Statewide Developmental Disabilities Council Awards 37 Mini Grants To Help with Programs and Services During COVID-19

Thirty-seven mini grants were awarded by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) from its relief fund to agencies and organizations serving people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD) across North Carolina to help with needed services and supplies while many agencies and nonprofits deal with COVID-19.

The impact reached statewide. The 22 adults with I/DD living in group homes overseen by The Arc of Davidson County in Lexington, NC, have been unable to have in-person visits with their loved ones since the shelter in place order was established on March 16.

With the financial help of the Council’s mini-grant, The Arc purchased screens which allow for voice and video calls with family and the ability to interact through Echo Show with friends living in other group homes. In addition, they purchased arts and crafts as well as indoor and outdoor sports games that are helping to keep everyone entertained.

Walkin’Roll Activities League in Claremont, NC, used its mini grant funds to purchase tee-ball T-shirts for over 150 individuals with developmental disabilities (ages two to 80), coaches and volunteers for their annual T-ball league games postponed due to the COVID-19 virus. During normal times, T-ball games occur every Saturday in the summer for eight to 10 weeks with over 100 participants.

With its mini-grant, Wilson County Department of Social Services plans to provide 10 clients with I/DD and their families with supplies including weighted blankets, hygiene items, movies, puzzles, activity books and food.

"COVID-19 has affected everyone in ways no one could imagine," said Talley Wells, executive director of NCCDD. "With this grant, we were glad to support organizations with funding as they navigate and realign their operations. We are so glad to see how organizations were able to continue providing services and supports for people with I/DD."

For more stories on how the NCCDD COVID-19 Relief Grant supported organizations across North Carolina, visit our website.

About North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities:

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) works to assure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all areas of community life. The Council identifies problems facing its community through its five-year planning process and funds innovative projects and initiatives that promote the goals of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) for all North Carolinians.

The article ran in The Caswell Messenger on 6/26/20.