North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council - NC SILC

11/25/2025

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the NC Division of Employment and Independence for people with disabilities.

Join EIPD and the State Rehabilitation Council for a virtual public forum on December 4, 2025, 4:30 – 6:30 pm.

We invite you to join us online for what promises to be a rich and informative conversation. Clients, family members, advocates, employers, and providers are all encouraged to join. We will share success stories, address concerns, answer questions, and discuss ideas about education, employment, and transitional programs for people with disabilities.

Register Here: https://ncsu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_acjYhyZ5TMS_xKCSQJOqEA

ASL Interpreters and Closed Captioning will be available. Please provide two weeks’ advanced notice for additional accommodations.

11/24/2025

♿🔧 November is National Assistive Technology Month

In every switch, every ramp, every lift and screen reader, there is freedom waiting to be claimed. Assistive Technology (AT) is not just equipment — it’s access. It’s agency. It’s independence that allows people with disabilities to work, learn, travel, create, and live life on their own terms.

Across North Carolina and beyond, AT fuels equity:
📱 Communication devices that amplify our voices
🚗 Vehicle modifications that put the open road within reach
🦼 Mobility aids that move our bodies toward possibility
💻 Accessible software that opens classrooms and workplaces

This month, we honor the innovation that breaks barriers and the people who use it to chart their own path forward.

Let’s keep pushing for funding, for access, for choices that empower full participation in community life, because technology without access is a door still closed.



Image description:
A blue graphic with white text that reads, “November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month.” Small star-like sparkles decorate the design.

11/24/2025

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, more people with disabilities will be eligible to open an ABLE account thanks to the ABLE Age Adjustment Act!

If your disability began before age 46, you’ll soon be able to open an ABLE account and experience the benefits that thousands already enjoy:

• Save and invest without losing eligibility for public benefits such as SSI and Medicaid.
• Earn tax-free growth on savings used for qualified disability expenses.
• Gain financial independence with a safe, flexible way to manage and grow your money.
• Use funds freely for housing, education, assistive technology, transportation and more.

ABLE accounts empower people with disabilities and their families to plan for the future, reach financial goals and build greater stability — all while protecting essential benefits.

Learn more at https://www.ablenrc.org/the-able-age-adjustment-act-fact-sheet/ and get ready for expanded eligibility in 2026.

Image description: A green graphic with white text that reads: “Benefits of ABLE accounts: Save and invest. Tax-free growth. Financial independence. Flexibility to spend.” Icons appear beside each benefit, including a dollar sign, potted plant, flexed arm and wallet with money. Below, text reads: “Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, people whose disability began before age 46 will be eligible to open an ABLE account.” The ABLE NRC logo appears at the top.

11/24/2025

Ever made a mistake? Don’t panic! Join our webinar on December 4 at 2:30 PM (ET) to learn about frequently missed and misunderstood provisions in the and Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards.

➡️ https://www.accessibilityonline.org/ao/session?id=111196

11/24/2025

Empower ME is held every 4th Wednesday. Join us for our YOUTH peer Support and social connection for children and students with disabilities. Recommended for school aged children. Stream Empower Me in classrooms, kids' camps, youth programs, and more!

No cost to participants. In-person or via Zoom. For accessibility accommodations, call the office at 336-419-0784 prior to event. To have Empower Me make an appearance at your school, classroom, or youth event, email dac2019org@gmail.com. Adaptable to all ages (0-24) and abilities.

Location: 1102 Grecade St, Greensboro, NC 27408

Zoom Meeting ID: 763 110 5211 (expect a waiting room)

Time and Date: 10:30am-11:30am | Wednesday, November 26th

11/24/2025

As we enter the busy holiday season please remember to make your events accessible so everyone can enjoy.

As we enter the holiday season, Disability Belongs™ is delighted to share Event Accessibility Considerations – a practical, easy-to-use resource to help you plan events that are truly accessible and welcoming. Whether your gathering is in-person or virtual, we have tips for everything from invitations and communications to the details that make guests feel comfortable and included. Check it out: https://www.disabilitybelongs.org/resources/events/

11/22/2025

🚦Tell Us How You Move. Tell Us What’s In Your Way.

Access to life shouldn’t stop at the curb.

Yet too many of us wait on buses that never come, fight for rides that never show, and travel miles just to be seen.

NC SILC is launching a statewide Transportation Survey to hear directly from people with disabilities across North Carolina.
Your voice maps the road to change—advocacy, funding, policy, and real solutions that honor our independence.

🚌 Your travel story matters. Your barriers matter. Your voice drives the future.

⏳ Survey open through December 19th

🔗 Take the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L5BYBBR

🚦

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

11/21/2025

Upcoming Event from The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center: The Power of Visibility and Community Advocacy

December 2, 2025 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Don’t miss the final session in the Human Experience of Black People with Disabilities and Their Rights Under the ADA series!

This webinar features Elizabeth Booker Houston—a lawyer, social scientist, professor, standup comedienne, and political commentator. Her work spans public health law, privacy law, administrative law, food and drug law, and public health research. Elizabeth holds a B.A. in Psychology from Christian Brothers University (2013) and both a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health from the University of Memphis (2017).

Join and discover practical strategies to amplify your impact. Register today! https://adata.org/event/power-visibility-and-community-advocacy

11/18/2025

🎙 Calling All Self-Advocates with Big Ideas: Apply Today!
Are you someone with an intellectual or developmental disability who’s ready to lead a project that turns complex information into justice-making clarity? Then the 2026 Fellowship from SARTAC is your stage.

✍️ What you’ll do:

* Partner with a host organization to develop a 9-month self-advocacy project.
* Rewrite a leadership or policy document into plain, powerful language that helps others understand their rights and opportunities.
* Join monthly calls, create final tools for change, and present your work nationally.
* Receive $5,000 for your commitment (about 6 hours/week) while you build your leadership muscle.

🗓 Deadline to apply: Friday, December 19, 2025 @ 9:00 pm ET.

🔗 Ready? Apply here 👉 https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/2026-fellowship-application-copy/
Want a walkthrough? Join SARTAC’s “How to Apply” training session on November 19 (1:00-2:30 pm CST).

✨ At NCSILC, we believe in the power of self-advocacy, leadership from within the disability community, and transforming access into action. If you know someone who has the drive to change the system by rewriting the rules—tag them below or share this post!

SABE SARTAC 2025-2026 Fellowship Questions and Answers Meeting
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 1:00 PM -2:30 PM (Central Time), 2:00 PM (Eastern Time), 12:00 PM (Mountain Time), 11:00 AM (Pacific Time)
About the Meeting: Come learn about the 2025-2026 Fellowship!
- How to apply
- What Fellows do
- Project examples
How to Join: Registration Link
https://umsystem.zoom.us/meeting/register/ffc4dP0XRHGpHvEuWargUw #/registration

11/17/2025

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alice Wong at just 51. A fierce advocate, author, and founder of the Disability Visibility Project, Alice reshaped how the world hears and honors disability stories.

Her loss is immeasurable.
Her legacy is unstoppable.

Rest in power, Alice. Thank you for every door you opened.

11/17/2025

It’s that time again: dRC Deep Dive! This week we are highlighting “Independent Living Skills”…check it out!

11/16/2025

Great resource for your pre-employment questions if you have a disability.

Attention job seekers and employers: we now have a page dedicated to all your pre-employment questions! Check out our Employment Resource Hub to get information about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to different stages of employment: https://adata.org/employment-resource-hub/pre-employment-interviews-hiring-and-examinations