North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities

10/19/2026

Upcoming Online Event: The Council Presents

Topic: NCCDD Five-Year State Plan
Date: October 22, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Register: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/JTEBPG47SW2g2Z9fVyH0PQ #/registration

During this live online event, NCCDD staff and members will present the Council’s 2027-2031 Five-Year State Plan.

The Five-Year State Plan says what the Council will work on and where money will be spent to invest in new services, supports, and opportunities for people with I/DD in our state.

North Carolinians shared their ideas and needs in a survey earlier this year. NCCDD used that information to help create the Five-Year State Plan. This makes sure that the plan is based on the real needs and lived experiences of the I/DD community.

The new plan for 2027-2031 went into effect on October 1, 2026. Join us to learn about how NCCDD will be investing in the future of the I/DD community over the next five years.

Learn more about this webinar series: https://nccdd.org/get-involved/nc-council-presents

10/14/2026

Webinar alert – our third webinar on Autism Supports is tomorrow!

Introduction to Research-Based Autism Supports: Session B

Date/Time: October 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Our third webinar will continue the discussion regarding several established approaches and help participants understand their purposes, principles, and differences.

We will provide an accessible overview of the PLAY Project, the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based model—commonly known as DIR or Floortime—, the TEACCH approach, the Early Start Denver Model, Applied Behavior Analysis, the Cortica Model, and other approaches.

Parents and professionals will gain information to help them ask informed questions and consider which supports may align with an individual’s needs. Policymakers will learn why families need access to a range of evidence-informed options.

Topics will include:
- Understanding the range of autism support models
- The PLAY Project
- DIR/Floortime
- The TEACCH approach
- The Cortica model
- Occupational therapy and related therapies
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Understanding and responding to challenging behaviors
- Coordinating supports around individual and family needs

Register for Session B: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/0MUbm3ohQbaSiHpBbxNUjA #/registration

Speakers:
- Dr. Andrea Davis – Owner/Founder, Greenhouse Therapy Center; Special Advisor, Policy Development, DIR/Floortime
- Dr. Lauren Franz – Early Start Denver Model
- Whitney Sukonick – Clinical Director, Autism Society of North Carolina, ABA
- Perspectives from Individuals with Autism

10/13/2026

NCCDD Council member Kay McMillan and Direct Support Professional (DSP) Michelle McWilliams have worked side-by-side for nearly 10 years. Their relationship is built on trust and a shared belief that support should help people direct their own lives.

They recently shared with NCCDD what this work makes possible and what must change to keep dedicated DSPs in the field.

Read their full interview in our newsletter here: https://nccdd.org/news-media/highlights-hot-topics/september-2026-highlights-and-hot-topics

10/12/2026

NCCDD's newest newsletter is available now!

Included in this edition of Highlights and Hot Topics:
- A Partnership That Makes Independence Possible
- Making Rights Easier to Understand: SARTAC Fellow Laura Newell
- Public Policy Updates as of September 22, 2026
- Share Something Cool from Where You Live!
- Upcoming NCCDD Webinars in October

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

10/09/2026

Two events on emergency response topics for people with autism and developmental disabilities will be held in Graham, NC.

Both events are hosted by the Alamance County, NC Local Government Mayors Committee for Persons with Disabilities and VayaHealth. Training is provided by Interaction Advisory Group in partnership with the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities.

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Event 1: Autism & Developmental Disability Stay Safe Program

This presentation is for self-advocates, caregivers, and the Alamance County community. The presentation will focus specifically on developmental disabilities and how you can better understand, interact with, and support your loved ones, friends, neighbors, and fellow community members.

Topics include:
- Emergency preparedness
- Safe Interactions with law enforcement
- Online safety basics
- Wandering Prevention
- Creating family safety plans
- Fire and other safety considerations

When: Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Alamance Community College, First Floor of the Student Services Building, 1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Graham, NC 27253.

Accommodation requests should be emailed by October 21, 2026, to [email protected].

RSVP to attend here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdc_q7zIJNP7_vrUGvtGw26v3r8eyVL6ly5prxe6lBypA_FMg/viewform

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Event 2: Autism & Developmental Disability Training for First Responders

This presentation is for first responders. Space is limited.

Topics include:
- Interpret behaviors for recognition & evaluation
- Acquire better communication skills
- Discuss safe scene management & sensory influence
- Analyze Effective de-escalation techniques
- Assess agency Search & Rescue Protocols
- Introduction to resources available to assist first responders beyond this training

When: Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. OR from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Alamance Community College, First Floor of the Student Services Building, 1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Graham, NC 27253.

RSVP to attend here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTMdpCS_dj0M5d9CEmjb_Wo-3zVe165AiqzuZEu8cHufRMcQ/viewform

10/07/2026

Webinar Alert!

Join us online for our next Self-Advocacy Discussion Series: Getting Active in Advocacy: ALP-NC Alumni Network

https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/GwJ-kZReQ7G4Joz9GYr_6g #/registration
This session is dedicated to the Ability Leadership Program of North Carolina (ALP-NC) and the Alumni Network. Join graduate leaders with lived experience as they are spotlighted to share their stories about the training they have participated in, the ALP Alumni Network and the disability advocacy experiences they engage in after training.

Speakers will be:
- Alex Martel-Matt, ALP Leader
- Cindy Shields, ALP Leader
- Jaime Richman, ALP Leader
- Irlanda Ruiz, Advisory Board and ALP Leader

Please join us to hear from some of the state’s finest advocacy leaders.
Date: Wednesday, October 21st
Time: 1 PM ET
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Register at least one week before the session you plan to attend: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/GwJ-kZReQ7G4Joz9GYr_6g #/registration

10/06/2026

Introduction to Research-Based Autism Supports: Session B
October 15th, at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom

Autism supports are not one-size-fits-all. The third webinar will continue the discussion over several established approaches and help participants understand their purposes, principles, and differences.

This session will provide an accessible overview of the PLAY Project, the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based model—commonly known as DIR or Floortime—, the TEACCH approach, the Early Start Denver Model, Applied Behavior Analysis, the Cortica Model, and other approaches.

Parents and professionals will gain information to help them ask informed questions and consider which supports may align with an individual’s needs. Policymakers will learn why families need access to a range of evidence-informed options.

Topics will include:
- Understanding the range of autism support models
- The PLAY Project
- DIR/Floortime
- The TEACCH approach
- The Cortica model
- Occupational therapy and related therapies
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Understanding and responding to challenging behaviors
- Coordinating supports around individual and family needs

Speakers:
- Dr. Andrea Davis – Owner/Founder, Greenhouse Therapy Center; Special Advisor, Policy Development, DIR/Floortime
- Dr. Lauren Franz – Early Start Denver Model
- Whitney Sukonick – Clinical Director, Autism Society of North Carolina, ABA
- Perspectives from Individuals with Autism.

Register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/0MUbm3ohQbaSiHpBbxNUjA #/registration

10/01/2026

Next week, join NCCDD’s Monthly Policy Education Meeting, Capitol and Community!

Date: October 8, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration link: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu-uqD8oHpxzFX9FiES_lSmk_8OP4r4

The meeting provides public policy information that educates and informs people with I/DD, their families, and the community of disability policy updates.

Public Policy Education Meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of every month and
are free and open to the public.

09/29/2026

Meet NCCDD Council Member Olive-Rose Scott!

Scott is 35 and has lived with autism her entire life, but she spent her first 30 years without knowing she was autistic. “I was likely diagnosed as a child, but my parents didn’t tell me,” she said. “When I found out, I was rightfully upset. But it just spurred me to do more advocacy.”

Read about her advocacy journey in her interview here: https://nccdd.org/news-media/highlights-hot-topics/august-2026-highlights-and-hot-topics

09/25/2026

Rural western NC families: The 2026 Growing Well Conference is happening soon!

This annual event brings people together to support children with special health care needs and their families – specifically in rural western North Carolina.

When: October 4-6, 2026
Where: Boone, NC
More info: https://appwell.appstate.edu/outreach/growingwell/conference/

This year the theme is “Moving Mountains for People with Special Health Care Needs”. Attendees will hear group presentations and expert panels, and can participate in hands-on demonstrations.

The Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness connects App State to the community by supporting research, interprofessional clinics and community outreach.