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Disability Rights North Carolina Essentials

Today Governor Josh Stein is urging United States Attorney General Todd Blanche to protect the long-established rights of people with disabilities. Governor Stein and 17 other governors responded to the United States Department of Justice’s declaration that it will not rely on its own longstanding Olmstead guidance. That guidance provides that people with disabilities should have the opportunity to live, work, receive services and supports, and participate in their communities when appropriate, desired, and reasonable. “People with disabilities should have every opportunity to thrive within their communities. That’s what our law requires, and it’s the right thing to do,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The Department of Justice is creating uncertainty for people with disabilities and their families by withdrawing its support for the right to community-based services and supports. I am calling on Attorney General Blanche to follow longstanding precedent and the DOJ’s own Olmstead guidance.” Read more including the multi-state letter https://disabilityrightsnc.org/news/governor-stein-joins-17-other-governors-in-standing-with-people-with-disabilities/

Oct 15 White Cane Awareness Day WHAT IS A WHITE CANE? A white cane is an important mobility tool that helps many blind people and people with low vision navigate their surroundings, detect obstacles, and travel independently. Independence looks different for everyone. People who are blind or have low vision use different tools and techniques to navigate the world. A white cane is one way to support mobility, autonomy, and access to everyday life. How can you be respectful? Ask before offering assistance. Never grab someone or their cane. Speak directly to the person, not just their companion. Respect each person's independence and choices. Accessibility is everyone's responsibility. Keep sidewalks and pathways clear, respect accessible pedestrian spaces, and support communities where people with disabilities can travel safely and participate fully. Celebrate access. Respect independence. This White Cane Awareness Day, help spread awareness about blindness, mobility, and the importance of equal access. Accessibility benefits everyone. nfb.org/programs-services/blind-equality-achievement-month/white-cane-awareness-day

Upcoming Event! Addressing Solitary Confinement in the Durham County Youth Home LOCATION: People’s Solidarity Hub – 1805 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC 27707 DATE: Sep 28, 2026 TIME: 6:00 PM DRNC will be hosting a community event to share more details on our monitoring findings, have a dialogue with a panel of people with lived experience and expertise, and to hold an open forum for questions, planning, and to begin organizing with the Durham community. DRNC hopes to draw an audience of community members, movement groups, and local officials, including representatives from the Durham County Board of Commissioners, with the goal of developing meaningful solutions to these conditions. Register today! https://disabilityrightsnc.org/event/addressing-solitary-confinement-in-the-durham-county-youth-home/ Background: Between September 2024 and June 2026, Disability Rights North Carolina has monitored in the Durham County Youth Home – the juvenile detention center (JDC) for Durham County. Among other issues, our monitoring has found that youth in the facility are regularly confined to their cells for between 22-24 hours per day – meeting the standard for solitary confinement. Despite DRNC attempting to directly resolve these issues with the Youth Home, youth are still being held in solitary confinement. Solitary confinement has been repeatedly shown to have disastrous mental health impacts, especially on children. Read our recent report https://disabilityrightsnc.org/news/behind-locked-doors-inside-north-carolinas-juvenile-detention-centers/

h/t Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) What does equal access to community life look like? Sometimes, it looks like dinner. This October 10, Disability Night Out is inviting disabled people, families, friends, and allies to gather at restaurants across the country and celebrate our right to participate fully in community life. Access is about more than getting through the door. It means being able to participate in the ordinary moments that connect us, like sharing a meal, spending time with friends and family, celebrating, and simply being part of our communities. More than 36 years after the ADA, disabled people still encounter barriers in restaurants, cafés, and other community spaces. Disability Night Out offers a joyful way to make those barriers more visible while showing what inclusion can feel like. This isn’t about catching businesses doing something wrong. It’s about disabled people bringing our lived expertise to the table, sharing what works and what could work better, and inviting restaurants to be part of creating more accessible and welcoming communities. Experiences, feedback, and photos shared through Disability Night Out will help turn what we learn on October 10 into opportunities for greater access. Because disabled people belong everywhere community happens. Join Disability Night Out on 10/10! Learn more at: disabilitynightout.org

World Narcolepsy Day 2026 is today September 22, 2026. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of narcolepsy on a global scale. Established by 24 patient advocacy organizations across 6 continents in 2019, World Narcolepsy Day unites the international narcolepsy community to inspire action, increase public knowledge, and elevate the voices of the 3 million people living with narcolepsy worldwide. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition that impairs the brain’s ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It affects 1 in 2,000 people; 200,000 Americans and 3 million people worldwide. Because of low awareness (even among physicians) and misperceptions, there is an average of 8 to 15 years between narcolepsy symptom onset and diagnosis. It’s estimated that the majority of people with narcolepsy are currently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Together, we can reduce delays in narcolepsy diagnosis, reduce stigma and improve outcomes. Get involved and use the hashtag #WorldNarcolepsyDay. Find out more: https://narcolepsynetwork.org/resources/ https://project-sleep.com/world-narcolepsy-day/

We are hiring! DRNC is seeking an Investigations and Monitoring (I&M) Investigator The position investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other civil and disability rights violations involving people with disabilities, and monitors facilities and other settings where people with disabilities live or receive services. We are especially interested in candidates with investigative experience, strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, and demonstrated professional writing ability. Relevant experience may come from many settings, including protective services, regulatory or licensing agencies, healthcare or human services, compliance, criminal or legal investigations, quality assurance, or other work involving structured fact-finding and analysis. Prior disability-rights experience is welcomed but is not required. Learn more and apply today! https://disabilityrightsnc.org/careers/seeking-investigator/

College Students with Disabilities: Your Guide to Campus Accommodations and Support Services In K–12, schools come to you. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are built by teams, delivered automatically, and legally required. In college, the rules change entirely. You become your own advocate. No one will track you down to ask whether you need support — you must seek it out, register for it, and communicate your needs. That shift can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. This guide walks students with disabilities — and the families who support them — through every step of navigating college accommodations: understanding your legal rights, registering with Disability Services, knowing what documentation to bring, and making the most of the support available on campus. Whether you are heading to a four-year university, a community college, or a vocational program, the information below applies to you. https://www.ameridisability.com/college-students-with-disabilities-your-guide-to-campus-accommodations-and-support-services/

Open Career Opportunities! DRNC is seeking applicants for a Litigation Counsel and Investigations and Monitoring (I&M) Investigator position. Find out more and apply today! https://disabilityrightsnc.org/about/careers/

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! What is NDEAM? National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions people with disabilities make to our workplaces, communities, and economy. It’s also an opportunity to promote more inclusive workplaces and greater access to meaningful employment. THIS YEAR’S THEME: Celebrating Value & Talent ✨ Everyone deserves the opportunity to find meaningful work and contribute their skills and talents. What can we do? Build accessible workplaces Expand employment opportunities Support workplace accommodations Recognize and celebrate the talents of people with disabilities Inclusion matters — all year long. This October, let’s celebrate the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to our communities. acl.gov/news-and-events/events-and-observances/NDEAM

h/t Life on the Spectrum Many families never hear about this. Students with an intellectual disability can get federal student aid for college through an approved Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program. That includes many autistic students who also have an intellectual disability. What it can include: • Federal Pell Grants • FSEOG grants ($100 to $4,000 a year) • Federal Work-Study None of it is a loan. It doesn’t have to be paid back. How to get it: 1. Find an approved CTP program in Think College’s directory at thinkcollege.net 2. Fill in the FAFSA. No high school diploma or GED needed. 3. The college’s financial aid office works out the package Grants may not cover the full cost, and the student must have left high school. Federal student loans aren’t included. Is your family starting to think about life after high school? Federal Student Aid, Think College #Autism #AutisticTeens #TransitionPlanning #SpecialNeedsParenting

Paid research opportunity! MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENT JOURNEY PROJECT. ARE YOU COVERED BY NC MEDICAID? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Starting January 1, 2027 federal law requires many Medicaid enrollees to complete 80 hours/mo of community engagement (commonly called “work requirements”). Researchers at United States of Care are launching a 2-year study, compensating Medicaid participants to share their experiences with these new requirements. We are looking for individuals who: Live in North Carolina Are enrolled in NC Medicaid Aged 19–64 Sign up for this study by 11/06/2026 What you will do: 5 total interviews (30–45 min each) conducted virtually & taking place from August 2026 through December 2028. Your data will be anonymous and used to inform the public and policy makers on how work requirements affect Medicaid enrollees. Who is conducting this study? United States of Care is a listening-first, nonpartisan health care advocacy organization that brings people’s experiences to policymakers overseeing program that shape our health care system. Culture IQ, a multicultural research firm, is supporting this study to conduct interviews and help reveal insights that will reach federal policymakers about Medicaid enrollee experiences. Learn more and sign up for this study by 11/06/2026 cultureiq.group/participate-in-a-study/ Questions? Contact Sandra Mendez. Email: sandra@cultureiq.group Phone Number: (818) 666-7316

This weekend marks the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene's devastating path through Western North Carolina, a disaster that claimed lives and changed communities forever. Two years later, many Western North Carolinians are still waiting for stable housing and rebuilt infrastructure. We're grateful to our community partners as we continue working together toward long-term recovery. As we reflect on Helene, it is important to remember that disabled people are far more likely to be negatively impacted by disasters due in part to inaccessible infrastructure and exclusion from planning. True recovery and future disaster preparedness must include disabled people from the start. We must prioritize accessible evacuation, alerts, shelters, and recovery efforts. Anniversaries of disasters of this magnitude are painful. Please be gentle with yourself today and reach out to your communities for support. Image: Anchorage Nurse Assists in Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts, thetundradrums.com

Work Together NC eligibility survey! The IDEAL PARTNERS project aims to recruit 1,000 participants. Eligible participants include: Adults age 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) Family members or caregivers of individuals with IDD Educators who support individuals with IDD Service providers who support individuals with IDD Employers Input from participants will help develop three resources: An IDEAL eLearning module A virtual toolkit An artificial intelligence conversation tool If you are eligible, you will be asked to complete a survey lasting about 60 minutes. We want to learn more about you, your current job, and your likes and dislikes regarding AI. The survey will be emailed to the address you provide. Participants will receive $30 for completing study activities. To determine your eligibility, please complete the survey below. https://rsc.redcap.unc.edu/surveys/?s=LT3LWC8RKJPKWENR * All QR codes go to this link

Upcoming Event! HOPE NC 's 2026 Inclusive Housing Summit! It’s that time of year again! HOPE NC’s Fifth Annual Inclusive Housing Summit, From Policy to Place: Building Affordable, Accessible & Inclusive Communities, will take place on Monday, November 9, 2026 at the Friday Conference Center in Chapel Hill. Registration, the Exhibit Hall and breakfast begin at 8:00 am, with the summit program running from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Find out more and register today! https://disabilityrightsnc.org/event/partner-event-hope-ncs-2026-inclusive-housing-summit/

Upcoming Event! Our Power, Our Vote: Disability Voting Rights in North Carolina Date & Time Sep 15, 2026 07:00 PM Description To mark Disability Voting Rights Week, Disability Rights North Carolina, REV UP North Carolina, and the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law will host a webinar for North Carolinians sharing your accessibility rights at the polls, highlighting resources to resolve problems and receive information, and reviewing recent changes to voting laws. In a pivotal election year, it's vital that every voter be able to fully exercise their power in our democracy. This webinar will ensure you know your rights, have the information you need to access the ballot box, and the opportunity to get more involved in the movement for voting accessibility in North Carolina. Register today! https://lawyerscommittee-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/ORnWeJi2SgaS-3s7WBJk4Q#/registration

Early Voting Starts TOMORROW! Key voting dates Oct 15 Early Voting Begins October 20 Vote by Mail Request Deadline October 31 Early Voting Ends November 3 Election Day Need help? Have a question? Call the Disability Rights NC Voting Hotline. 888 WEVOTE2 (888) 938-6832 *not affiliated with any party or candidate

Big changes are coming to NC Medicaid! Most changes will not affect people with disabilities, but you must pay close attention and act now! Read our recently updated fact sheet for more information. https://disabilityrightsnc.org/news/nc-medicaid-updates-for-people-with-disabilities/ North Carolina Governor Josh Stein shared a letter urging the state’s congressional delegation to reverse H.R. 1’s Medicaid cuts and repeal its work requirements, warning that more than 250,000 residents could lose coverage starting in 2027, on top of recent ACA enrollment drops. He argues the changes will drive up uninsured rates, strain rural hospitals, and county caseworkers, and could cost the state tens of billions in Medicaid funding, with far-reaching. Read his letter here https://governor.nc.gov/october-13-2026-letter-governor-stein-north-carolina-congressional-delegation Lastly, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall TODAY, Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss how new federal and state laws will impact NC Medicaid, including who will need to meet a new work and community engagement requirement and how to prepare for upcoming changes to the program. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/10/12/ncdhhs-livestream-fireside-chat-and-tele-town-hall-new-rules-nc-medicaid-know-whats-next #NCMEDICAID #NCDHHS

OCTOBER IS ADHD AWARENESS MONTH Understanding ADHD starts with understanding the person. Here are the top 4 things you should know this month. 1. What is ADHD? ADHD is more than being distracted, it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect attention, impulsivity, activity levels, organization, relationships, school, and work. ADHD doesn't look the same for everyone. 2. ADHD does not equal laziness! ADHD isn't a lack of discipline, and it isn't “just not trying hard enough.” Understanding ADHD means moving beyond misconceptions and learning what people actually experience. 3. SUPPORT MATTERS. For someone with ADHD support might look like: A friend who listens. An employer who provides accommodations. A healthcare provider who takes concerns seriously. A community that understands. Support doesn't have to look the same for everyone. 4.AWARENESS IS JUST THE BEGINNING. We can learn. We can listen. We can challenge misinformation. We can ask what support looks like. And we can build communities where people with ADHD don't have to navigate life alone. LEARN MORE TODAY chadd.org/awareness

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OCTOBER IS ADHD AWARENESS MONTH Understanding ADHD starts with understanding the person.