December 2025 Highlights and Hot Topics
The December 2025 issue of Highlights and Hot Topics includes a reflection article from NCCDDâs executive director, highlights from NCCDDâs 2024-2025 Impact Report, a paid fellowship opportunity for Community Reporters with I/DD, and upcoming webinars hosted by NCCDD.
- Message from the Executive Director
- Highlights from NCCDD's 2024-2025 Impact Report
- Public Policy Updates (as of 12/18/25)
- New Paid Fellowship Opportunity for Community Reporters with I/DD!
- Upcoming NCCDD Webinars in January
- BoletĂn en español
- Newsletter in Accessible Audio
Message from the Executive Director: A Year in Reflection
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) recently released its Impact Report for 2024-2025. The report highlights the Councilâs most impactful activities and initiatives. But more importantly, it reflects the strength and determination of the North Carolina intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community. As I look back, Iâm struck by how much this community has accomplished in a year that asked so much of us.
The Council supported initiatives throughout the year that help people with I/DD live better lives. These projects focus on building advocacy skills, supporting community living, and helping people become more financially independent.
It was also a year of major challenges, from responding to the needs of people with I/DD after Hurricane Helene to navigating unprecedented cuts to Medicaid. NCCDD supported the I/DD community to raise their voices, share their stories, and remind leaders across the state what happens when people with disabilities donât have the support they need. In moments when it could have been easy to feel discouraged, our community chose action.
I invite you to watch a Year in Reflection video to learn more about what NCCDD focused on during the year. In addition to my own reflections, you will also hear from Jon D'Angelo, NCCDD Chair, and Marjorie Serralles-Russell, NCCDD Vice Chair.
Onward to 2026!
Talley Wells, NCCDD Executive Director
Highlights from NCCDDâs 2024-2025 Impact Report
NCCDDâs Impact Report provides updates on the initiatives funded by the Council and other activities that all work to improve and support the lives of people with I/DD. Here are highlights from the 2024-2025 report. Visit NCCDDâs website at https://nccdd.org/about/annual-report/2024-2025-annual-report to read the full report, available in both English and Spanish.
Creating Positive Change Through NCCDDâs Initiatives
The âAutism and I/DD Safety Training for First Respondersâ initiative, led by Dustin Chandler of Interaction Advisory Group, was a pilot safety training in Buncombe County to improve interactions between first responders and people with I/DD and autism. 34 officers from 12 agencies learned communication and de-escalation skills through hands-on sessions with self-advocates. This initial year's work laid the groundwork for hundreds of officers to be trained in 2026.
The Advocacy Leadership Program of North Carolina (ALP-NC) continued its work by bringing even more self-advocates as program leaders during the year. ALP-NC is different from many other advocacy trainings because it brings together self-advocates, family members, and professionals to learn from one another. Participants also build relationships with lawmakers to drive local, state, and federal policy change.
Winston-Salem State University, one of 11 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) in North Carolina, launched PILLAR, which is an Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) program. Expanding IPSE programs to an HBCU is an important step toward expanding opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities. It helps break down systemic barriers and shows what higher education can look like when people of all abilities and cultural backgrounds are included.
Growing Voices Through Policy Education
Federal policy changes also shaped much of 2025. One of the Councilâs top priorities was keeping the I/DD community informed about cuts to Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). NCCDDâs monthly Capitol and Community policy education meetings kept people updated and explained how these cuts would affect different disability services.
Engaging and Empowering Advocates
NCCDD gave self-advocates different platforms to share their stories and participate in group discussions. Two monthly webinar series, Self-Advocate Discussion Series and The Council Presents, brought people together to discuss timely topics affecting the I/DD community. The My Story Matters campaign collected personal stories on the impact of Medicaid cuts. These stories were shared with lawmakers to influence policy decisions. The Council also released the film Unmet: North Carolinaâs Two Developmental Disability Crises to the public and encouraged communities to host watch parties.
Responding to the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
After Hurricane Helene, NCCDD helped fill major information and resource gaps for people with disabilities. NCCDD sent digital information alerts and hosted virtual emergency response meetings every day, and partnered with over 400 individuals, family members, and emergency response organizations to make sure people with I/DD had the support they needed.
Looking Ahead
NCCDD gathered community input to help develop its next Five-Year Plan for 2027-2031. Surveys were sent out and public input sessions were held throughout all regions of North Carolina. Learning the needs and priorities of the stateâs I/DD community will shape the Councilâs future strategies for creating lasting, positive change for disability services and supports.
Public Policy Update (as of December 18, 2025)
The second week of December, Governor Stein announced that the Medicaid cuts to providers that were put in place October 1 are ending. Providers get full payment for past and future services at pre-cut levels. The cuts were in response to the General Assembly allocating dollars that will fund Medicaid only through April 2026. The cuts are being reversed following successful legal challenges and no additional action from the legislature. The underlying $319 million funding gap isn't fixed, with NCDHHS warning the program could run out of money in early 2026. The responsibility now falls back to the General Assembly to provide a long-term financial solution for Medicaid.
Thanks to all who have educated and advocated during this time of uncertainty and fear about the potential cuts.
New Paid Fellowship Opportunity for Community Reporters with I/DD!
23 East Group, the marketing and communications agency for the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD), is launching a Community Reporter Program to amplify the voices and stories of people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD) across North Carolina. This initiative is part of a larger media storytelling project to highlight whatâs happening in local communities in North Carolina, through the eyes and experiences of people with I/DD.
Community Reporters are individuals with I/DD who enjoy storytelling, meeting people, and sharing news from their communities. They will use their skills to collect local stories, interview community members, and create short stories in a format of their choice, such as blog posts, audio or video interviews, graphic art, and infographics. Their stories will be shared on NCCDDâs website, newsletters, and social media.
This is a paid, five-month fellowship with a $2,000 stipend. 23 East Group will provide training, monthly check-in sessions, and ongoing support throughout the program. To learn more, download the job description.
Upcoming Webinars in January
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) offers several monthly webinars to help you stay educated and informed. All meetings are free and open to the public. Stay informed and become involved in important conversations â thereâs something for everyone in the I/DD community!
Policy Education Meeting
Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 10:30 AM to Noon
Learn about important updates about state and federal policies, budget developments, and other issues that affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). There will also be time for questions and open discussion. Please note that NCCDD only provides public policy education. The Council does not lobby on specific legislation.
Register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu-uqD8oHpxzFX9FiES_lSmk_8OP4r4#/registration
Self-Advocate Discussion Series: After High School: Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) and Other Post-Secondary Programs
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 1 - 2 PM
Anna Ward, Director of Advocacy and Inclusion at UNC CIDD Chapel Hill, and Lisa Pluff, Director for the Office of Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Education at UNC Greensboro, collaborate to offer information about Inclusive Post-Secondary Education programs (IPSE), along with leading a discussion with participants. Come and learn about resources available to learn more about how to attend an IPSE program.
For more information: https://nccdd.org/get-involved/self-advocate-discussion-series
The Council Presents: Using DB101 to Manage Work and Benefits
Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 1 - 2 PM
Work incentives are special rules that allow people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work without losing their monthly cash and medical benefits. North Carolinaâs Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program helps people with disabilities make informed decisions about work, benefits and the use of work incentives to achieve their employment goals.
NC DB101, sponsored by the NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, is a tool to motivate and support employment as a means to become financially empowered. It offers much of the information that disability benefits counselors do, as well as some additional benefits, such as:
- Employment Support and Resources
- Financial Empowerment
- Independent Philosophy
- A DB101 Estimator that allows individuals to input scenarios to learn about what happens to personal benefits if work is desired.
DB101 also provides upfront benefits information without needing an appointment, 7 days per week, 24 hours per day.
Hear more about work and benefits as you think out your employment goals.
Register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/JTEBPG47SW2g2Z9fVyH0PQ#/registration
BoletĂn en español
Lea el boletĂn aquĂ: Aspectos destacados & temas de diciembre de 2025
Newsletter in Accessible Audio
Listen to the audio version here or click on the image below: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526321/episodes/18230625