December 2024 Highlights and Hot Topics
Message from the Executive Director
Bryan Dooley (front row, left) and Jon D'Angelo (front row, center) at the White House for the ADA Anniversary along with Kay McMillan, Rep. Tony Coelho and Talley WellsGovernor Roy Cooper has appointed Jon D’Angelo as the new Chairperson for the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD). Jon has served as NCCDD Vice Chair for the last year and has a long history of disability rights advocacy.
Prior to joining NCCDD, Jon led an advocacy campaign to successfully ensure that two medications would be available for individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in North Carolina. On the Council, Jon has been an active leader on policies related to the Direct Support Professional workforce shortage, the Innovations Waiver waiting list, improved data related to intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD), and in the direction of the Council's work. Jon states that he “will strive to continue leading this Council into the halls of power. Decisions are made by those who show up, so whenever or wherever we can show up, we will, and [we will] bring the community with us.”
All of us at NCCDD and the disability community are deeply grateful to Bryan Dooley, who served as Chair from January 2022 to November 2024. NCCDD will celebrate Bryan at its upcoming virtual February Council meeting. Bryan's leadership and advocacy led to a significant increase in Direct Support Professional pay rates in North Carolina. Bryan made significant personal sacrifices in his work for the Council and his advocacy on behalf of our community.
New Chair Jon D’Angelo recently wrote, “Bryan's leadership as chair not only got us into the halls of power, but [he] did so with an extraordinary level of personal intimacy into his life as someone with a disability. His leadership got us into the Governor's Office, Lt. Governor's Office, the NC Attorney General, the Secretary of DHHS, countless legislators, countless division directors, topping it all off with getting us to the White House, twice. Thank you Byran.”
This is a time of significant transition in federal and state leadership, as well as with NCCDD. The fantastic news is we have a strong Council and a strong new Chair. We look forward to working with you in the coming year.
Talley Wells, NCCDD Executive Director
Public Policy Update (as of 12/18/24)
Federal
Budget and Appropriations
As a reminder, on September 25, 2024, Congress passed a three-month long Continuing Resolution (CR) that extended government funding through December 20, 2024 (H.R. 9747). The CR included an extension of funding for the Autism CARES Act of 2019.
On December 16, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Autism CARES Act of 2024 (H.R. 7213) by a vote of 402 to 13. This bipartisan bill ensures continued monitoring, training, and research programs within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support children and adults with autism, people with other neurodevelopmental disabilities, and their families.
On December 17, 2024, a Budget Appropriations Continuing Resolution was filed. This bill included more than $100 billion in disaster aid and gave lawmakers more time to wrap up overdue work on government funding, the farm bill and a handful of other issues they decided not to finish.
The disaster aid section of the package included funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Agriculture, the Small Business Administration and several other federal agencies to continue their ongoing response efforts following a slew of natural disasters during the last two years. It also gave Congress until mid-March to complete work on the dozen annual government funding bills that were supposed to become law by October 1, 2024.
It was initially believed that the bill would be passed by the House and the Senate, and then signed by President Biden. However, Speaker Mike Johnson has received pushback and pressure from conservatives on and off Capitol Hill, and it seems that the bill and CR may be scrapped. Congress has until midnight on December 20, 2024 to resolve this or face a government shut-down.
Looking ahead to policy and funding, the incoming leadership has suggested that Social Security and Medicare are safe. So with a promise from the new administration to cut spending and to reauthorize Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that was initially passed in 2017, Medicaid will likely be at risk in the future. Potential areas of reduction/change include: a higher Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Medicaid Expansion (making it regular FMAP versus 90% FMAP); a per capita cap for Medicaid expenditures in states versus entitlement/no cap; converting Medicaid to a State Block Grant funding structure; and work requirements.
Subminimum Wage Update
On December 3, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Employment of Workers with Disabilities Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, that would phase out certificates allowing employers to pay workers with disabilities at wage rates below the federal minimum wage. This would:
- Cease the DOL’s issuance of new section 14(c) certificates to employers submitting an initial application on or after the effective date of a final rule.
- Permit existing section 14(c) certificate holders, assuming all legal requirements are met, to continue to operate under section 14(c) certificate authority for up to three years after the effective date of a final rule.
This comes after years of education and advocacy by many disability advocates. This proposed rule comes during the last full month of President Biden’s administration, and the comment period ends just three days before President-elect Trump takes office. This timing raises questions as to whether the rule will ultimately be finalized.
The DOL encourages interested parties to submit comments on the proposal once it is published in the Federal Register. All comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 17, 2025, for consideration in this rulemaking. Comments received after the comment period closes will not be considered. Learn more about the proposed rule and instructions for submitting comments.
Increased Airline Accessibility
Delta Airlines is making updates to one of its most popular in-flight features in an effort to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. A new flight map offering high-contrast visuals, a color-blind palette, large text and icons, clearer labels and the ability to zoom and pan has been introduced. In addition to improving visual accessibility, the airline said it plans to add voice narration to future versions of its flight map, providing audio updates of arrival times, points of interest and more.
State
Legislative
The legislature reconvened the week of November 19, 2024 and the House of Representatives and Senate voted to override Governor Cooper’s veto of HB 10. The bill, which was also called a mini-budget, includes funding for Hurricane Helene relief. It also includes $2 billion for the state’s private school voucher program over the next decade and requirements for sheriffs to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at a time when many are worried about deportation.
During the same session in November, a bill entitled Disaster Relief-3/Budget/Various Law Changes was passed. It was described as the third round of relief for western North Carolina yet included a much smaller amount of funding than earlier packages. Most of the measure enacts a series of completely unrelated changes, which would weaken the power of the lieutenant governor, attorney general, and superintendent of public instruction offices. It also makes changes to absentee voting, ballot counting, the highway patrol and the judiciary. This bill was vetoed by the Governor. The legislature overrode the veto in early December.
Leadership Changes
Democrats in the North Carolina Senate elected a new leader to replace Sen. Dan Blue, a veteran legislator who led the caucus for more than a decade. Senate Democrats chose Sydney Batch, a former single-term House member who has represented Apex in the Senate since 2021, to serve as minority leader and head of their caucus in the upcoming legislative session.
Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, a high-ranking Democrat who also represents Raleigh, was elected to another term as minority whip, while Sen. Julie Mayfield, an Asheville Democrat, was reelected as caucus secretary.
Also on Monday, House Democrats reelected Rep. Robert Reives to another two-year term as leader of their caucus. Reives has led the caucus since 2021. The caucus plans to hold elections for other leadership positions in January.
North Carolina House Republicans selected their 2025-26 leadership. Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), current rules chairman, will serve as speaker of the House, succeeding Rep. Tim Moore (R-Cleveland), who was elected to Congress earlier this month after a decade as speaker.
Other leadership positions include Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) as majority leader and Rep. Mitchell Setzer (R-Catawba), who unseated Rep. Sarah Stevens to serve as speaker pro tempore.
In the Senate, Republicans re-elected Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) as Senate president pro tempore for an eighth term. Formal votes by the full House and Senate will take place in January at the start of the legislative session.
Jon D'Angelo Named Chair of NCCDD
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) is excited to welcome Jonathan D’Angelo as its new chair. D’Angelo grew up in Connecticut, moving to North Carolina in high school, and has been a member of the NCCDD since 2022. Prior to being appointed as chair, he was elected and served as vice chairperson.
D’Angelo’s advocacy began as he observed the inequitable pricing of vital medications for people with disabilities. He was determined to get involved in the world of disability advocacy.
“I have a disability myself, and I spent a lot of time looking for an organization where I could be an advocate for people with disabilities,” said D’Angelo. Eventually, I found the NCCDD and resonated with its mission. I joined and got involved, and I’ve been a member ever since.”
In addition to his work in disability advocacy, D’Angelo holds a bachelor’s in Political Science and a master’s in International Relations and National Security Studies from East Carolina University. He also works full-time for OneDigital, an Atlanta-based insurance brokerage firm.
D’Angelo’s first priority as chair is to ensure NCCDD continues to work and maintain a strong working relationship with the incoming gubernatorial administration as the organization continues to deliver beneficial policies for people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD).
“With the election of Josh Stein, it is important to stay involved as the transition happens,” said D’Angelo. “My biggest goal is to ensure that we remain connected with the new administration; they play a huge role in shaping policy for everyone, especially systemically disadvantaged people.”
D’Angelo is excited to serve North Carolinians with I/DD as he begins this new chapter in his own advocacy journey. In his role, he will lead meetings and plan many of the organization’s goals. He is excited to represent NCCDD during his tenure and hopes to make a positive impact in the coming years.
Hispanic Disability Outreach Update
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024: A Day to Celebrate and Act
Every December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities invites us to reflect and act toward building an inclusive society. Established by the United Nations in 1992, this day highlights the achievements of people with disabilities and promotes the removal of barriers to ensure equal opportunities for all.
What is a disability?
Disabilities can occur at any point in life, affecting one or various aspects of daily living. Intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD) are disabilities that impact a person’s ability to learn, communicate, move around independently, or care for oneself that occurs prior to the age of 22 and lasts throughout their life.
Key Advances in 2024
This year marked significant progress in improving the quality of life for people with I/DD in North Carolina:
- Medicaid Expansion: This month marks the first anniversary! More individuals now have access to essential services. Visit the Medicaid Expansion Dashboard.
- Tailored Plans: Implemented on July 1, 2024, these plans provide comprehensive support for behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries, benefiting both insured and uninsured individuals.
The Work of NCCDD
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) continues to lead efforts in:
- Promoting community living,
- Advancing economic independence,
- Supporting people with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives in the community; and
- Protecting the rights of individuals with I/DD.
Looking Ahead
As 2024 comes to a close, NCCDD reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive society where everyone can live with dignity and fulfillment.
Want to Learn More?
Contact NCCDD at [email protected] to find out how to access these services and be a part of change.
En español
Día Internacional de las Personas con Discapacidad 2024: Un Día para Celebrar y Actuar
Cada 3 de diciembre, el Día Internacional de las Personas con Discapacidad nos invita a reflexionar y actuar para construir una sociedad inclusiva. Establecido por las Naciones Unidas en 1992, este día destaca los logros de las personas con discapacidad y promueve la eliminación de barreras para garantizar igualdad de oportunidades.
¿Qué es la discapacidad?
La discapacidad puede presentarse en cualquier momento de la vida, afectando una o más áreas de la vida diaria. Las discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (IDD), son discapacidades que afectan la capacidad de una persona para aprender, comunicarse, moverse de manera independiente o cuidarse a sí misma que ocurren antes de los 22 años y duran toda su vida.
Avances Destacados en 2024
Este año marcó grandes pasos para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con discapacidad en Carolina del Norte:
- Ampliación de Medicaid: Este mes se cumple el primer año de esta iniciativa. Más personas ahora tienen acceso a servicios esenciales. Favor de visitar Medicaid Expansion Dashboard.
- Planes Personalizados (Tailored Plans): Implementados el 1 de julio, ofrecen apoyo integral en salud conductual, discapacidades del desarrollo y lesiones cerebrales traumáticas, beneficiando tanto a personas aseguradas como no aseguradas.
El Trabajo del NCCDD
El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Carolina del Norte sigue liderando esfuerzos en:
- Promover la vida comunitaria.
- Impulsar la independencia económica.
- Apoyar a las personas con discapacidad para que vivan vidas plenas y significativas en la comunidad; y.
- Defender los derechos de las personas con IDD.
Mirando hacia el futuro
Cerramos 2024 con un firme compromiso de avanzar hacia una sociedad inclusiva donde cada persona pueda vivir con dignidad y plenitud.
¿Quieres saber más?
Contáctanos en el NCCDD para descubrir cómo acceder a estos servicios y ser parte del cambio: [email protected]
Self-Advocate Discussion Series Continues in 2025!
This year’s monthly Self-Advocate Discussion Series was yet another success! The sessions covered a variety of topics while engaging self-advocates to share about their thoughts and experiences. NCCDD would like to thank all who participated during the year and look forward to continuing the series in 2025.
Start the new year by joining us on January 15, 2025 from 1-2PM for a discussion on “Planning for Our Future.” More people with disabilities are thinking about who will support them as they get older. And 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.
There will be a panel discussion of individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD), parents, and family members, and there will be Future Planning experts and Benefits Specialists on hand to offer resources and answer questions.
To register: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscuqsqTIuHKmNsMe66wT4whwK0hPGVAM#/registration
Check out the 2025 schedule: https://nccdd.org/initiatives/self-advocate-discussion-series
As we welcome a new year, we reflect on the incredible strides we’ve made together in promoting inclusion, equity, and opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Through our initiatives and the input and dedication of self-advocates, you inspired us as we work to break down barriers and build stronger, more inclusive communities across North Carolina.
In 2025, let’s continue to advocate for meaningful change, celebrate diversity, and empower everyone to reach their full potential. Here’s to a year filled with growth, collaboration, and progress!
Wishing you and your loved ones health, happiness, and success in the year ahead.
Warm regards,
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
Aspectos Distacados Y Temas De Interes
