Raleigh, NC, January 6, 2025 – The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) has released the 2025 schedule for its Self-Advocate Discussion Series, a monthly initiative that connects and empowers self-advocates who are individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD) across North Carolina.

Held on the third Wednesday of every month via Zoom, these one-hour sessions offer a platform for self-advocates to explore important advocacy topics, share personal stories, and build relationships within the I/DD community. Sessions include training, knowledge sharing, and attendee participation to empower participants to advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Highlights of the Self-Advocate Discussion Series include:

• Advocacy Training: Each session is dedicated to addressing one I/DD advocacy topic, and attendees are supported in sharing personal stories to engage with NC decision-makers and legislators.
• Networking: Attendees can connect with NC self-advocate leaders, topic experts, trainers, and peers with shared interests.
• Engaging format: Sessions feature storytelling, expert presentations, and interactive discussions.
• Special Guests: Experts, trainers, and decision-makers are invited to designated sessions to offer approaches for accessing, conversing, and following up with legislators and policymakers.

The Self-Advocate Discussion Series is part of NCCDD’s commitment to mobilizing self-advocates to influence social and systems change.

Visit NCCDD’s website to view the full 2025 schedule, register for sessions, and watch video recordings of past webinars.

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About the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities: The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) works to assure that people with intellectual and other 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. Through its Five-Year Plan, the Council identifies 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. www.nccdd.org