Events

Join us for an informational seminar presented by EIPD. The session will highlight pathways to employment, independent living support, vocational rehabilitation services, and how EIPD helps individuals reach their personal and professional goals.

RSVP: Sonja Beckford
sbeckford@deci.org or (984)-243-8441

Calling All Chatham County Employers!
Finding it hard to recruit, train, and retain entry-level employees?

There’s an untapped, talented workforce right here in our community - individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) - ready to bring value, dedication, and new energy to your team.

At this Coffee Talk, hosted in partnership with Work Together NC, you will:

Learn from Local Employers: Hear success stories from businesses already thriving with IDD-inclusive hiring.
Gain Firsthand Perspectives: Meet self-advocates with IDD who are excelling in their roles and eager to share their journeys.
Access Community Resources: Discover organizations offering job candidate referrals, training, and ongoing support.
Connect & Collaborate: Network with peers who are strengthening their workforce through innovative hiring.
Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries as you engage in this enriching conversation about workforce resilience and community impact.

Increase awareness of the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB)
Learn more about Pre - ETS
Learn more about transition to adulthood and DSB - VR

Presented by: Elli Heim, MA, CRC, Program Specialist for Transition Services, NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Services for the Blind, Vocational Rehabilitation

North Carolina’s updated adult guardianship law (Session Law 2023-124) requires that less restrictive alternatives (LRAs) be thoroughly explored before pursuing guardianship. This session provides self-advocates, families, and professionals with practical tools to meet these legal requirements while fostering autonomy and self-determination. Participants will learn how to use the Rethinking Guardianship website to identify LRAs in key life areas, such as health, safety, community living, and finances. Real-world case examples illustrate how LRAs can expand choice, protect rights, and help avoid unnecessary guardianship.

Join us for an informative session on how benefits pertain to individuals with special needs, whether you are working, seeking services, community assistance, or would like to have a better understanding of benefits in general.
RSVP: Sonja Beckford
sbeckford@deci.org or (984)243-8450

North Carolina’s updated adult guardianship law (Session Law 2023-124) requires that less restrictive alternatives (LRAs) be thoroughly explored before pursuing guardianship. This session provides self-advocates, families, and professionals with practical tools to meet these legal requirements while fostering autonomy and self-determination. Participants will learn how to use the Rethinking Guardianship website to identify LRAs in key life areas, such as health, safety, community living, and finances. Real-world case examples illustrate how LRAs can expand choice, protect rights, and help avoid unnecessary guardianship.

You’re invited to Work Together NC’s Quarterly Community Meeting! Learn about resources focused on the transition to adulthood for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

FSN will host a monthly series dedicated to educating the community about factors that determine wellbeing for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Each month, we will explore one of the domains of social determinants of health as well as community programs and opportunities for addressing that domain. February 12: Equity in healthcare access for children with disabilities

This webinar will introduce the IDD Inclusive Employment Alliance, including our self-paced IDD Inclusive Employer training and ways you can help grow the Statewide network of recognized inclusive employers. We’ll also highlight innovative employer engagement strategies—such as Coffee Talks, Reverse Job Fairs, and IDD Inclusive Markets—and explore how these models can be replicated in your community.

FSN will host a monthly series dedicated to educating the community about factors that determine wellbeing for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Each month, we will explore one of the domains of social determinants of health as well as community programs and opportunities for addressing that domain. April 9: The economic well-being of raising children with special healthcare needs

FSN will host a monthly series dedicated to educating the community about factors that determine wellbeing for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Each month, we will explore one of the domains of social determinants of health as well as community programs and opportunities for addressing that domain. May 14: Education access and quality for children with special needs

FSN will host a monthly series dedicated to educating the community about factors that determine wellbeing for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Each month, we will explore one of the domains of social determinants of health as well as community programs and opportunities for addressing that domain. June 11: Decoding Diagnoses: What they mean and what to do next