September is a busy month with much to recognize and uplift!
During National Preparedness Month, DRNC encourages family members, loved ones and individuals with disabilities to plan ahead for emergencies. National Recovery Month honors the courage of those in recovery and promotes effective treatment and recovery practices and recognizes the dedication of service providers and communities. Deaf Awareness Month, celebrates Deaf culture, identity, and the many contributions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Beginning September 15, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the rich history and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. September is also National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind one another of the importance of connection, compassion, and access to mental health support. Together, these observances encourage us to recognize the diverse experiences of people with disabilities, and work together to build inclusive and welcoming communities.
Voting
It is already time to make a voting plan for Election Day on November 3rd! If you are at all considering voting by mail, you should request your absentee ballot now. You can still change your mind and vote in person instead. Check out DRNC’s recently updated accessible voting pages and new resources below to help everyone in our communities vote! Make your plan to vote today. Your vote is your voice. Nothing about us without us!
Addressing Solitary Confinement in the Durham County Youth Home
Upcoming Event! On Sept. 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at People’s Solidarity Hub, 1805 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC 27707. Join DRNC to learn more details about our findings from monitoring juvenile facilities, connect with a panel of people with lived experience and expertise, and join an open forum for questions, planning, and to begin organizing with the Durham community. This is a unique and important opportunity to bring together interested people, groups, and public officials - including representatives from the Durham County Board of Commissioners - to develop meaningful solutions to these conditions.
New Resources!
- September is here and hot temperatures are still with us. Extreme heat and people with disabilities
- Find updated information on COVID-19. Ongoing impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic on our community
- Thanks to a grant from Dogwood Health Trust, DRNC is working to improve the process of caregiving transitions and future planning for families of individuals with I/DD. Caregiving Transitions
Thank you for your input!
DRNC is very grateful for the responses we received to our annual Advocacy Targets survey! We heard and considered incredibly helpful input from people across all 100 North Carolina counties. Your feedback helps shape our focus and priorities for the coming year. This is especially important as we face increasing needs with decreased resources. DRNC’s staff and board truly appreciates everyone who took the time to share their experiences, perspectives, and needs with us. Next month, we’ll share more of what we heard and highlight key survey results.
ICYMI: DRNC in the News
Vouchers Promise Students With Disabilities a Path to Private School. Parents Say That’s Not the Reality.
Pro Publica
September 11, 2026
Moore Co. DSS settles federal lawsuit with family of children with disabilities
Carolina Public Press
September 8, 2026
NC struggles to support disabled students. Here’s how experts say we can fix it
Charlotte Observer
August 19, 2026
‘Wait for children to fail.’ NC parents say schools leave special needs kids behind
Moore County Settles DSS Claim
The Pilot
August 14, 2026
North Carolina’s jails are facing an overcrowding crisis
WUNC
August 13, 2026
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About Us
Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. We are North Carolina’s protection and advocacy system, dedicated to advancing and defending the rights of people with disabilities.
Disability Rights North Carolina
801 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 118 Raleigh, NC 27607
919-856-2195 | 877-235-4210 (toll free)
919-856-2244 (fax) | TTY callers, dial 711
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