Events

Learn about evidence-based, effective strategies to manage constipation, encopresis, and other toileting issues in autistic individuals.

WHAT: An empowering community event featuring:

Benefits Counseling: Connect with certified counselors about benefits.
Employment Services: Explore the services and supports that help people with I/DD find and retain jobs in the community.
Resources for Independence: Learn about programs and services that help people with I/DD maximize their independence.
Assistive Technology: Discover AT tools and devices that support employment and independence.
Community Resources: Engage with local service providers.

WHO: Hosted by Project Spark and open to the public (ages 16+).

WHEN: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 9:00-1:00 PM EDT

WHERE: Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center, 1192 U.S. Highway 64 West Business, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312

WHY: Project Spark is a $13.8 million grant-funded program dedicated to helping individuals with I/DD in North Carolina find fulfilling employment and thrive within their communities. This event bridges the gap between job seekers with I/DD and the specialized resources they need to succeed.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

Interviews with representatives of Project Spark regarding I/DD employment initiatives in North Carolina.
B-roll of networking sessions and community resource exhibits.
Comments from service providers who specialize in helping people with I/DD achieve their employment goals.

Registration: Attendance is free. Attendees may reserve a spot online or register as a walk-in.

Work Together NC is a statewide initiative focused on the transition to and through adulthood for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The goal of Work Together NC is to help individuals find the community supports they need to transition and thrive as adults. This might include finding a job or a place to volunteer, post-secondary education, housing, social and recreational opportunities, and more. Presenters include Anna Ward, WTNC Director and NCCDD Member; Jacklyn Boheler, WTNC Project Coordinator; and Kenneth Kelty, WTNC Backbone Team Member and NCCDD Member.

This session will highlight pathways to employment, independent living support services, and how EIPD helps individuals reach their personal and professional goals.
RSVP: SONJA BECKFORD
SBECKFORD@DECI.ORG
(984) 243-8441

CONFERENCE LINE:
(984) 243-8441
ACCESS CODE: 13411#
TEAMS LINK UPON REQUEST

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RSVP & Contact Us:
Sonja Beckford
SBECKFORD@DECI.ORG
(984) 243-8441

TEAMS link upon request.
CONFERENCE LINE:
(984) 243-8441
ACCESS CODE: 13411#

Featured sessions include topics on:
Work Together NC
Empower to Work
Legislative Updates
Benefits

The 45th TEACCH Autism Program Conference, "Thriving with Autism: Strengthening Neuroaffirming Practices,” brings together educators, clinicians, researchers, autistic advocates, and families to explore approaches that honor neurodiversity and promote authentic wellbeing. This conference centers lived experience, evidence-informed strategies, and collaborative solutions that empower autistic individuals to thrive in every environment — from classrooms and clinics to workplaces and communities.

The following topics and speakers will be featured at this year's conference:

Operationalizing Neurodiversity: Understanding the Implications of the Movement on Service-Provision
Ari Ne'eman, Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Health Policy and Management
Supporting Neurodiversity in Early Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions
Aubyn C. Stahmer, PhD, BCBA, University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Structured TEACCHing as Neuroaffirming Practice: Designing Classrooms for Autonomy and Engagement
Jenny Eigenrauch, MSRA, University of North Carolina, TEACCH Autism Program
Perspectives on Neuroaffirming Care from Autistic Individuals and Their Family Members
Co-Moderated by:
Christina Corsello Orahovats, PhD, University of North Carolina, TEACCH Autism Program
Cameron Hollister, MSW, BS, University of North Carolina, TEACCH Autism Program
Adult Autism Assessment: Understanding Strengths and Needs to Promote Thriving
Vanessa H. Bal, PhD, Rutgers University, GSAPP
Addressing Profound Needs and Affirming Human Rights in Autism Across the Lifespan
Giacomo Vivanti, PhD, Dalhousie University and IWK Health Centre, Department of Pediatrics
Improving Healthcare for Autistic Adults: Insights from Research and Practice
Christina Nicolaidis, MD, MPH, Portland State University, School of Social Work, and Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Medicine

This webinar will introduce Work Together NC, a statewide initiative focused on supporting the transition to adulthood and beyond for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Participants will learn about the Work Together NC online hub, a centralized resource designed to support service navigation, person-centered goal planning, and connection to resources.

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD/the Council) staff and members will present the Council’s 2027-3031 Five-Year State Plan. The Five-Year State Plan sets the Council’s priorities and guides how funding is invested to improve services, supports, and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across North Carolina. The Council’s state plan was developed with extensive public input from North Carolinians concerned with IDD to help ensure that the plan reflects the needs and lived experiences of the I/DD community. The plan went into effect on October 1, 2026. Join us and learn about future Council investments and how North Carolinians concerned with I/DD contributed to how the Council will invest its funds for the next five years.

Local artists and makers with Autism/IDD will showcase their handmade and small-batch produced goods. Shoppers can connect directly to the makers, learn about their artistic process, and hear the story behind their businesses. 100% of the sales go directly to the vendor, fostering economic empowerment and independence.

Save the date for the annual Inclusive Business Holiday Gift Market on Saturday, December 5th, 2026, co-sponsored by Extraordinary Ventures and Work Together NC!
It's the perfect time to wrap up your holiday shopping while making a positive social impact. All featured vendors are disability-owned small businesses or disability-inclusive local employers. Shop a wide range of unique and handcrafted gifts, including knitted items, wreaths, candles, wood & metal items, pottery, and more…