Article from the NCCDD FY 2022-2023 Annual Report

Even before being appointed to the Council, Brendon Hildreth has been an impactful advocate across the state by finding success through opportunities.

One of his biggest achievements is the Accessible Icon Project. The goal of the project is to advocate for the use of an updated version of the old, outdated accessibility symbol into a more active and engaging picture meant to show that people with disabilities can be active, engaged, and independent in their communities.

Through his advocacy efforts, he was successful getting the new accessible icon approved for use in North Carolina. And he was successful in getting his hometown of New Bern to be the first city in the state to adopt the icon.

Since then, many businesses, towns, schools and colleges in NC have adopted the icon and more importantly, its message. Just recently, East Carolina University (ECU), his alma mater, adopted the icon, and through the help of a graduate student, the icon made it to Miracle Field in Wilmington, NC and will be approaching the City of Greenville and other NC universities.

Hildreth was also able to get the City of New Bern to make its City Hall more accessible by having them add an accessible elevator because he couldn’t get into the building using his wheelchair. The City is almost done installing an elevator, and rumor has it, he has been promised the first ride!

Hildreth was appointed to NCCDD in 2016, representing Craven County. Through his advocacy with NCCDD and other accessibility initiatives, Hildreth has proven that he has a gift to help advocate and not let himself be seen solely as a person with a disability. Instead, he prefers to be seen as a person who needs accommodations.

Driven to educate others and advocate on behalf of the disability community, Hildreth has a simple philosophy. “It’s very easy to complain,” he shared. “But I like to point out an issue and also try to come up with a solution.”

And that passion has led him to a career in advocating for others with disabilities with the North Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).

In 2022, Hildreth graduated from ECU. Around the same time, he was approached by Kathie (formerly Trotter) Smith, Division Director for DVRS about an internship position. He and Smith are both Council members. She was also familiar with his success as an advocate with the Accessible Icon Project.

He accepted the offer and began his responsibilities as an intern, which included educating about the Accessible Icon Project, helping with requests through DVRS’ emails from people in need of services, assisting the Division Director on projects, and more.

In his work, he came up with a process to streamline the requests so that DVRS field offices would get to them quicker, so clients would get services quicker. The process was well received and adopted by DVRS.

Because of his accomplishments, Smith offered him a permanent position with DVRS as Disability Peer Consultant. His responsibilities include continuing to educate about the Accessible Icon Project, while working with each DVRS field office throughout the state to adopt the message of the new accessible icon.

“This role is new for me, so I’m still learning,” he said. “I’m looking forward to showing people that I am capable and willing to do a job. I want to help others find jobs and most importantly, tell others what DVRS can offer.”

Next, he will be trained to be a peer mentor and will work as a liaison between DVRS and people looking for a job and services.

When he started this process, Hildreth asked “a bazillion questions” while he was applying for services in the DVRS system. He experienced a lot of frustration along the way, and he wants to help others not to have to navigate the hard way.

When asked what he likes best about his job, Hildreth said, “I enjoy being seen and respected as a peer in my work environment. I enjoy meeting new workers and having them value and seek my input.”

Darcy, Hildreth’s mom, reflects on her son’s success. “We believe as a family that everyone has a gift to share and you need to find yours and share it. He believes in equity, not equality. Everyone gets what they need, not the same.”