Self-Advocate Discussion Series
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.
Upcoming Webinar Schedule
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.
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 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.
Registration link coming soon
February 18, 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.
Registration link coming soon
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.
Registration link coming soon
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!
Registration link coming soon
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.
Registration link coming soon
June 17, 2025: TBD
Information coming soon.
July 15, 2025: TBD
Information coming soon.
August 19, 2025: TBD
Information coming soon.
September 16, 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.
Past Webinars
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 webinar 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 webinar 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 demonstrations, short-term device loans, and reutilization of assistive technology. NCATP promotes independence for people with disabilities through access to technology. Watch the August webinar 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 webinar 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 webinar 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 webinar recording
All Self-Advocate Discussion Series recordings are available on YouTube.