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Advocacy & Leadership Awards

The Advocacy and Leadership Awards, hosted by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD), honor the significant contributions made by advocates who are actively working to change attitudes, support greater choices, and build a more inclusive North Carolina for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD).

About the Awards

Each year in June, nominations are accepted from the public for the following awards: 

Kerri Eaker Mountain Mover Award: This award, established in 2024, celebrates the legacy of Kerri Eaker, a parent advocate from Western North Carolina and former Council Chair. Inspired by her son Dakota, Eaker was devoted to guiding families through the complex maze of disability services, healthcare, and support networks. The award honors individuals whose unwavering commitment has driven transformative systems change for North Carolina’s I/DD community. (Note: Nominations are not accepted for this award. The recipient is chosen by the Council.)

NC Leadership Achievement Award: This award is presented to an outstanding North Carolina self-advocate whose work has improved the quality of life for people with I/DD. This award was presented for the first time at the 2018 November NCCDD Quarterly Meeting.

Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: This award celebrates the vision and achievement of North Carolina's families and people with I/DD. Jack B. Hefner served the State of North Carolina as a member of NCCDD from 1982 until his passing in 1994. As a father to a son with I/DD, "Big Jack" was willing to do whatever it took to enhance the quality of life for North Carolinians affected by disability. Jack B. Hefner's leadership inspired a generation of advocates and people with I/DD to work forcefully. On October 27, 1994, the NCCDD established the Jack B. Hefner Award to celebrate the vision and achievement of North Carolina's families and people with I/DD.

Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award: This award celebrates the work of professionals with North Carolina's families and people with I/DD. Holly Riddle served as the Executive Director of NCCDD for 23 years. Through her professionalism, innovation and tireless dedication to look beyond the barriers and focus on creative solutions, she led the journey to make North Carolina a state where inclusion and full participation are possible for all citizens. This award is the highest recognition given by the NCCDD to those professionals who have made lasting contributions towards improving opportunities, breaking down barriers, and promoting increased quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2013, NCCDD established the Holly Riddle Award to celebrate the work of professionals with North Carolina's families and people with I/DD.

2026 Awards Recipients

Six North Carolina leaders in disability advocacy will be honored at the 2026 Advocacy and Leadership Awards presentation at NCCDD’s November Council Meeting in Raleigh, NC.

Kerri Eaker Mountain Mover Award: Alexis Ratcliff, Kirby Morrow and Steve Strom

This year’s honorees are Alexis Ratcliff, Kirby Morrow and Steve Strom, who have each contributed to transformative change in North Carolina’s I/DD community. Together, their advocacy work has advanced opportunities for people with I/DD who use ventilators to successfully transition to community living.

Ratcliff, who has quadriplegia and uses a ventilator, lived in the hospital for six years because she lacked the services and support she needed to live in the community. She advocated for herself to be near her friends and family, go to college and build a life outside the hospital. With support from North Carolina’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) and a network of advocates and providers, Ratcliff successfully transitioned from living full-time in a hospital into her own accessible living space with a supportive care team.

Morrow has dedicated her career to helping clients of Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) obtain services, secure supportive housing and protect their right to live within their community. She worked closely with MFP, contractors and providers to put supports in place for Ratcliff’s return to community living. Morrow has also created pathways for other North Carolinians with I/DD to remain connected with family, community and opportunities.

Strom, father to an adult son with Fragile X Syndrome, has dedicated both his professional career and personal life to supporting those in the I/DD community. For the past nine years, he has served as Director of North Carolina’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) program. Through the federally-funded program, Strom has helped North Carolinians with I/DD, including Ratcliff, transition from hospitals, nursing facilities and other inpatient facilities into their own homes and communities with the supports they need.

Watch a Video about the 2026 Kerri Eaker Mountain Awards Recipients

North Carolina Leadership Achievement Award: Pamela McAfee

This year’s recipient, Pamela McAfee, is an advocate whose work has highlighted the importance of engaging people with I/DD in the civic process and making their voices heard. She has continuously pushed for inclusion, access and equity for people with I/DD at local and state levels.

McAfee’s efforts have secured support for accessible voting locations, transportation equity and disability inclusion in local political and civic initiatives. Through her advocacy, McAfee has empowered people with I/DD to speak out, participate in their communities and create a more inclusive North Carolina.

Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: Sugey Ramírez Moreno

Sugey Ramírez Moreno is this year’s award recipient. Ramírez has long advocated for greater inclusion and opportunities for her son and other children with I/DD in the Asheboro area.

In 2022, she co-founded Manitas Felices INC, an organization that provides parents and caregivers of children with I/DD with tailored resources, information and tools to support their children’s development and well-being. Through her work at Manitas Felices INC, Ramírez has built an environment that fosters growth for children with I/DD, supports families and strengthens inclusion in the Asheboro community.

Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award: Susan McSwain

This year’s recipient is Susan McSwain, a community leader who has modeled an inclusive and welcoming environment for people with I/DD through her work and ministry. As Executive Director at Reality Ministries, McSwain has helped create a strong community in which people with and without I/DD build meaningful relationships together. Over 250 adults with I/DD and over 200 volunteers share their lives through fellowship, programs and shared experience at Reality Ministries. McSwain’s leadership at Reality Ministries has raised the bar for systems in North Carolina serving individuals with I/DD to foster greater inclusion and belonging.

The Advocacy and Leadership Awards, hosted by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD), honor the significant contributions made by advocates who are actively working to change attitudes, support greater choices, and build a more inclusive North Carolina for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Watch a Video about the 2026 Recipients of the North Carolina Leadership Award, Jack B. Hefner Award, and Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award

Past Award Recipients

Visit NCCDD's YouTube Channel to watch videos of all recipients from 2021 to present. 

2026

  • Kerri Eaker Mountain Mover Award: Alexis Ratcliff, Kirby Morrow and Steve Strom
  • North Carolina Leadership Achievement Award: Pamela McAfee
  • Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: Sugey Ramírez Moreno
  • Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award: Susan McSwain

2025

  • Kerri Eaker Mountain Mover Award: Lauren Howard & LaDonna Huffaker
  • North Carolina Leadership Achievement Award: Laura Newell
  • Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: Ray Hemachandra
  • Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award: Pat Kuel

2024

  • Kerri Eaker Mountain Mover Award: Sen. Jim Burgin (R-District 12) and DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley
  • North Carolina Leadership Achievement Award: Cheryl Powell
  • Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: Jessica Aguilar
  • Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award: Pam Shipman

Read more about the 2024 awardees

2023

  • North Carolina Leadership Achievement Award: Jacklyn Boeheler
  • Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: Sarah Potter
  • Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Bill Milner & Betsy White

Read more about the 2023 awardees

2022

  • North Carolina Leadership Achievement Award: R.V. Kuser
  • Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: Kerri Eaker
  • Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award: Matt Herr

Read more about the 2022 awardees 

2021

  • North Carolina Leadership Achievement Award: David Taylor, Jr.
  • Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: Kathleen Dooley Roscana and John Rittelmeyer
  • Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award: Andrea Johnston Misenheimer

Read more about the 2021 awardees

How to Nominate

Nominations are currently closed.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of nominees are you looking for?

North Carolina Leadership Achievement Award: The Council seeks an outstanding North Carolina self-advocate whose work has improved the quality of life for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: The Council seeks family members or community members who have been involved in making an impact in their local communities that not only benefits their family member but also will positively impact other individuals.

Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award: The Council seeks nominees for professionals in the field who have devoted their career to improving the systems in NC that serve individuals with I/DD and their families.

How are the recipients selected?

A selection committee of NCCDD members reviews all applications and carefully considers all information submitted for the candidates, and chooses a candidate for the respective awards. These candidates are submitted to the executive committee for review and endorsement.

What do the recipients get?

The winners of the NCCDD Advocacy and Leadership awards are invited to the November Council meeting and can invite up to four guests to the awards ceremony. The award winners will receive a plaque, an opportunity to address the Council, and their story will be promoted on the Council website, the social media pages, and in their hometown newspapers.

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Support to Attend Conferences

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) assists people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families and supporters to attend conferences. Funds are available to help pay for speakers and presenters whose work supports NCCDD’s goals—like improving systems, supporting advocacy, and helping communities to include people with I/DD and their families. There are two funds available.

Jean Wolff-Rossi Fund for Participant Involvement

The Jean Wolff-Rossi Fund for Participant Involvement (Rossi Fund) is designed to empower people with I/DD and their family members with opportunities, experiences, resources and information so they can actively participate in decisions that often impact them. 

Individuals with I/DD and their family members can receive reimbursement for specific expenses for seminars and conferences that aim to improve their knowledge, networking and skill levels for advocacy.

Learn more and apply for Rossi Fund

The NCCDD makes all decisions on the disbursement of funds. Applicants receiving Rossi funds will be asked to complete a Rossi Fund Participant survey to share what they learned.

Conference/Speaker Funding

The Council’s Conference/Speaker Funding program is a way for NCCDD to advance its goals by sponsoring conferences. Many factors are used when determining whether to fund conference meeting space, accessible accommodations, or a presenter. 

Learn more and apply for Conference/Speaker funding

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Unmet Film

unmet flyer

"Unmet: North Carolina's Two Developmental Disability Crises" is a 25-minute film commissioned by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities. It shows the real-life situations of individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD) and what it looks like when their needs are unmet.

The Council has hosted multiple screenings to welcome the community inside the homes of people with I/DD to show the real stories and experiences when needs are unmet.

Previous Screenings include:

  • April 17, 2023 (virtual)
  • May 10, 2023 (Greenville, NC)
  • June 9, 2023 (Asheville, NC)
  • March 23, 2024 - Spanish-language film showing (Charlotte, NC)

Host Your Own Unmet Film Watch Party!

The Council has now released the film for organizations, nonprofits, and individuals to host a watch party to have meaningful discussions, while sharing with NCCDD what you think about the film and the crisis. Here's how you can participate:

  1. Complete this form below to request a link for the film for your watch party.
  2. The person who has made the request will receive access to the film upon approval from NCCDD.
  3. At the end of your screening, you will be asked to complete a short survey. 

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The Council Presents

The Council Presents Webinar Series LogoThe North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) offers this webinar series as a monthly gathering designed to provide valuable information, resources, and discussions on intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Sessions are held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with sessions lasting from 30 minutes to an hour. Each session features expert insights, community updates, and opportunities for engagement with community stakeholders, professionals, and individuals with I/DD.

Whether you are a self-advocate, family member, service provider, or policymaker, these sessions are designed to keep you informed and connected.

Join us on the fourth Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm (ET) from January through October. 

Register for the next webinar!

Webinar Schedule - 2026

All webinars are recorded and found on NCCDD's YouTube channel. 

March 26, 2026: Housing Roundtable

Join for a Housing Roundtable to hear about issues and strategies that will help people with I/DD obtain and maintain housing in a place of their choice in the community. Planned panelists include:

  • NCCDD member Carol Conway, a parent who has extensively researched ways that parents of adults with I/DD can leave their home to their adult child after they pass away or are no longer able to care for the child.
  • Laura Wells, the Executive Director of HOPE North Carolina, will discuss how HOPE NC is working to create inclusive housing options for adults with I/DD across the state, as well as current HOPE NC inclusive housing communities in the Triangle.
  • Suvya Carroll, a person with I/DD, will discuss living with a roommate in a thriving housing community.

View the March webinar recording

April 23, 2026: ABLE Accounts: Save Money Without Losing Benefits

Christine Farrelly from the NC Department of State Treasury will talk about ABLE accounts. ABLE accounts are special savings and investment accounts for people with disabilities. They allow you to save money without losing benefits like Medicaid or SSI. During this session, you will learn who can open an ABLE account, how the accounts work, and why they can be helpful. You will also learn how to use this money-saving option, which many people with disabilities may not know about.

View the April webinar recording

May 28, 2026: Registered Apprenticeship

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 ApprenticeshipNC, who will lead us through an overview of apprenticeship training programs, and respond to your questions on this valuable pathway to employment options.

View the May webinar recording

June 25, 2026: Plain Language

Plain Language is “clear, straightforward, and only uses words necessary to make sure all people can understand and participate.” This definition is from the Association for University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). Join us for the June session of “The Council Presents” to learn more about Plain Language. We will talk about how to write and speak using Plain Language, why it is helpful, and more. The discussion will feature two presenters.

Liz Weintraub works for AUCD as Senior Advisory Specialist. Liz has taught many of us how to advocate and use Plain Language in our policy and advocacy work. Her podcast “Tuesdays with Liz” uses Plain Language discussion of important policy topics every week.

Deborah Bosley, Ph.D., is a former tenured professor of technical writing at UNC Charlotte and the Founder and Principal at The Plain Language Group, LLC. For 20 years, she has worked with government agencies, corporations, and universities to create clear, concise, and understandable content.

View the June webinar recording

July 23, 2026: ADA 36th Anniversary

July 26, 2026 will mark the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA says that employers and places open to the general public must provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. But how does a person with a disability successfully request and secure an accommodation? During this session, hear from people with I/DD and other disabilities who have successfully received accommodations. They will share their lived experience and talk about how they did it to help the next person who might need similar access to a job, a building, a service, or an event. 

View the July webinar recording

August 27, 2026: Olmstead 101

This session will be a Panel Discussion including the history of the Olmstead Decision, national Olmstead policy achievements, an overview and implementation update of the North Carolina Olmstead Plan, and an opportunity for self-advocates and panelists to talk about how the Olmstead Decision has impacted the lives of people in North Carolina and across the country.

We will hear from state experts, including Bryan Dooley, self-advocate; Deb Goda, Director of NC DHHS Olmstead Section; Kelly Crosbie, Assistant Secretary of the DMH/DD/SUS; Corye Dunn, Director of Policy of Disability Rights North Carolina, and C. Talley Wells, Executive Director for NCCDD and former Georgia “Olmstead Case Lawyer.”

View the August webinar recording

September 24, 2026: Work Together NC

Work Together NC is a statewide initiative focused on the transition to and through adulthood for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The goal of Work Together NC is to help individuals find the community supports they need to transition and thrive as adults. This might include finding a job or a place to volunteer, post-secondary education, housing, social and recreational opportunities, and more. Presenters include Anna Ward, WTNC Director and NCCDD Member; Jacklyn Boheler, WTNC Backbone Team Member; and Kenneth Kelty, WTNC Backbone Team Member and NCCDD Member.

View the September webinar recording

October 22, 2026: NCCDD Five-Year State Plan

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD/the Council) staff and members will present the Council’s 2027-3031 Five-Year State Plan. The Five-Year State Plan sets the Council’s priorities and guides how funding is invested to improve services, supports, and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across North Carolina. The Council’s state plan was developed with extensive public input from North Carolinians concerned with IDD to help ensure that the plan reflects the needs and lived experiences of the I/DD community. The plan went into effect on October 1, 2026. Join us and learn about future Council investments and how North Carolinians concerned with I/DD contributed to how the Council will invest its funds for the next five years.

View the October webinar recording

More Episodes on YouTube

The Council Presents webinars began in 2025. You can find more video recordings of each webinar on NCCDD's YouTube channel. 

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Self-Advocate Discussion Series

Self-Advocate Discussion SeriesThe North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) hosts a monthly Self-Advocate Discussion Series session every third Wednesday of the month. The series aims to keep North Carolina self-advocates informed and engaged in discussion on topics of social and systems change. Series sessions are a time to connect with others with lived experience and common interests, tell personal stories involving disability justice, and stay connected with the NCCDD community.

Webinars are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1 pm. Register here. 

Please register at least one week before the session you plan to attend. You must receive registration approval to attend. If you register later, your approval email and meeting link may be delayed.

All Self-Advocate Discussion Series recordings are available on YouTube.

Upcoming Webinars for 2026

November 18, 2026: Joy, Fun, and Laughter

Get ready for the holiday season with music, comedy, works of art, jokes, storytelling, and more. This month, we will spend our time exchanging joy and laughter. Join us for an afternoon of lighthearted merriment! Come ready to share what brings you joy, what you do for fun, and how you engage in play. Some participants will share via pre-recorded videos.

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

December 16, 2026: Gifting as a Self-Advocate

The final session for 2026 will be a discussion on what it means to make an impact and share stories about how small acts of kindness can make a bigger impact than we think. This month’s topic focuses on giving back in the I/DD community.

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

Previous Webinars

January 21, 2026: After High School: Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) and Other Post-Secondary Programs

Anna Ward, Director of Advocacy and Inclusion at UNC CIDD Chapel Hill, and Lisa Pluff, Director for the Office of Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Education at UNC Greensboro, collaborate to offer information about Inclusive Post-Secondary Education programs (IPSE), along with leading a discussion with participants. Come and learn about resources available to learn more about how to attend an IPSE program.

Watch the January webinar video recording.

February 18, 2026: Developing Relationships

It’s not what you know, but who you know. Have you ever heard that before? Of course, you have because relationships with other people are one of the most meaningful aspects of life, for better or for worse. That is what we will talk about - developing and maintaining healthy relationships, and ending the unhealthy ones. Join and share the story about how you met your BFF of 10+ years, or tell the story of how you befriended your state representative who now has your telephone number on speed dial, or talk about how an old girlfriend or boyfriend introduced you to your current husband or wife. You could even share about ending a relationship that was not good for you.

Watch the February webinar video recording

March 18, 2026: Transportation

What does ideal transportation mean to you as a self-advocate? What do we need more of when it comes to getting around and going where we want to and when we want to go? If you are passionate about improving transportation and traveling for people with disabilities, please join us in March! We will talk about ground, water, and air transportation. And about public, private, accessible, and community-supported transportation systems. Experts will share experiences, insights, and advocacy tips. And as always, we’ll have time to hear from YOU about our experiences!

Watch the March webinar video recording

April 15, 2026: Coordinated Advocacy

Coordinated advocacy is where relationships and advocacy come together. Join us to hear about advocacy experiences and efforts by the disability community. Come share a story about your advocacy experience. We’ll discuss different types of advocacy, like the in-person/face-to-face, behind-the-scenes, letter writing, and more. Spend an hour with us and learn about and share coordinated advocacy. Sign up and let your voice be heard!

Watch the April webinar video recording

May 20, 2026: Adulting with I/DD (the Cutters are back!)

Mainstream sources say that “adulting” means to behave in an adult manner, engage in activities associated with adulthood, and attend to the ordinary tasks required of a responsible adult. In this session, guests Barton and Megan Cutter, along with attendees with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD), will share some of their adulting stories related to relationships, working, playing, and just plain living. Have you used a “bailout plan” on a date? Has a stranger ever asked you personal questions that started with “Because you have a disability…”? Do you have a story about your first or best kiss? Join us and share your stories about adulting as a person with I/DD.

Watch the May webinar video recording

June 17, 2026: Voting Rights

In this session, you will learn about your voting rights and how to make a plan to vote. We will hear from Kenya Meyers, who is the Voting Rights Project Manager at Disability Rights North Carolina. She will share helpful information, resources, and advocacy tips. There will also be time for you to share your thoughts. What would make voting easier for you? What support do you need to be ready to vote the way you want? Join us to talk about voting for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in North Carolina. Bring your questions and your own voting experiences to share.

Watch the June video recording

July 15, 2026: Celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. Throughout the year and on the ADA Anniversary (July 26), the ADA National Network recognizes this landmark event and the important work to promote equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Join us to celebrate, share, and learn.

Watch the July video recording

August 19, 2026: Assistive Technology

The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) has experienced important changes during the last year. Join us to learn more! The NCATP is a state and federally funded program that provides assistive technology services to people of all ages and abilities in North Carolina. NCATP leads North Carolina's efforts to carry out the federal Assistive Technology Act of 2004 by providing device demonstrations, short-term device loans, and reutilization of assistive technology. NCATP promotes independence for people with disabilities through access to technology.

Watch the August video recording 

September 16, 2026: Prepare for the 81st Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Join us to get ready to celebrate, learn, and share. In October 2026, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) will have its 81st anniversary! This month honors the important contributions people with disabilities make at work and reminds us that progress happens step by step, even during times of change. NDEAM is led each year in October by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. During this session, we will share stories and ideas to celebrate this important month.

Watch the September video recording

October 21, 2026: Getting Active in Advocacy: ALP-NC Alumni Network

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.

Watch the October video recording

All Self-Advocate Discussion Series recordings are available on YouTube. 

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