October 2026 Highlights and Hot Topics
In the October issue of Highlights & Hot Topics, celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by reading stories from North Carolina’s workforce, learn about NCCDD’s new Five-Year State Plan, read a recap of the Autism Webinar Series, catch up on the latest in public policy changes, and register for upcoming webinars hosted by NCCDD. The newsletter is also available in Spanish and accessible audio.
- In Their Own Words: NC's Disbility Workforce
- Shaping the Future: NCCDD's 2027-2031 State Plan
- Public Policy Updates as of October 22, 2026
- Helping Families Navigate an Autism Diagnosis
- Upcoming NCCDD Webinars in November
- Boletín en español
- Newsletter in Accessible Audio
In Their Own Words: NC’s Disability Workforce
Every October, we at NCCDD celebrate and recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NCCDD collected stories across the state from employees with disabilities. The stories share why work is important to people with I/DD — from learning new skills to making new friends to leading with purpose.
This month’s message brings the voices of individuals in the workforce and their stories about what they do at work and why they love their job. Read their stories here.
To learn about North Carolina’s employment resources, visit NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities.
Shaping the Future: NCCDD’s 2027-2031 State Plan
Every five years, NCCDD develops a State Plan to guide its priorities and funding decisions to improve services, supports, and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in North Carolina. Public input helps ensure the Plan reflects the needs and priorities of people with I/DD and their communities.
NCCDD’s 2027–2031 Five-Year State Plan was developed using feedback from public surveys and listening sessions held in 2025. Then, in 2026, people with I/DD, family members, and community stakeholders reviewed and provided feedback on the draft goals and objectives. The Plan was finalized in August 2026 and will guide NCCDD’s work from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031.
The goals and objectives for 2027-2031 are:
Goal 1: Increase Advocacy and Leadership
Objective A: Increase Advocacy
Objective B: Educate and Engage I/DD Community
Objective C: Raise Awareness with Policy Leaders and Citizens
Goal 2: Belonging and Community
Objective A: More Housing Choices and Better Transportation
Objective B: Better Prepare for and Respond to Emergencies
Objective C: Increase Access to Supports and Services
Goal 3: Increase Financial Security and Independence
Objective A: Increase Competitive Integrated Employment
Objective B: Increase Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Leading to Work and Independence
Objective C: Build Financial Knowledge
This information is also available on the NCCDD website.
Public Policy Update (as of October 22, 2026)
Read a summary of recent federal and state policy updates that may affect or interest North Carolinians with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). This update, published October 22, 2026, highlights key developments related to the I/DD community.
FEDERAL
Budget
October 1st marked the beginning of the federal fiscal year, which is when a new budget would start. However, the federal government continues to operate under a Continuing Resolution (CR), which was passed on September 1st. This CR extends the previous fiscal year funding levels through December 11th to prevent a government shutdown.
The House and Senate are expected to return on November 9th. Between November 9th and December 11th, lawmakers will need to either pass all 12 remaining FY27 spending bills for federal programs, enact another CR to temporarily extend funding for federal programs again, or risk a government shutdown.
Reversal of the “Integration Mandate”
We have been tracking federal efforts to limit enforcement of Olmstead and Section 504 protections. In early October, a federal judge agreed to remove references to “integration” from 2024 Section 504 regulations, which prohibit disability discrimination. The ruling followed the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision not to defend the regulations in a lawsuit challenging their legality.
The DOJ also announced it would no longer enforce its previous guidance on Olmstead v. L.C., the landmark Supreme Court decision requiring public entities to provide services in the most integrated setting appropriate. While the ruling does not declare Section 504 or other disability rights laws unconstitutional, it invalidates the 2024 regulations defining the “most integrated setting” mandate. It does not overturn the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision, but the DOJ’s actions signal a shift away from enforcing its protections.
National Health Survey
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is proposing major changes to the 2028 National Health Interview Survey, an annual questionnaire that collects information about adults’ health, chronic conditions, injuries, and access to care. The current survey includes 49 questions about disability and functioning. Under the proposal, that number would drop to 15, making it harder to identify people with disabilities, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
The CDC also proposes shifting from primarily face-to-face interviews to paper and online surveys. This change raises accessibility concerns for people who need internet or technology support, large print, plain language, or other communication accommodations.
Survey data informs federal funding decisions for State Councils on Developmental Disabilities and other programs.
Public comments closed Oct. 20, 2026, after self-advocates and advocacy organizations submitted feedback. Federal researchers will review the comments and consider whether to restore dropped questions, including those related to intellectual disability and mobility. The final survey must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget and is scheduled for use beginning in 2028.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plans to restore training on meeting the needs of people with disabilities during disasters after suspending it in 2025 in response to executive orders. No training has been offered for more than a year. A U.S. Government Accountability Office report urged FEMA to reinstate the training. FEMA says it will redesign and strengthen the training and standardize the roles of regional disability specialists.
STATE
Legislature
The legislature returned on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 for an extra session and passed the gas tax relief bill suspending gas tax through November 30th. This provides seven weeks of savings of about 40 cents per gallon.
The legislature is scheduled to return on October 26th with a limited scope of activities, including potential veto overrides.
NC Medicaid Assessment
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is assessing the state’s Medicaid program to identify strengths and opportunities to improve outcomes, efficiency, value and long-term sustainability. The assessment includes input from Medicaid enrollees, health plans, providers and other stakeholders. The report is expected in late October, followed by a public comment period. Updates and documents will be posted on the NC Medicaid Assessment webpage.
Helping Families Navigate an Autism Diagnosis
Receiving an autism diagnosis can leave families with many questions about what to do next. To help families find answers and understand their options, NCCDD hosted a three-part webinar series in September and October 2026.
The series featured 14 presenters, including professionals, clinicians, researchers, self-advocates, and other experts. They shared their knowledge and experiences related to autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Topics included getting a diagnosis, exploring interventions, and finding supports.
The goal was to help families and the broader community, including medical professionals and state leaders, better understand the autism diagnosis process and the range of available interventions and supports.
The first webinar introduced autism and explained how families can seek a diagnosis. Participants also learned where to find reliable information and support. The session helped professionals and policymakers better understand the challenges families may face when looking for accurate information, timely support, and appropriate services.
The second and third webinars explored different approaches to autism interventions and supports. Presenters discussed several models, including the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Model (DIR/Floortime), Early Start Denver Model, Positive Development, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Families learned about the purpose and key principles of each approach and how the models differ. This information can help parents ask informed questions and consider which options may best meet their child's needs. Professionals and policymakers also learned why families need access to a range of evidence-informed options, since each child has unique needs.
The webinars were recorded and are available on NCCDD’s YouTube channel.
Upcoming NCCDD Webinars in November
NCCDD offers monthly webinars that are free and open to the public. Stay informed and become involved in important conversations – there’s something for everyone in the I/DD community!
Policy Education Meeting
Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 10:30 AM to Noon
Learn about important updates on 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
Topic: Joy, Fun, and Laughter
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 1 - 2 PM
Get ready for the holiday season with music, comedy, art, jokes, storytelling and more! Join us for an afternoon of joy, laughter and lighthearted fun. Come ready to share what brings you joy, what you love to do for fun, and how you play!
Note: Please register at least one week before the session.
To register: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/GwJ-kZReQ7G4Joz9GYr_6g#/registration
Learn more about the series and watch recordings of previous webinars: https://nccdd.org/get-involved/self-advocate-discussion-series
The Council Presents
The Council Presents webinar series is done for 2026. Please follow our website and weekly email for updates about what is to come for 2027. Learn more about the series and watch recordings of previous webinars at https://nccdd.org/get-involved/nc-council-presents.
Boletín en español
Lea el boletín aquí: Coming Soon