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

Dr. Kristin Sohl is a distinguished pediatrician and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri. As the Founder and Executive Director of ECHO Autism Communities, she spearheads efforts to improve access to high-quality screening, evaluation, and longitudinal support for individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in underserved and rural populations.

Under her leadership, ECHO Autism Communities has established partnerships with over 50 children's hospitals and autism centers across the U.S. and 30 international locations, creating a vast network of professionals committed to enhancing autism and disability services and research.

An influential advocate for children’s health, Dr. Sohl serves organizations at the local, state and national level. She also serves as the Medical Director for the Missouri Telehealth Network and the MU Office of Continuing Education for Health Professions. Dr. Sohl earned her medical degree and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Missouri. She is passionate about engaging other healthcare professionals to elevate the discourse on children’s health and well-being.

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.

Work Together NC, and Accessible Tools for Successful Employment Opportunities, with Jacklyn Boheler. In this webinar you will learn about WTNC’s Employment Action Plan, Toolkit, and Inclusive Employer Alliance—practical resources that support job seekers and inclusive workplaces.

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

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