Raleigh, NC (November 18, 2019) - The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) honored two disability advocates and leaders for their work and advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) on November 6, 2019 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Cary, NC. 

Renate Macchirole, formerly of Kill Devil Hills, NC, received the The Jack B. Hefner Award posthumously in honor of her extensive work with people with disabilities throughout the Outer Banks. The Hefner Award is given to celebrate the vision and achievement of North Carolina's families and people with I/DD.

Macchirole was an employee of the Dare County Department of Public Health until 2009. She left to start Dare County Beach Club, a program for young adults with disabilities that would involve individuals in the community with projects such as cleaning yards for senior citizens and making dolls for children who were ill.

Later, Macchirole became the first operations coordinator of the Outer Banks Room in The Inn, an organization serving the homeless population, with and without disabilities, in Manteo, NC. A supporter of post-secondary education for people with disabilities, Macchirole brought the PACE Program to the College of Albemarle in Dare County. PACE (Pathways to an Accessible College Experience) is a program assisting students with disabilities in finding employment and life skills within their community.

Recognized for her professionalism and lasting contributions, Karen Luken was honored with the Helen C. “Holly” Riddle award by NCCDD. The award is the highest recognition given by the NCCDD to those professionals who have made a lasting impact towards improving opportunities, breaking down barriers and promoting increased quality of life for people with I/DD.

Known throughout professional circles to as a true partner and collaborate, Luken worked to form collaborative efforts among several statewide organizations to advance the cause of people with disabilities. She currently leads the Medical Health Homes initiative, funded by NCCDD, to find gaps in the current system of care for individuals with disabilities and developing recommendations for person-centered collaborative care throughout the state of North Carolina.

Luken also implemented the Community Action Provider Consortium to stay on top of current needs and health-related trends in North Carolina impacting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

“Our Council is honored to recognize the late Renate Macchirole and Karen Luken with our 2019 Advocacy and Leadership Awards for their long-term commitment in supporting people with disabilities. The Council celebrates their impact on both individuals with disabilities and organizations supporting people with disabilities throughout the state of North Carolina. Their work continues to have a lasting impact in advocating for those with disabilities and many have been inspired by their dedication to improving life for all,” said Alexandra McArthur, chair of the NCCDD.

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.