Events

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

HAVE YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW BEEN SCAMMED OR EXPEREINCED FRAUD? WHETHER OR NOT, KNOWLEDGE IS YOUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST FRAUD. DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? TAKE THE FIRST STEP AND JOIN US!
Debit and Credit Fraud
Technology and Online Fraud and Scams
Threat Detection, Prevention,& MORE!!
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.

The Coffee Talk is a short, conversation based event designed for employers to learn about inclusive hiring in a relaxed and interactive setting.

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…