Disability Rights North Carolina

09/06/2026

Healthy Blue Care Together, the NC Medicaid plan for children and youth engaged in child welfare, is committed to strengthening child-serving agencies, services, and supports. As a result, they are releasing two new Requests for Applications (RFAs), including:

Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Training
This RFA seeks to partner with expert training entities to expand access to child and youth mental health EBP training for North Carolina clinicians with an emphasis on capacity building, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This RFA also seeks training partners to provide advanced TIC training for North Carolina providers, caregivers, and child-serving partners. Proposals should focus on practice change and support for children and families connected to child welfare.


Mobile Behavioral Health (BH) Crisis Response Expansion
This RFA seeks to expand 24/7 mobile crisis response services across North Carolina for children and youth involved in child welfare and young adults transitioning from foster care. This initiative supports immediate intervention, stabilization, and care coordination in multiple settings, helping youth to remain safely connected to family and community while reducing reliance on institutional care.

To learn more about the latest round of RFAs, including application deadlines, visit: Request for Applications https://anthemforms.my.site.com/rfaform

Please note: The deadline for RFA response is 09/26/26.

09/05/2026

Upcoming Webinars!

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities is hosting a series of webinars on autism in September and October on Zoom on Thursday evenings. Presenters will include professionals, clinicians, researchers, self-advocates, and subject matter experts in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), offering diverse perspectives on diagnosis, interventions, supports, and lived experience.

For Families, Health Professionals, Advocates and State Leaders

Thursday September 17th, 24th, and October 15th

6:30 to 7:45 pm -- Zoom

Thursday, Sept. 17th: Part I: Autism: Obtaining a Diagnosis and Next Steps

Thursday, Sept. 24th: Part II: Introduction to Autism Models of Interventions and Supports (Session A)

Register today! https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/uOVKENwFTaOzQLDSXnnLFw #/registration

Register here for Thursday, October 15th:
Part III: Introduction to Autism Models of Interventions and Supports (Session B) - https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/0MUbm3ohQbaSiHpBbxNUjA #/registration

09/05/2026

Attention those impacted by Tropical Storm Helene!

The Helene Disaster Case Management (DCM) Program has been extended through January 22, 2027. To support a smooth program transition and prioritize ongoing recovery work, the program will close to new intakes on August 31, 2026.

We are working closely with partners across the state to ensure that survivors continue to receive the support they need. More information about program transition plans will be shared later this summer and fall.

To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/4xtN21d

09/04/2026

College Students with Disabilities: Your Guide to Campus Accommodations and Support Services

In K–12, schools come to you. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are built by teams, delivered automatically, and legally required. In college, the rules change entirely. You become your own advocate. No one will track you down to ask whether you need support — you must seek it out, register for it, and communicate your needs. That shift can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be.

This guide walks students with disabilities — and the families who support them — through every step of navigating college accommodations: understanding your legal rights, registering with Disability Services, knowing what documentation to bring, and making the most of the support available on campus. Whether you are heading to a four-year university, a community college, or a vocational program, the information below applies to you.

https://www.ameridisability.com/college-students-with-disabilities-your-guide-to-campus-accommodations-and-support-services/

09/04/2026

Today Governor Josh Stein is urging United States Attorney General Todd Blanche to protect the long-established rights of people with disabilities. Governor Stein and 17 other governors responded to the United States Department of Justice’s declaration that it will not rely on its own longstanding Olmstead guidance. That guidance provides that people with disabilities should have the opportunity to live, work, receive services and supports, and participate in their communities when appropriate, desired, and reasonable.

“People with disabilities should have every opportunity to thrive within their communities. That’s what our law requires, and it’s the right thing to do,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The Department of Justice is creating uncertainty for people with disabilities and their families by withdrawing its support for the right to community-based services and supports. I am calling on Attorney General Blanche to follow longstanding precedent and the DOJ’s own Olmstead guidance.”

Read more including the multi-state letter https://disabilityrightsnc.org/news/governor-stein-joins-17-other-governors-in-standing-with-people-with-disabilities/

09/04/2026

They wouldn’t make way for Judy, so she forged her own path.

Being Heumann is in select theaters November 6. Streaming November 13 on Apple TV.

[Image Description: Ruth Madeley as Judy Heumann sits in her wheelchair on a busy street with her hands raised up in protest, as a large car approaches her. Text on the image reads: An Apple Original Film, Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Based on a true story (but “story” is crossed out and replaced with “revolution”), from Siân Heder, director of the Academy award-winning best picture, CODA, BEING HEUMANN, screenplay by Siân Heder and Rebekah Taussig, directed by Siân Heder, in select theaters Nov 6 streaming Nov 13.]

09/03/2026

Defend Community Integration Coalition Statement on Texas v. Kennedy Proposed Joint Resolution

The Defend Community Integration Coalition (DCIC) strongly condemns the recent proposed joint resolution filed August 31 in the ongoing case Texas v. Kennedy. The proposed resolution aims to strike down the 2024 community integration regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This action flies in the face of decades of judicial precedent and Congressional intent to ensure that community integration remains a civil right for all people with disabilities.

As national disability rights leaders and allies, we have worked hard for decades to advance community integration as a foundational civil right for people with disabilities. We condemn any attacks aimed at undoing this work led by and for people with disabilities.

Read more

The Defend Community Integration Coalition (DCIC) strongly condemns the recent proposed joint resolution filed August 31 in...

09/03/2026

Disability Rights North Carolina is hiring for a Supervising Attorney for the Education team.

The Supervising Attorney for the Education Team will lead Disability Rights North Carolina’s (DRNC) legal advocacy to protect the rights of students with disabilities throughout North Carolina’s K–12 education systems.

The Supervising Attorney will lead the development and implementation of individual and systemic legal strategies, supervise and mentor attorneys and advocates, and maintain an active legal practice involving special education, school discipline and disability discrimination matters, and other education-related civil rights matters. In this role, the supervisor will identify opportunities to use litigation, administrative advocacy, policy advocacy, coalition work, and other strategies to achieve systemic change.

Find out more and apply today!
https://disabilityrightsnc.org/careers/seeking-supervising-attorney-ed-team/

09/02/2026

Are you a person with a disability who is working, looking for a job, or receiving employment services?

Join the NC Statewide Independent Living Council for a free virtual event:

Know Your Rights, Competitive Integrated Employment, and the ADA

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

12:00–1:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Our panel of disability rights and employment professionals will share practical information to help you understand your rights and advocate for yourself throughout your employment journey.

Topics will include:

When and whether to disclose your disability
How to request reasonable workplace accommodations
How to recognize employment discrimination and retaliation
What to do if you believe your workplace rights have been violated
How to advocate for yourself when working with employment counselors, job coaches, and other employment professionals
Why competitive integrated employment is important for people with disabilities

Meet Our Speakers:
Lena Welch, Disability Rights North Carolina
Kristy Silence, NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities
Tania Bowers, NC Client Assistance Program
Shaylah Patillo, Community Inclusion Specialist with the Disability Advocacy Center for Independent Living

Whether you are beginning your employment journey, currently working, or supporting someone with a disability, this event will provide valuable information and resources.

Registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/B3K6OzleQ_m5Jiz3ewo4Dw

For accommodations, please contact [email protected] at least 5 days in advance to ensure the request can be provided.

Please share this invitation with others who may benefit!

Hosted by the NC SILC Employment Workgroup.

If you would like more information, please contact Monique Stamps at [email protected]

09/02/2026

Upcoming Event!

Our Power, Our Vote: Disability Voting Rights in North Carolina

Date & Time
Sep 15, 2026 07:00 PM

Description
To mark Disability Voting Rights Week, Disability Rights North Carolina, REV UP North Carolina, and the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law will host a webinar for North Carolinians sharing your accessibility rights at the polls, highlighting resources to resolve problems and receive information, and reviewing recent changes to voting laws.

In a pivotal election year, it's vital that every voter be able to fully exercise their power in our democracy. This webinar will ensure you know your rights, have the information you need to access the ballot box, and the opportunity to get more involved in the movement for voting accessibility in North Carolina.

Register today! https://lawyerscommittee-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/ORnWeJi2SgaS-3s7WBJk4Q #/registration