Every third Wednesday of the month, the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) will host its monthly Self-Advocate Discussion Series session. The Self-Advocate Discussion 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, common interests, develop impact strategies for telling personal stories, and stay connected with the NCCDD community.

What you can expect:

• Self-advocate leaders and presenters;
• Engaging presentations and videos;
• Current topics on interest; and
• Community event announcements for self-advocates.

The webinars are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 1 pm ET.

Register here!

Schedule

Last session for 2024: December 18, 2024 - Giving as a Self-Advocate, Part 2
We will discuss what it means to make an impact, and how small acts of kindness can make a bigger impact than we think. We will discuss how to give back to the I/DD community. Watch the video recording

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. REGISTER HERE

February 19, 2025: Housing Options

An enhanced quality of life includes safe, affordable, and accessible housing that is integrated in the community. We will hear from an expert panel that will share their experiences, insights, resources and advocacy tips. As always, we’ll have time to hear from YOU! What does ideal living situations mean to you as a self-advocate? What do we need more of when it comes to living where we want and with who we want? If you are passionate about improving housing options for people with I/DD in North Carolina, please join us! REGISTER HERE

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. REGISTER HERE

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. REGISTER TODAY!

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. REGISTER HERE

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. REGISTER HERE

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. Joni us to celebrate, share, and learn. REGISTER HERE

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. REGISTER HERE

September 17, 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. REGISTER HERE

October 15, 2025: Topic to be determined

November 19, 2025: Topic to be determined

December 17, 2025: Topic to be determined 

Vidoe Recordings of Prevision Discussions 

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