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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 have 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.

Helen C. "Holly" Riddle Distinguished Service Award: This award celebrates the work of professionals with North Carolina's families and people with I/DD. Helen C. "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 Helen C. "Holly" Riddle Award to celebrate the work of professionals with North Carolina's families and people with I/DD.

Meet the Current Awards Recipients

Five North Carolina leaders in disability advocacy were honored at the 2025 Advocacy and Leadership Awards presentation at NCCDD’s  November Council Meeting in Cary, NC.

Kerri Eaker Mountain Mover Award: Lauren Howard & LaDonna Huffaker

The honorees were Lauren Howard, Director, NC Office on Disability and Health, and LaDonna Huffaker, Workforce Engagement Manager, Division of Human Resources, NC Department of Health and Human Services, for their work in Western North Carolina during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Howard took the initiative to lead daily video conferences from the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center, focusing on people with disabilities affected by the storm. She created a vital daily link among western North Carolina residents, state and federal emergency responders, local communities, disability providers, and disability leaders—ensuring people with disabilities in the region remained a priority.

Huffaker worked on the ground to address needs identified through disability calls, providers, and local communities. She ensured that people with disabilities were being checked on and that shelters were prepared to meet their needs.

North Carolina Leadership Achievement Award: Laura Newell

Laura Newell from Charlotte, NC Newell has been a long-time leader of a self-advocacy organization, Self Advocates of Mecklenburg. She supports self-advocates like herself to advocate and lead.

Each year, she organizes people with I/DD to travel to the NC General Assembly to meet their legislators and to speak up on what matters to them. Newell works at InReach, a nonprofit that provides housing, employment, and community support for individuals with I/DD in Charlotte/Mecklenburg and nearby counties. Newell is also a noted published author.

Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award: Ray Hemachandra

Ray Hemachandra, from Asheville, was this year’s recipient of the Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award. Hefner, also referred to as “Big Jack” was a fierce advocate for his son with I/DD. Hemachandra is a business consultant, an advocate for equity, and an author of many op-eds on disabilities in North Carolina. He served on the Vaya Consumer and Family Advisory Committee for seven years. Most importantly, he is a parent of and champion for his autistic son Nicholas.

Helen C. “Holly” Distinguished Service Award: Pat Kuel

Pat Keul, a champion of employment for people with I/DD, was this year’s recipient. She is the Director of Operations at Disability:IN where she has led several projects funded by NCCDD to increase I/DD employment across the state. Pat Keul has been a champion of employment for people with I/DD for over 35 years. She is the Director of Operations at Disability:IN North Carolina where she has led several projects funded by NCCDD to increase I/DD employment across the state. She collaborated with people with disabilities to create the curriculum for the I/DD Peer Mentor training program, a pioneering curriculum that NCCDD and its partners have used to teach people with I/DD to mentor others with I/DD. She also founded Supported Employment Training (SET, Inc.) as one of the first supported employment programs in the state.

Past Award Recipients

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

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
  • Helen C. "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
  • Helen C. "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
  • Helen C. "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
  • Helen C. "Holly" Riddle Distinguished Service Award: Andrea Johnston Misenheimer

Read more about the 2021 awardees

Nomination Process

Each year in late spring, an announcement is made to submit nominations for each award. Both nominations and self-nominations are accepted. The deadline dates and other information will be updated on this page during that time.

When the nomination process opens, complete the online application form for the award you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know. Forms are available in English and Spanish.

Winners will be announced at the November Quarterly Council Meeting during the Advocacy & Leadership Awards Ceremony.

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 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 will positively impact other individuals as well.

Helen C. “Holly” Riddle 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 anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Each session will feature 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.

The webinars are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm (ET).

Register today!

 

2025 Schedule

June 26, 2025: Employment Toolkit

The NCCDD is excited to announce a collaboration with Work Together NC on their new Employment Toolkit for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This free toolkit helps people with I/DD explore job options, get ready for work, and find inclusive employment opportunities in North Carolina. It's easy to incorporate into lessons and services! Whether you're an educator, an adult service provider, an individual with I/DD, or a loved one to someone with I/DD, this toolkit will help individuals to achieve their employment goals! 

July 24, 2025: NC Assistive Technology Program

Assistive Technology (AT) is present in many aspects of our daily lives, enabling access to processes and procedures that might otherwise be unavailable to us. The NCCDD welcomes the opportunity to highlight the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP). NCATP is a state and federally funded program that opens opportunities for people of all ages and abilities statewide through advancements and applications of assistive technology services to engage more fully in their daily living activities, including work, school, and recreational activities. Join us as the ATP Assistive Technologist Practitioner guides us on an exploration of who they are, where to find them, and why you might need their services. 

August 28, 2025: Emergency Preparedness

June through November is hurricane season, and September is National Preparedness Month. In this session, we will learn tips and strategies for people with I/DD or any type of access or functional needs to be prepared for any emergency that could happen, including tropical storms and hurricanes. Learn how to include everyone in the planning so that nobody is left behind or is unprepared for the next severe weather event or other emergency.

Presenters are Sheri Badger, Senior Communications Specialist-Public Information Officer, King County (Washington State) Office of Emergency Management; former Disability Integration Specialist, North Carolina Emergency Management; and Lauren Howard, Director, North Carolina Office on Disability and Health in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). 

September 25, 2025: Presentación de la serie de videos de la ADA para comunidades de habla hispana (Introducing the ADA Video Series for Spanish-Speaking Communities)

Note: This presentation is in Spanish. English interpretation is offered upon request. Submit accommodation and language services requests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Únase al Consejo de Discapacidades de Desarrollo de Carolina del Norte (NCCDD) durante su próximo seminario web "The Council Presents" el 25 de septiembre de 2025 a la 1 p.m. para una introducción a la nueva serie de videos de la Red Nacional de la ADA, "Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades y Serie de Videos de Comunidades de Habla Hispana".

Durante el seminario web, el personal de la Red Nacional de la ADA brindará una descripción general de cómo se hizo la serie de videos, los objetivos de la serie y el tema de cada video. También hablarán sobre las barreras para comprender sus derechos bajo la ADA y cómo hacer cumplir esos derechos. La serie de videos cuenta con el apoyo financiero del Instituto Nacional de Investigación sobre la Discapacidad, la Vida Independiente y la Rehabilitación (NIDILRR, por sus siglas en inglés).

Los facilitadores invitados son:

  • Angelica Deaton, M.Ed., Centro ADA del Sureste-Instituto Burton Blatt de la Universidad de Syracuse
  • Oscar Gonzalez, Coordinador del Programa de Divulgación del Idioma Español, Centro de Traducción del Conocimiento de la Red Nacional de la ADA
  • Pamela Williamson, Subdirectora, Centro ADA del Sureste, Instituto Burton Blatt de la Universidad de Syracuse

¡Las personas de habla hispana y aquellos que brindan servicios, recursos y apoyo a las comunidades latinas están invitados a asistir! 

Para más información:

Announcement in English:

Join the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) during its next “The Council Presents” webinar on September 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. for an introduction to the ADA National Network’s new video series, “Americans with Disabilities Act and Spanish Speaking Communities Video Series.” This presentation is in Spanish. English interpretation is offered upon request. Submit accommodation and language services requests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

During the webinar, the ADA National Network staff will give an overview of how the video series was made, the goals of the series, and the topic for each video. They will also talk about barriers to understanding your rights under the ADA and how to enforce those rights. The video series is supported by funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

Guest facilitators are:

  • Angelica Deaton, M.Ed., Southeast ADA Center-Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University
  • Oscar Gonzalez, Program Coordinator of Spanish Language Outreach, ADA National Network Knowledge Translation Center
  • Pamela Williamson, Assistant Director, Southeast ADA Center, Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University

Spanish-speaking individuals and those who provide services, resources, and support for the Latino communities are invited to attend! 

For more information:

October 23, 2025: Access the Achievement

NCCDD welcomes Lindsay Tipton from Access to Achievement. Access to Achievement is a state-funded workforce training program empowering individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) to pursue their education and career goals with confidence.

The project provides:

  • Financial and benefits counseling,
  • Develops strategies for integrating assistive technology,
  • Maximizes access to credentials,
  • Increases orientation and integration of individuals with I/DD into the college community, and
  • Develops needs assessment, marketing, and evaluation tools.
REGISTER HERE
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Self-Advocate Discussion Series

Self-Advocate Discussion Series logo

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) hosts a monthly Self-Advocate Discussion Series webinar 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, and to develop impact strategies for telling personal stories, and stay connected with the NCCDD community.

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

Register here!

View recordings of past webinars! Visit our YouTube Channel to view videos of all of our Self-Advocate Discussion Series webinars. 

2025 Schedule

January 15, 2025: Planning for Our Future

More people with disabilities are thinking about who will support them as they get older. More family members who are getting older are thinking about who will support their loved one with a disability as they both get older. Whether you are worried about the future or know exactly what future lies ahead for you, join us this session to share your story and hear from others. During this panel session, we will hear from individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD), parents, and family members. We will have Future Planning experts and Benefits Specialists on hand to offer resources and answer questions.

Watch the January webinar recording: English | Spanish

February 19, 2025: Safely Interacting with Police

Learn what NCCDD is doing to train first responders, including law enforcement officers (police), on how to understand and interact appropriately with people with I/DD to reduce the chance of anyone getting injured or worse during these interactions. Also, learn tips for how people with I/DD and their caregivers can stay safe while interacting with law enforcement officers. Meet and talk with Dustin Chandler of the Interaction Advisory Group. Dustin is a former law enforcement officer, a current Emergency Medical Technician, and the father of a child with I/DD. He trains first responders on how to understand and interact appropriately with people with I/DD. 

Watch the February webinar recording: English | Spanish

March 19, 2025: Organized Advocacy

Organized Advocacy is where relationships and advocacy come together. Join NCCDD to hear about the grassroots efforts of the disability rights movement. Come share a story about what organized advocacy is like today. We’ll discuss different types of advocacy - like the difference between educating and lobbying – and how sharing your story is important to improve communities for people with I/DD. 

Watch the March webinar recording: English | Spanish

April 16, 2025: Transportation
Back by popular demand: Transportation and travel for people with disabilities! We will talk about ground, water, and air transportation, as well as public, private, accessible, and community-supported transportation systems. We will hear from experts who will share experiences, insights, and advocacy tips. As always, we’ll have time to hear from YOU! What does ideal transportation mean to you as a self-advocate? What do you need more of when it comes to getting around and going where you want to and when you want to go? If you are passionate about improving transportation and traveling for people with disabilities in North Carolina, please join us.

Watch the April webinar recording: English | Spanish

May 21, 2025: Adulting with I/DD
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 and attendees with 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 recording

June 18, 2025: Art - Direct Benefits and Advocacy Tool
Art is a powerful tool for advocacy. In this session, we will be joined by professionals in the arts who are also self-advocates. Join us and learn how you can use your own creative gifts to showcase the value of people with disabilities through art. 

Watch the June video recording

July 16, 2025: ADA 35th Anniversary
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 20, 2025: Assistive Technology
This session will be led by the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP). The NCATP is a state and federally funded program that provides assistive technology services statewide to people of all ages and abilities. NCATP leads North Carolina's efforts to carry out the federal Assistive Technology Act of 2004 by providing device demonstration, 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 17, 2025: Public Input for NCCDD's Five-Year Plan

This will be a Developmental Disabilities Public Input Session for individuals with developmental disabilities, families and the community. We want to hear from you on: 

  • Your disability related priorities (school, Medicaid, employment, and more)
  • Your hopes and dreams
  • Hurricane Helene

This will help NCCDD plan our work as your developmental disability organization for the next five years and to take your opinions to state and local leaders. 

Watch the September video recording

October 15, 2025: Getting Active in Advocacy
This session is dedicated to North Carolina Disability Leadership Training Graduates. Join leaders with lived experience from the Ability Leadership Program of North Carolina, I/DD Peer Mentor Training Program, and members of the NC Advocacy Leaders Network (graduates from PIP, ASL, LEND, GRIP, STIR, and more) who will be spotlighted to share their stories about the training they have participated in and the advocacy experiences they engaged after training. Please join us to hear from some of the state’s finest and most successful advocacy leaders. 

Watch the October video recording

November 19, 2025: Cheer, Humor, and Fun

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.

Watch the November video recording

December 17, 2025: Gifting as a Self-Advocate

We will discuss what it means to make an impact, and share stories about how small acts of kindness can make a bigger impact than we think.

REGISTER HERE

2026 Schedule

NOTE: The registration link for the 2026 schedule is pending. 

January 21, 2025: 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 IPSE information and lead a discussion. Come and learn about what and how to access resources available to attend post-secondary programs.

February 19, 2025: 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 us 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.

March 18, 2025: Transportation

Back on demand! Transportation and travel for people with disabilities. We will talk about on-the-ground, on-the-water, and in-the-air transportation as well as public, private, accessible, and community-supported transportation systems. We will hear from experts who will share experiences, insight, and advocacy tips. As always, we’ll have time to hear from YOU! 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 in North Carolina, please join us.

April 15, 2025: 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!

May 20, 2025: 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.

June 17, 2025: TBD

Information coming soon.

July 15, 2025: TBD

Information coming soon.

August 19, 2025: TBD

Information coming soon.

September 19, 2025: TBD

Information coming soon.

October 21, 2025: TBD

Information coming soon.

November 18, 2025: TBD

Information coming soon.

December 16, 2025: TBD

Information coming soon.

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