the survey today.

Deadline: Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Visit this page to get started: https://nccdd.org/about/five-year-state-plan/public-input-for-nccdds-2027-2031-five-year-state-plan

04/15/2026

Calling all self-advocates and DD community members, legislators need to hear from the experts – YOU!

On April 29th, join community members from around the state for the I/DD Legislative Caucus.

Come share your story, listen to policy updates, and let our state leaders know what the I/DD community needs to thrive.

Register here: https://nccdd.org/news-media/alerts-announcements/register-for-the-2026-i-dd-legislative-caucus

Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, April 22. We’ll see you at the Capitol!

04/14/2026

Each year, NCCDD selects three public policy priorities to focus on. One of the priorities for 2026 is to end the waiting list.

Right now, more than 20,000 people are waiting for help. We want a plan to make sure every person gets the help they need. We will do this by developing and implementing a plan with a budget to meet the needs of every person with I/DD on the list.

Your voice can help end the wait. You can send a message to leaders, tell us your story, or sign up for a caucus meeting.

Choose your path to help here: https://nccdd.org/policy-advocacy/public-policy-priorities

04/13/2026

Local NC Sibs is a member of the The Sibling Leadership Network (SLN), and you are invited to learn more!

Upcoming Webinar:

Topic: SLN Network Meeting
Date: April 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 - 8:30pm EST
Where: Zoom

Learn about the SLN, their state chapters, and the organizations partnered with them. Have your questions answered and find out how you can support the adult siblings of individuals with IDD all around you.

To Register:

All partners are welcome to our new quarterly network meetings! Join us to hear updates on the SLN and connect with other organizations. Fill out this registration to receive the calendar invite and…

04/11/2026

Autism and Developmental Disability Training for First Responders

April 14th, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Granville County Sheriff’s Office (525 New Commerce Drive, Oxford NC 27565)

To Attend Contact: kevin.buster@granvillecounty.org

Topics will include:

- Interpret Behaviors for Recognition and Evaluation Acquire Better Communication Skills
- Discuss Safe Scene Management & Sensory Influences Analyze Effective De-Escalation Techniques
- Assess Agency Search & Rescue Protocols
- Other Disabilities beyond Autism
- Introduction to Resources Available to Assist Agencies

This is an event through NCCDD's grant, Autism and I/DD Safety Training for First Responders.

04/10/2026

Will you be joining us in Raleigh on April 29th for the I/DD Legislative Caucus?

Here is the lineup for a day of advocacy and action:

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM: Welcome Event with L'Arche North Carolina (301 W. Jones St.) – Start the morning with community and connection!

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: I/DD Legislative Caucus (Legislative Building, 3rd Floor) – A focused session with lawmakers on Medicaid, funding, and independence.

Space is limited at the Welcome Event, so please register by April 22!
Register here: https://nccdd.org/news-media/alerts-announcements/register-for-the-2026-i-dd-legislative-caucus

Pro-Tip: Want to meet your specific representative? Use the time before or after the Caucus to schedule a meeting! Find your legislator here: https://www.ncleg.gov/findyourlegislators

04/09/2026

Webinar Alert!

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

Join the next Self-Advocate Discussion Series on April 15: Coordinated Advocacy

Coordinated advocacy brings relationships and action together.

Join us to hear real advocacy stories from the disability community and share your own experience. We’ll talk about different ways to advocate, including face-to-face meetings, behind-the-scenes work, letter writing, and more.

Spend an hour learning, sharing, and strengthening advocacy together. Sign up and make your voice heard.

Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 1 PM ET
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Register now: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/GwJ-kZReQ7G4Joz9GYr_6g #/registration

04/08/2026

️North Carolina, we want to hear from you!

The NC Council on Developmental Disabilities is planning for the next 5 years (2027–2031).

And now, we need your feedback on our goals! This will help decide how funding is used to improve services and supports for people with I/DD.

Take the survey today.

Deadline: April 16, 2026.

Visit this page to get started: https://nccdd.org/about/five-year-state-plan/public-input-for-nccdds-2027-2031-five-year-state-plan

04/06/2026

Kenneth Kelty interviewed new Council Member Senator Jim Burgin and Executive Director Talley Wells in his Podcast Exceeding Expectations.

Kelty, who is also a new Council Member, hosts his podcast, which focuses on disability rights and self-determination.

Kelty created his podcast in partnership with the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities when he was a SARTAC Fellow with NCCDD.

His next podcast will be an interview with Assistant Secretary Kelly Crosbie, who leads the NC Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services Division.

Listen to the interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54ZS3QqXNx7fvUvgBlg4y7?si=x5wKvqD2Rk-UY1mmnsve6g

04/03/2026

Event Announcement:
Capitol & Community: Public Policy Education Monthly Meeting

Date: April 9, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom

Public policy can feel complicated — but learning about it together makes a difference.

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) hosts monthly Public Policy Education Meetings to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), families, advocates, and community members stay informed about important issues.

These conversations help our community better understand policies that affect services, employment, housing, and more.

Join us on the second Thursday of every month to learn, ask questions, and stay connected.

Registration link: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu-uqD8oHpxzFX9FiES_lSmk_8OP4r4

04/02/2026

Join NCCDD in Raleigh on April 29th for this year's I/DD Legislative Caucus.

You are invited to join hundreds of your fellow advocates, self-advocates, families, providers, and lawmakers for a focused conversation on the future of Medicaid for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Be sure to register by April 22nd as space is limited.

Event Name: I/DD Legislative Caucus
Location: 16 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC (3rd Floor Auditorium, Legislative Building)
Date: April 29, 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Register to attend: https://secure.everyaction.com/nL-t2lUTQESRmT6GRWkdjg2

03/31/2026

NCCDD's March newsletter is available now!

In this month's Highlights and Hot Topics:
- Letter from the Executive Director
- Make Your Voice Heard: Register for the I/DD Legislative Caucus!
- Public Policy Update as of 3/20/26
- NCCDD Welcomes New Council Members
- Comment on NCCDD’s New Five-Year Plan
- Upcoming NCCDD Webinars in April

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