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Community Events

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July 2026

The American Institutes for Research Seeks Online Research Assistance

The American Institutes for Research has a new project to help make online research more accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Volunteers with I/DD and their supporters are invited to participate in online research to help test a new way to take a survey. Participants who qualify will receive a $50 gift card. For more information, visit the survey website or download the initiative flyer in English or Spanish.

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Seen. Heard. Understood.

July marks Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to uplift the importance of mental health in Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. This year, NAMI introduces the “Seen. Heard. Understood.” campaign, amplifying stories, voices, and experiences that too often go overlooked. Bringing this message to communities nationwide, NAMI is launching a national tour focused on local storytelling, connection, and shared understanding. Learn how to participate.

Elevate Your Expertise at the NCPGP Leadership Accelerator

The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP) is launching the new NCPGP Leadership Accelerator, a three‑day advanced training institute offered as a pre‑conference track at the 2026 North Carolina Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Studies Summer School. This immersive program is designed for professionals who have completed gambling‑specific training within the past three years and are actively providing gambling‑related harm services.


Topics include statewide gambling‑harm trends, family‑centered clinical approaches, technology and AI in treatment, sports betting impacts, policy literacy, and strategies for building gambling‑informed organizations. Participants can expect practitioner‑led learning, hands‑on collaboration through the Applied Practice Lab, and insights from state and national experts. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with colleagues across North Carolina and return to their organizations with practical, ready‑to‑implement tools. This advanced institute is designed to deepen expertise and strengthen statewide efforts to address gambling harm.


Date: July 19-21, 2026

Location: Hotel Ballast, 301 North Water Street, Wilmington, NC

Registration: Register for the Leadership Accelerator

More Information: Download the event flyer

Order Free 988 Print Materials for Your Back-to School Outreach by July 20, 2026

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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing free, printed 988 educational materials for schools, local governments and community organizations for Back-to-School outreach.


Sign up today for these new bilingual posters, post cards, flyers, wallet cards and stickers designed for youth. Order materials by July 20, 2026, to receive them by late July to share with your community.

Inclusion Works Community Advisory Committee Meeting

Join Inclusion Works for an update on the progress of Inclusion Works' programs and initiatives. We will feature updates on the Inclusion Works Strategic Plan, standardized employment assessments, workforce enhancement, and provider innovation grants. Presenters will also share information on upcoming provider training opportunities and provide a data overview. 


Date/Time: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 11:00-12:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the meeting


Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.

Supporting Youth Through Crisis: Practical Tools for Suicide Prevention

Learn how to recognize warning signs of suicide, ask directly and compassionately, and respond in ways that increase safety and connection. AmeriHealth is providing lunch and registration is required. This training offers practical guidance for supporting youth who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis, including how to talk about suicide, what to say and avoid, steps to increase immediate safety, connecting young people to appropriate resources, and maintaining healthy boundaries as a supportive adult.


Date/Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 11:30-2:30 p.m.

Location: AmeriHealth Caritas Wellness & Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Avenue, Asheville, NC

Registration: Register for the training

North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance Lunch & Learn Series

NC Innovations Waiver

The NC Innovations Waiver offers essential supports for children and adults with Down syndrome and other I/DD, including help with daily activities, home and vehicle modifications, assistive technology, employment supports, crisis services, and caregiver assistance—alongside covered health, dental, and transportation benefits through NC Medicaid. Anyone can apply, yet only 0.05% of North Carolinians with Down syndrome are currently on the waitlist.


Join NCDSA for a Lunch & Learn to understand how these services work and how to get on the waitlist, especially with more than 20,000 people already waiting. You’ll also hear from a North Carolina family benefiting from the waiver and why every family supporting someone with Down syndrome or another I/DD should learn about it.


Date/Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Join Link: Join the webinar

Addiction Professionals of North Carolina

Building Community Partnerships to Prevent Hazing and Substance-Related Harm

Preventing hazing and substance-related harm requires collaboration across campuses, communities, and systems of care. This webinar will bring together professionals from higher education and community services to explore how partnerships can strengthen prevention efforts and support young people. Participants will learn about the hidden harms of hazing, the role alcohol often plays in hazing incidents, promising prevention strategies, and practical steps for connecting with community resources and partners. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and key contacts to help strengthen prevention and support efforts in their own communities.


Date/Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

Community Collaboration State to Local Meeting

DMH/DD/SUS invites you to attend the Community Collaboration State to Local meeting focused on elevating the voices of individuals and families who receive mental health, substance use, intellectual/developmental disability, and traumatic brain injury services. This meeting is an opportunity to strengthen communication between local CFACs and the State CFAC, share updates, and identify priorities that shape services and supports in our communities. The public is invited to attend.


Date/Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Registration: Register for the meeting

The Council Presents Educational Webinar Series: ADA 36th Anniversary

July 26, 2026 will mark the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA says that employers and places open to the general public must provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. But how does a person with a disability successfully request and secure an accommodation? During this session, hear from people with I/DD and other disabilities who have successfully received accommodations. They will share their lived experience and talk about how they did it to help the next person who might need similar access to a job, building, service, or event. 


The Council Presents is a monthly webinar series hosted by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities. It shares helpful information, resources, and discussions about issues that matter to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Each session includes expert speakers, community updates, and chances to connect with people with I/DD, families, and professionals.


Date/Time: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

Addiction Professionals of North Carolina

Strategic Hiring, Leadership, and Workforce Development in Behavioral Health

This interactive training is designed for professionals across various fields and career stages who are looking to strengthen their leadership, hiring, and professional development skills. Participants will gain practical strategies to improve recruitment practices, reduce bias in hiring, enhance candidate evaluation, and support career growth and advancement. Through applied exercises and real-world scenarios, the training addresses key professional challenges including onboarding, leadership development, performance improvement, and long-term career success.


Date/Time: Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 10:00-4:00 p.m.

Location: Pinnacle Financial Partners, 3515 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC

Registration: Register for the training

AMERSA Advocacy Webinar: Involuntary Care and Commitment Policies in SUD Treatment

Involuntary care and commitment laws are shifting quickly nationwide, raising urgent questions about treatment access, civil rights, and the effects on people who use drugs. An upcoming AMERSA webinar will bring together experts in law, policy, advocacy, and behavioral health to explore current policy trends, the evidence behind involuntary treatment, and the implications for highly surveilled communities. The event is open to both AMERSA members and the public.


Panelists include Morgan Godvin, Dr. John C. Messinger, and Kellen Russoniello, who bring deep expertise in drug policy, clinical care, and public health advocacy. The discussion will be facilitated by Kate Roberts, PhD, a leading researcher focused on disability rights, harm reduction, and behavioral health systems. Together, they will offer insights and strategies for informed advocacy and rights‑centered approaches to substance use treatment.


Date/Time: Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

The Link Center Shared Learning Groups Virtual Gathering Series

Slow Down, Listen, and Respond with Humanity:

Suicide Prevention Support Strategies for People with Co-Occurring Conditions

When navigating complex, co-occurring conditions, people can often feel trapped and see no way out, placing them at a higher risk for suicide. While every experience is unique, the most powerful intervention often begins when we slow down, listen deeply, and respond with intention. Join this Shared Learning Group as we ground ourselves in lived experiences.


We will discuss critical warning signs and risk factors, while sharing actionable strategies and resources to provide ongoing support and restore a sense of hope. There are four sessions on the same topic for different target audiences. Please register for the session most relevant to you, or whichever best fits into your schedule. See the event flyer for session options.


Date: July 29-30, 2026

Registration: Register for the webinar

More Information: Download the event flyer

August 2026

Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) Webinar Series

Emerging Substances and Over‑the‑Counter Drugs of Abuse: What We Know and

How to Respond to Reduce Injury and Overdose

Join MAHEC for a two-part webinar series, supported in part by NCDHHS, exploring emerging substances and over-the-counter products linked to misuse in Western North Carolina. Topics include xylazine, kratom, novel potent opioids, and other non-prescription substances increasingly seen in clinical settings. Participants will learn about patterns of use, overdose risks, related medical complications, and patient-centered, low-barrier approaches to care, including risk reduction strategies and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).


Date/Time: Friday, Aug. 7 & 21, 2026, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar series

NC Medicaid Lunch & Learn: All Ages All Stages

Join NC Medicaid for an informative overview of North Carolina’s Multisector Plan for Aging (MPA), known as All Ages All Stages. This statewide initiative provides a comprehensive roadmap to enhance quality of life and promote well‑being for older adults across North Carolina. Caylee Weaver, Planner/Evaluator, NCDHHS Division of Aging will discuss the vision, goals, and collaborative efforts behind the plan.


Date/Time: Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the Lunch & Learn

State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee Meeting

The State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (SCFAC) advises NCDHHS and the General Assembly on the planning and management of DMH/DD/SUS. Meetings include updates from state agencies, discussions on current issues impacting services, and opportunities for public comment.

The monthly meeting brings together individuals with lived experience of mental health, developmental disabilities, substance use, and traumatic brain injury, as well as family members and advocates, to provide input and guidance in shaping policy and identifying service gaps. All SCFAC meetings are open to the public. Virtual and in-person attendance options are available.


Date/Time: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, 9:00-3:00 p.m.

Location: NCDHHS,1915 Health Services Way, Raleigh, NC

Registration: Register for the meeting

Public Comment: Sign up for public comment

Eastern AHEC 2026 Children's Services Conference

Building a Brighter Future for Children and Families

Eastern AHEC invites professionals working with children, adolescents, and families to a two-day statewide conference focused on emerging issues in children’s mental and behavioral health. Keynote speaker Dr. Danielle Roubinov will present on resilience among children and families facing adversity. Breakout sessions will address high priority topics including Black youth suicide prevention, trauma informed school practices, IDD supports, youth gambling trends, immigration related stress, expressive arts therapy, and exposure-based interventions.


Date/Time: Aug. 13-14, 2026

Location: The Education Center at Eastern AHEC, 2600 West Arlington Blvd. Greenville, NC

Registration: Register for the conference

More Information: Download the event flyer

Optimizing Outcomes: Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Summit

The Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Summit will will bring together healthcare and public health professionals from across North Carolina to advance maternal mental health care. This year’s Summit will feature updates on screening, treatment, and integrated care approaches for maternal mental health and substance use disorders, while also highlighting strategies to reduce stigma and expand access to care. Participants will engage in peer-to-peer learning across perinatal care regions, explore emerging recommendations and resources, and identify practical strategies to support practice change and improve outcomes for perinatal patients and families.


Date/Time: Friday, Aug.14, 2026, 8:00-3:30 p.m.

Location: DoubleTree Atlantic Beach Oceanfront, 217 West Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC

Registration: Register for the summit

Inclusion Works Lunch and Learn

Join Inclusion Works to learn about best practices to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on their path to achieving Competitive Integrated Employment.


Date/Time: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities Self-Advocate Discussion Series

Assistive Technology

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) hosts a monthly Self-Advocate Discussion Series webinar every third Wednesday. These sessions help North Carolina self-advocates stay informed and engaged in conversations about social and systems change, offering a welcoming space to connect with others, share lived experiences, and strengthen personal storytelling for impact.


This month the focus is on Assistive Technology. The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) has experienced important changes during the last year. As a state and federally funded initiative, NCATP supports people of all ages and abilities by providing device demonstrations, short‑term technology loans, and assistive technology reutilization. Through these services, NCATP advances the goals of the federal Assistive Technology Act of 2004 and promotes greater independence and access for people with disabilities across North Carolina.


Date/Time: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

Trillium Health Resources: Supporting Children Early Simulation

Supporting Children Early can give kids with disabilities the tools they need for lifelong success. Kids and families often experience challenges when seeking help. In the Supporting Children Early Simulation, you will walk in the shoes of the families and kids as they navigate their communities. In this interactive activity, participants will navigate through mock stations that represent various services and resources. Participants will learn first-hand the barriers many families experience. Early detection and support will help kids take their best step forward in life. Together, we can build empathy. We can be the change so that every family and child can get the services and supports they need for happy, healthy lives. 


Date/Time: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Location: Greene County Wellness Center, 84 North Perry Drive, Snow Hill, NC

Registration: Register for the training

NC Medicaid Back Porch Chat: A Webinar Focused on H.R. 1

Join NC Medicaid Back Porch Chat for an informational overview of H.R. 1 and the changes coming to Medicaid. Gina Hamilton, Deputy Director for Member Operations at NC Medicaid, will explain the updates and address questions following the presentation. These quarterly Back Porch Chats provide timely insights into Medicaid policy. Join the conversation to stay informed about what’s ahead for Medicaid.


Date/Time: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

NC Medicaid Quarterly Money Follows the Person Roundtable

Join NC Medicaid for the third quarterly Money Follows the Person (MFP) Roundtable. This session will feature a panel discussion with LME/MCO representatives highlighting innovative housing initiatives and creative strategies being used to address housing challenges for the populations we serve. MFP is a state program that helps NC Medicaid-eligible North Carolinians living in inpatient facilities move into their own homes and communities with supports. For more information about the program, how to apply, and additional details, visit the MFP webpage.


Date/Time: Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the roundtable

Carolina Complete Health Offers Provider Claims Clinics

Carolina Complete Health will host its 2026 Provider Claims Clinics for Behavioral Health and Federally Qualified/Rural Health Clinic providers to support meaningful conversations around claims payment and processing concerns. These two‑day events will take place August 20–21, 2026, in Raleigh and December 14–15, 2026, in Charlotte, with one day dedicated to BH providers and the other to FQHC/RHC providers. Providers interested in attending can select the day and time that best fits their schedule. Questions about the clinic can be directed to Carolina Complete Health.


Date: Aug. 20-21 and Dec.14-15, 2026

Location: Raleigh, NC and Charlotte, NC

Registration: Register for the clinic

More Information: Download the clinic flyer

Pathways to Hope: A NAMI FaithNet Event

Where Faith and Mental Health Unite

This is a free national conference bringing together faith, community, and mental health to reduce stigma and strengthen hope. This unique gathering features inspiring keynote speakers, locally curated workshops, and powerful conversations at the intersection of faith and mental health. With in-person, hybrid, and virtual options available, participants across the country can join in ways that work best for them. Reserve your spot today and be part of a growing movement to build understanding, connection, and support in communities nationwide.


Date: Aug. 21-22, 2026

Registration: Register for the conference

More Information: Visit the conference website

Assistant Secretary Kelly Crosbie to Serve on Panel at

The Council Presents Educational Webinar Series: Olmstead 101

This session will be a Panel Discussion including the history of the Olmstead Decision, national Olmstead policy achievements, an overview and implementation update of the North Carolina Olmstead Plan, and an opportunity for self-advocates and panelists to talk about how the Olmstead Decision has impacted the lives of people in North Carolina and across the country.



We will hear from state experts, including Bryan Dooley, self-advocate; Deb Goda, former Director of NCDHHS Olmstead Section; Kelly Crosbie, NCDHHS Assistant Secretary and DMH/DD/SUS Director; Corye Dunne, Director of Policy of Disability Rights North Carolina, and C. Talley Wells, Executive Director for NCCDD and former Georgia “Olmstead Case Lawyer.”



Date/Time: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

Save The Date

Brain Injury Advisory Council Meeting

The purpose of the Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) is to review the nature and cause of traumatic and other acquired brain injuries in North Carolina. The Council also makes recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the planning, development, funding, and implementation of a comprehensive statewide service delivery system to address the needs of brain injury survivors. All BIAC meetings are open to the public. Virtual and in-person attendance options are available.


Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, 9:00-1:00 p.m.

Location: NCDHHS,1915 Health Services Way, Raleigh, NC

Registration: Register for the meeting

Public Comment: Sign up for public comment

NC Medicaid Lunch & Learn: Exploring the New Money Follows the Person NC Website

Join NC Medicaid for an informative and highly interactive learning session designed to introduce you to the new Money Follows the Person (MFP) NC website. This hands-on presentation will guide participants through the site’s updated features, improved navigation, and expanded resources aimed at supporting individuals transitioning from institutional settings to community-based living. The session will be facilitated by Molly Markey from UNC Cares, who will provide expert guidance and ensure participants leave with a clear understanding of how to use the website effectively.


Date/Time: Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the Lunch & Learn

North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities Self-Advocate Discussion Series

Prepare for the 81st Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) hosts a monthly Self-Advocate Discussion Series webinar every third Wednesday. These sessions help North Carolina self-advocates stay informed and engaged in conversations about social and systems change, offering a welcoming space to connect with others, share lived experiences, and strengthen personal storytelling for impact.


Join NCCDD to get ready to celebrate, learn, and share. In October 2026, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) will have its 81st anniversary. The month honors the important contributions people with disabilities make at work and reminds us that progress happens step by step, even during times of change. NDEAM is led each year in October by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. During this session, we will share stories and ideas to celebrate this important month.


Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

FASD Awareness Month Webinar

Parents Speak: Living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Join DMH/DD/SUS for a webinar in recognition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness month. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, conservatively affects 1 in 20 individuals in the US. Although this is a public health care crisis and its prevalence has risen since the pandemic, this lifetime developmental disability continues to be unrecognized, misdiagnosed, and misunderstood. Only 10% of individuals who have FASD are correctly diagnosed. Awareness of FASD in the community is important to provide services and support that address the diverse needs of youth and adults with FASD; the effects are evident in all systems of care. This event will give an overview of FASD, followed by a panel discussion with family members who will share their experiences of living with a person with an FASD.


Date/Time: Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

More Information: Download the event flyer

In-Person Advocacy Training: From Emotions to Advocacy

The Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) will host Wrightslaw for a full-day, in-person training. From Emotions to Advocacy is designed to help families and caregivers turn frustration into effective advocacy during the special education process. Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can feel overwhelming, emotional, and intimidating. Wrightslaw's nationally recognized training will provide practical strategies, knowledge of special education law, and tools to help you communicate with confidence, collaborate effectively, and advocate successfully for children with disabilities.


Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, 9:30-4:30 p.m.

Location: Forsyth County Central Library, 660 West 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC

Registration: Register for the training

More Information: Download the event flyer

The Council Presents Educational Webinar Series: Work Together NC

Work Together NC is a statewide initiative focused on the transition to and through adulthood for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 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.


The Council Presents is a monthly webinar series hosted by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities. It shares helpful information, resources, and discussions about issues that matter to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Each session includes expert speakers, community updates, and chances to connect with people with I/DD, families, and professionals.


Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

DMH/DD/SUS Supports the Fort Bragg Suicide Prevention Run

Hope. Unite. Connect. We’re Stronger Together.

DMH/DD/SUS will provide a resource table at the Fort Bragg Suicide Prevention Run: "Hope. Unite. Connect. We’re Stronger Together." The event is open to the entire Fort Bragg community and will feature more than 20 on‑site resources, along with an opportunity to earn ACE Annual Training credit. Join us as we come together to strengthen resilience, build connections, and promote community well‑being. Register now, and direct any questions to the Suicide Prevention Program team. For guidance on base access, email Kayreen Gucciardo, Veterans Services Coordinator at DMH/DD/SUS.


Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, 7:30 a.m.

Location: Fort Bragg Fairgrounds, Howell Street and Bragg Blvd.

Registration: Register for the run

More Information: Download the event flyer

FASD United: National FASD Impact Week

Join advocates and professionals from around the country for three days of advocacy, action, collaboration, & community. Impact Week is your opportunity to use your voice to give FASD a seat at the table. Through workshops, collaborative sessions & symposiums, we will empower the community to envision a brighter future for people with FASD & gather at Capitol Hill to educate our legislators on this "not rare" disability.


Date: Sept. 27-30, 2026

Location: Washington, DC

Registration: Register for the awareness week activities

2026 Family and Youth Treatment Court Virtual Conference 

The 2026 Family and Youth Treatment Court Virtual Conference is a two‑day event bringing together judges, attorneys, coordinators, clinicians, child welfare professionals, peer support specialists, and community partners for training and collaboration. The program includes keynote speakers, panel discussions, four plenaries, and more than 20 concurrent sessions. Sessions are organized into Youth Treatment Court, Family Treatment Court, and joint FTC/YTC tracks, allowing attendees to tailor their experience to their specific roles and court types.


Date: Sept. 29-30, 2026

Registration: Register for the conference

More Information: View conference agenda

Benchmarks Destination 2026

Join Benchmarks for a meaningful and memorable annual conference bringing together behavioral health leaders, innovators, and partners from across North Carolina and beyond. Experience several days filled with fresh ideas, valuable conversations, and opportunities to connect. Destination 2026 will inspire learning, spark collaboration, and create shared experiences.


Date: Oct. 13-16, 2026

Location: Cherokee Conference Center, 40 Convention Center Drive, Cherokee, NC

Registration: Register for the conference

Sponsorships: Sign up to be an event sponsor

More Information: Download conference agenda

North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance 2026 Buddy Walk

The North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance (NCDSA) Buddy Walk is the organization's largest event of the year. Each year, nearly 2,000 participants come together for a day that feels like a true family reunion, bringing together individuals with Down syndrome, their families, friends, and supporters from across the state.


Registration is free! Register your team by June 30 to earn your team incentive. New teams will get a free custom yard sign with a QR code to your team's page. Returning teams will get a free Walk of Fame route marker sign.


Date: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026

Location: Sugg Farm, 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs

Registration: Register for the Buddy Walk

The Council Presents Educational Webinar Series: NCCDD Five-Year State Plan

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) will share its newly adopted 2027–2031 Five-Year State Plan, which guides the Council’s priorities and funding to improve services and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across the state. Developed with extensive public input, the plan reflects the needs and lived experiences of North Carolinians concerned with I/DD. Effective October 1, 2026, the plan outlines future investments and the community-driven insights that helped shape them.


Date/Time: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

AMERSA 50th Anniversary Conference

Whether you're developing policy, teaching, conducting research, or delivering frontline care, the AMERSA Annual Conference equips you with the latest tools and information to bridge the gap between research and practice. Register today and mark your calendar for November 12-14, with pre-conference workshops available on November 11. The AMERSA Annual Conference brings together a multidisciplinary community committed to advancing substance use education, research, clinical care, and policy.



Date: Nov. 12-14, 2026

Location: 2500 Calvert Street NW, Washington, DC

Registration: Register for the conference