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• More Self-Advocate Leaders and Presenters
• More engaging PPT and video content
• Month-to-month topics are current and important to you!
• Community event announcements for self-advocate involvement in your community.

Facilitated by Chris Hendricks, NCCDD Policy Education Coordinator and NCCDD self-advocate members, the Self-Advocate Discussion Series aims to prepare, organize and mobilize NC self-advocates for influencing social and systems change. The Council emphasizes the value of people with disabilities building and maintaining relationships with NC legislators and decision-makers while bridging connections and a network among NC self-advocates. The webinars will be held on the third Wednesday of the month. Register below!

Join us! Spend time with others with common interests, develop your personal story to be goal and topic-oriented, and become part of the NCCDD community!

The webinars will be held on the third Wednesday of the month at 1 pm ET. Register below!

• June 21 - Transportation and Travel: The June Self-Advocate Discussion Series topic is about transportation and travel for people with disabilities. We will talk about ground, water, and air transportation. Hear from an expert panel that will share experiences, insight, and advocacy tips. As always, we’ll have time to hear from YOU! What does ideal transportation mean to you as a self-advocate? What do we need more of when it comes to getting around and going where we want to and when we want to? If you are passionate about improving transportation and traveling for people with disabilities in North Carolina, please join us on Wednesday, June 21^st from 1 to 2pm.
  • Full meeting: View the June webinar recording
  • Meeting clip: NC Public Transportation Update: On-Demand Micro Transit
  • Meeting clip: What Are Some of the Strengths of NC's Public Transportation System
  • Meeting clip: Defining Paratransit in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    
    
• July 19 - Comfortable Communication: Have you ever thought about how you identify as a person with a disability in the community? In July the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities Self-Advocate Discussion Series will open discussion about disability identity. We aim to have courageous conversations around identity preference, communication style, and how we acknowledge each other as self-advocates with I/DD. We will make space for a spirited discussion with multiple points of view. Together we can be brave enough to share our thoughts, while being curious enough to listen and understand beliefs that may be different from our own. We look forward to seeing you for this exciting edition of the Self-Advocate Discussion Series on Wednesday, July 19^th from 1 to 2pm.
  • Full meeting: View the July webinar recording
  • Meeting clip: What is Person-First Language?
  • Meeting clip: The NACDD on Person-First vs. Identify-First Language

• August 16 - Living Setting Choices/Housing Options (Panel): The August Self Advocate Discussion Series topic is about available, affordable, accessible, and safe housing options for people with disabilities. We will hear from an expert panel that will share experiences, insight, resources and advocacy tips. As always, we’ll have time to hear from YOU! What does ideal living situations mean to you as a self-advocate? What do we need more of when it comes to living where we want and with who we want? If you are passionate about improving housing options for people with disabilities in North Carolina, please join us on Wednesday, August 16 from 1 to 2pm. 
  • Full meeting: View the August webinar recording
    
  • Meeting clip: The Importance of Inclusion
  • Meeting clip: Celebrating Success Stories in Housing
  • Meeting clip: Benefits of Inclusive Communities

• September 20 - NCCDD Jean Wolff-Rossi Fund for Participant Involvement: With the NCCDD Jean Wolff-Rossi Fund for Participant Involvement individuals with I/DD and their family members can receive reimbursement for specific expenses for trainings and conferences designed to improve their knowledge, networking and skill levels for advocacy. Please join us on Wednesday, September 20 from 1 to 2pm. 
  
  • Full meeting: View the September webinar recording

• October 18 - National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM): We recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month each October to commemorate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. Please join us on Wednesday, October 18 from 1 to 2pm. 
  • Full meeting: View the October webinar recording
  • Meeting clip: Advice from Chris Hendricks for People with I/DD Seeking Employment 
  • Meeting clip: Advice from John Samuel for People with I/DD Seek Employment 

• November 15 - Being Grateful: We’ve learned that an attitude of gratitude is essential to well-being and a longer life. For what are you thankful? Join self-advocates from around North Carolina in sharing happy or inspiring stories about what you are thankful for in life. Please join us on Wednesday, November 15 from 1 to 2pm. 
  • Full meeting: November webinar recording coming soon

• December 20 - Giving as a Self-Advocate: We will discuss what it means to make an impact, and how small acts of kindness can make a bigger impact than we think. We will discuss "Giving Back in the I/DD Community." Please join us on Wednesday, December 20 from 1 to 2pm. Register here

Register for the Self-Advocate Discussion Series

Watch the previous discussion series.