• • • • • • Message from the Executive Director
          • Public Policy Update (as of 9/23/24) 
          • Hispanic Disability Outreach: Join NCCDD in Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
          • NCCDD Announces RFA: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Planning
          • October is National Disability Employment and Awareness Month 
          • Boletín en español
          • Newsletter in Accessible Audio

Message from the Executive Director

At the White House to celebrate the ADA anniverary!
Back row: Rep. Tony Coelho and Talley Wells
Front row: Bryan Dooley, Jon D'Angelo, and Kay McMillan

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is something to celebrate every year. And this year, three of our Council Members and I had the honor of celebrating it at the White House with one of its key architects, Rep.  Tony Coelho.

The ADA says in its opening paragraphs that it is a national mandate to ensure “equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency” for people with disabilities. Its passage was a critical milestone for advocates with disabilities who spent years advocating with legislative leaders across the country.   

President Georgia H.W. Bush signed the ADA into law in 1990 at the White House. The signing demonstrated that Congress and the President of the United States could make meaningful, lasting, and seismic change in favor of disability civil rights.  

One of the leading architects and shepherds of the ADA was Rep. Coelho. Rep. Coelho has epilepsy. Due to his epilepsy, he lost his driver’s license, could not get insurance, and had trouble finding employment. 

He became a Congressman in 1979 and House Majority Whip in 1987. He championed the passage of the ADA.  He testified in favor of it in 1988 saying: 

I'm here today, serving in the capacity that I serve, because some people believed. Not because my government protected me, not because my government protected my basic civil rights. 

So, I'm a major advocate of this bill because I want to make sure that other young people, as they're looking for hope, as they believe that the system should work for them, have that hope, have that opportunity. . .  

That's what this bill is all about. Thirty-six million Americans deciding it's time to [for us] . . . to make a difference. To say we want our basic civil rights also. We deserve it. And give us an opportunity to do what we can do. Don't keep telling us what we can't do.  

Rep. Coelho was at the White House on September 9, 2024 to celebrate the ADA. NCCDD Chair Bryan Dooley, Vice Chair Jon D’Angelo, Council Member Kay McMillan, and I had the great honor to join him, President Joe Biden, and disability leaders from across the country at the celebration in the place where President Bush signed it in 1990. Rep. Coelho reminds us that we can continue to make seismic change for our community 34 years after the ADA.

Public Policy Update (as of 9/23/24)

STATE

Legislature 

HB 10, which was a Conference Committee report, was passed on September 9 by the Senate and passed on September 11 by the House. This bill includes $277 million in recurring funds and $100 million in non-recurring funds to address the Medicaid rebase. (The primary reason for the need for additional funds is that NC’s economy has improved; therefore, the federal match for Medicaid is lower so the state needs to contribute more.)  

DHHS had estimated that $458 million was needed to address Medicaid rebase and this amount was in the Governor’s budget. The total allocated funds in this bill ($377 million) were less than the request from the Department. There is a Medicaid fund that can be accessed if needed but needs legislative approval.  

DHHS had also requested additional money to support Medicaid transformation. This was not addressed in the legislation. There are concerns that this may result in reductions in some areas such as the Healthy Opportunities program.  

The legislation also included increased funds for Opportunity Scholarships (vouchers for private schools). These allocations will increase each year over the next few years and eventually will reach $800 million. The rationale for funding these was that there is a waiting list for the vouchers.  

The bill was sent to the Governor for signature. The Governor vetoed the bill based on objection to the voucher funding. The legislature is scheduled to reconvene on October 9 and the veto will be over-ridden.  

Despite the massive waiting list, what was missing from this bill were funds for Innovations Waiver slots and Direct Support Professional (DSP) wage increases. Our voices are needed as we move into the long session in January.   

DMHDDSUS Strategic Plan 

The Division received a good amount of feedback on the Strategic Plan which was reviewed and incorporated into the final version which was posted September 23.   

“The DMH/DD/SUS Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 describes our mission to build systems, services, and supports that improve the well-being of all North Carolinians affected by Mental Health (MH) and Substance Use (SU) challenges, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It reflects our vision for communities without stigma where all are supported to live healthier and happier lives. It details what we are doing to make this vision a reality for all North Carolinians. It is the plan for our continued transformation.” 

To learn more about the DMH/DD/SUS Strategic Plan for 2024-2029, you can attend an upcoming townhall on October 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.  Register here for Our Vision for the Future: Working Together to Transform the Public MH/SU/IDD/TBI System townhall. 

Grants to Address DSP Recruitment and Retention 

DSP Provider Recruitment and Retention Grants are available for community providers. The Division of Health Benefits is offering providers the opportunity to apply for grants to enhance recruitment and retention of DSPs. There was a webinar held earlier this month and several office hours are being offered to answer questions about the grants. Proposals will be accepted through November 8.  

Tailored Care Management 

DHB has developed a Tailored Care Management (TCM) toolkit to address questions and provide information about the TCM services. The toolkit can be found at https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/tailored-care-management/toolkit.   

FEDERAL 

After returning to Washington after an extended August break, members of Congress worked through the weekend to draft a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) that would extend funding for the federal government until December 20 and include minimal needed spending adjustments for certain programs to ensure they receive adequate funding to operate for the duration of the CR. The CR also includes funding for the Secret Service to provide additional security for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates through inauguration in January. Notably, the CR does not include the controversial “SAVE Act,” which mandates that states adopt restrictive identification requirements for individuals registering to vote and which has been a major sticking point in negotiations. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) introduced the measure in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 22 after spending the weekend hashing out the bipartisan agreement with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). A failed House vote last week on Speaker Johnson’s proposed CR, which included the controversial “SAVE Act,” spurred negotiations between Speaker Johnson and Leader Schumer, with both eager to pass a CR by September 30 to avoid a partial government shutdown. 

Speaker Johnson is expected to bring the CR for a vote in the House as early as September 25, with a likely vote in the Senate soon after. 

While Congress is expected to avoid a shutdown, advocates should continue reaching out to their members of Congress not only to finalize a CR, but to enact a final fiscal year (FY) 2025 spending bill that supports people with I/DD.  

Marriage Penalty for SSI Recipients 

Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (EMPSA Act) was introduced in January 2024.  This type of bill has been introduced before but yet to be passed. We may get some help with awareness and advocacy through a movie that is coming out.  

“Patrice: The Movie” had its world premiere last weekend at the Toronto International Film Festival and will debut on Hulu September 30. 

This is another area where continued education and advocacy is needed.

Hispanic Disability Outreach: Join NCCDD in Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! 

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) is excited to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15th to October 15th!  

From the rhythmic beats of salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata to the soulful melodies of boleros and Mexican rancheras, the music of Latin America connects us to our roots. And let's not forget the flavors that bring families together—whether it's the rich and savory tamales, the zesty tacos al pastor, or the hearty arroz con pollo, food plays a central role in the celebration of Hispanic heritage.  

This month, the NCCDD is highlighting stories of Latinos with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by recognizing their contributions and unique experiences in North Carolina. Stories celebrate the history that weaves together the strength and resilience of the Hispanic community and the beauty of the Spanish language.   

Want to learn more or get involved? Go to our Hot Topics Blog or reach out to the NCCDD Hispanic Disability Advocate, Irlanda Ruiz, directly at [email protected] or 984-920-8215.  

En español

¡Únete al NCCDD para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana!   

El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Carolina del Norte (NCCDD) está emocionado de celebrar el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, que se lleva a cabo del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre. 

Desde los ritmos vibrantes de la salsa, merengue, cumbia y bachata hasta las melodías conmovedoras de los boleros y rancheras mexicanas, la música de América Latina nos conecta con nuestras raíces. Y no olvidemos los sabores que reúnen a las familias: ya sean los ricos y sabrosos tamales, los tacos al pastor picantes o el abundante arroz con pollo, la comida juega un papel central en la celebración de la herencia hispana.  

Este mes, el NCCDD está destacando historias de latinos con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (IDD) al reconocer sus contribuciones y experiencias únicas en Carolina del Norte. Las historias celebran la historia que entrelaza la fuerza y la resiliencia de la comunidad hispana y la belleza del idioma español. 

¿Quieres saber más o involucrarte? Visita Hot Topics Blog o comunícate directamente con la Defensora de Discapacidades Hispanas del NCCDD, Irlanda Ruiz, en [email protected] o al 984-920-8215.  

NCCDD Announces RFA: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Planning

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) has issued a Request for Funds Available (RFA) for a new initiative: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Planning.  

The NCCDD intends to fund a three-year and six-month initiative to establish an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program in North Carolina at one of the state’s 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The plan for this initiative is to fund a planning and development period to pilot an IPSE from April 2025 through July or December 2026, and then to pilot an IPSE at an HBCU starting in either August 2026 or January 2027. 

Funding for the project will be distributed as follows:

• Year 1: Up to $60,000 for the first contract period for six months of planning and development, with a required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds ($20,000). The initial 6-month project begins April 1, 2025, and ends September 30, 2025. All additional contract periods (Years 2 through 4) will all be a full calendar year.  
• Year 2: Funding plans for the second contract period will be up to $120,000 with 25% non-federal matching funds ($40,000), starting October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026. This year will also go towards funding planning and development of the program. 
• Years 3 and 4: Funding plans for years 3 and 4 will be up to $200,000 respectively for the initiation of a pilot program.  

Read the official RFA for all details and requirements.  

Application deadline is 5:00PM EDT on November 1, 2024. Applications are accepted using DD Suite: https://ddsuite.org/?nofa_id=2179 

The NCCDD makes funds available to fulfill its mission in accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) and the Council’s Five-Year State Plan. The NCCDD’s major funding source is the United States Dept. of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Administration on Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The NCCDD makes funds available primarily through competitive bids or Requests for Applications (RFAs). 

October is National Disability Employment and Awareness Month

Each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM’s purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring workers with disabilities have access to good jobs in careers of their choice. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy: “Access to Good Jobs for All.” You can learn more about NDEAM, including access to videos, ideas on how to celebrate, and much more from at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam.  

Do you have an employment story to share?

During NDEAM, NCCDD will be sharing stories from North Carolinians with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD) about their experiences and successes with finding meaningful employment. Would you like to share your story? Contact us at [email protected] if you do! Check your email inbox each Wednesday for NCCDD’s Weekly Announcements and Updates to read these stories and more!

Learn more about NDEAM!

Boletín en español

Coming soon!

Newsletter in Accessible Audio