Download FY25 Target Community Feedback
In what county do you live?
DRNC received 522 responses to our 2025 Targets survey, with respondents from all 100 counties. Nearly 40% of our responses came from 6 counites – Wake, Durham, Mecklenburg, Orange, Forsyth and Buncombe.
Demographics
AGE
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| 18 – 39 | 100 |
| 40 – 59 | 247 |
| 60 and over | 146 |
| Prefer not to answer | 29 |
GENDER
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Female | 398 |
| Male | 89 |
| Other | 15 |
| Prefer not to answer | 20 |
RACE / ETHNICITY
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Asian | 10 |
| Black | 91 |
| Hispanic | 15 |
| Native American | 6 |
| White | 352 |
| Other | 8 |
| Choose not to answer | 40 |
Tell us how much you know about Disability Rights North Carolina. Select one.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| I know about the work done by DRNC | 271 |
| I am unfamiliar with the work of DRNC | 163 |
| I have received help from DRNC | 22 |
| I know someone who has been helped by DRNC | 29 |
| I or someone I know needs help | 37 |
Relationship to disability:
Are you a person with a disability?
*44% of our respondents were people with disabilities, compared to 42% of 2024 Target Survey respondents.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Yes | 229 |
| No | 293 |
How do you self identify?
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Person with a Disability | 229 |
| Family Member/Guardian | 249 |
| Professional Advocate | 142 |
| Service Provider | 90 |
| Government Staff | 82 |
People can have different identities. Choose all the options that describe you.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Person with a Disability | 229 |
| Family Member/Guardian | 249 |
| Professional Advocate | 142 |
| Service Provider | 90 |
| Government Staff | 82 |
What disability do you identify with? If you don’t have a disability, please choose whatever disabilities are related to your life or work. Choose all the options that apply to you.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| IDD | 228 |
| Autism/Autism Spectrum | 213 |
| Physical Disability | 257 |
| Mental Health | 260 |
| Deaf or HOH | 91 |
| Blind or Visually Impaired | 103 |
| TBI | 104 |
| Other | 11 |
Which of the Targets below have you or your family members experienced issues with, or do you consider a priority for the disability community in NC? Choose as many options as apply.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Keep students with disabilities in school | 295 |
| Advocate for people with disabilities to have equal access to integrated jobs
that pay at least min. wage |
318 |
| Enforce the right of people with disabilities to have equal access to their communities | 387 |
| Reduce North Carolina’s Over-Reliance on Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) | 179 |
| Reduce unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with disabilities and improve access to home and community-based healthcare services and supports | 349 |
| Protect the housing rights of people with disabilities under federal and state law | 338 |
| Advocate for a safe, equitable and just criminal justice system for people with disabilities | 299 |
| Enforce the right of disabled people to control their own lives | 306 |
What issues currently affecting North Carolina’s disability community would you like to bring to DRNC’s attention?
There were 296 responses for this question. Survey responses came from all 100 counties in North Carolina.
Community Accessibility
Respondents spoke to the many barriers to accessing basic rights and services across various communities in North Carolina. They also shared the critical need for better support in fostering healthy relationships, more accessible public spaces, and comprehensive healthcare accommodations. Inadequate enforcement of ADA compliance, particularly in parks, playgrounds, and public buildings is another challenge that leaves many feeling neglected and frustrated with the lack of progress and accountability from local and state governments.
Criminal Legal System Supports and Reforms
The pervasive lack of accommodations, unjust treatment, and prolonged jail sentences, often leading to solitary confinement and inadequate legal defense were some concerns raised in comments pertaining to the criminal legal system. The system also fails to protect disabled victims of crime, particularly those from marginalized communities, and lacks sufficient diversion programs for those with mental health and substance use disorders.
Education
Widespread challenges due to inadequate special education services, a lack of trained teachers, and insufficient funding, especially in rural areas were a common theme. These issues are compounded by the need for better access to specialized schools, health insurance coverage, and educational opportunities that truly accommodate their unique needs, ensuring they receive the “free and appropriate” education guaranteed by the state constitution. Several comments specifically mentioned the need for educators to be trained on the needs of Autistic students.
Employment
Challenges pertaining to employment included lack of access to employment, with limited opportunities for further education and job training, as well as discrimination from both schools and employers. Despite efforts to work, many individuals with disabilities are denied support, leading to frustration and a lack of meaningful career opportunities, especially in fields where they could excel with proper training and support.
Facilities
Group homes in North Carolina are reportedly neglecting their disabled residents, failing to provide proper care, and even removing personal freedoms, like access to a phone. Respondents shared North Carolina should reduce its reliance on institutional care, improve home and community-based services, and ensure that disabled individuals have greater control over their lives.
Healthcare/Medicaid
Navigating the healthcare system in North Carolina is especially challenging for individuals with disabilities, particularly those relying on Medicaid, SSI, or SSDI. The system’s inefficiencies often lead to delayed or denied care, creating unnecessary stress and financial burdens. Additionally, there is significant concern about the mistreatment and discrimination against individuals with disabilities in healthcare settings.
Housing
The housing crisis was mentioned frequently, including difficulty securing affordable, accessible housing. Individuals with disabilities often encounter discrimination, harassment, and a lack of suitable options. There is a pressing need to strengthen fair housing laws, enforce ADA compliance, and expand housing assistance programs.
I/DD Community Supports and Services
Comments detailed the severe shortage of Direct Service Providers (DSPs), compounded by stagnant service rates over the last two decades. This shortage has left many families without essential care and highlights the need for increased pay and professional career paths for DSPs to help address the crisis. Additionally, the lack of local therapists for children with Autism, especially in rural areas like Clay County, underscores the urgent need for more resources.
Mental Health
Lack of access to consistent and effective mental health services for children under 12 was a strong concern. Additionally, families in rural areas like Edgecombe County face significant hardships due to the lack of local resources They often travel long distances without support for expenses, while the emergency room fails to provide adequate mental health care. The mental health system in North Carolina is inadequate overall, with long wait times for services, insufficient community supports, and over-reliance on the criminal legal system to manage individuals in crisis.
Self-Determination
People with disabilities should have the right to manage their own finances, including saving for retirement, without limitations. There needs to be stronger oversight of caretakers and those with power of attorney to prevent exploitation.
Transportation
Many responses included a strong emphasis on the need for more equitable, accessible, affordable, and reliable transportation options to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Voting
There were several concerns about accessible voting, the difficulties of homebound disabled individuals in getting an ID, and access to transportation to the polls.
Other
Responses covered a wide range of issues including concerns about the mask bans, abuse, discrimination, TBI, technology access and project 2025.
DRNC’s core advocacy activities
DRNC also provides core advocacy activities outside of our Target work including outreach; voting rights; information, referral and self-advocacy support; investigation and monitoring, public policy advocacy and representative payee reviews. You can learn more about these ongoing services on our website. Use the space below if you would like to comment on DRNC’s core advocacy activities.
There were 77 responses for this question. The survey responses came from all 100 of North Carolina’s counties.
Community Accessibility
Individuals advocated for more community-based services to support independent living for people with disabilities and expresses frustration over the lack of enforcement of existing laws like the ADA, Rehab Act, and Olmstead Act. One respondent highlighted the challenges faced by a disabled friend who has grown disillusioned with the system due to a lack of meaningful responses.
Compliments
Many respondents expressed great appreciation for DRNC’s hard work. They shared their beliefs that our work is important and necessary in the ongoing fight for disability rights.
Criminal Legal System Supports and Reforms
Issues described included a need for support for those involved in the criminal legal system- including defendants dealing with the courts. They also articulated concern for police interaction with people with disabilities
Criticisms
The few responses in this category expressed great frustration that their individual problems could not be solved by DRNC. People were also exhausted from the continued efforts required to receive and maintain benefits and care for disabled individuals.
Education
Individuals supported strengthening of North Carolina laws to ban seclusion, restraint, and corporal punishment. They also advocating for better training for schools and educators to effectively support Autistic students.
Facilities
Several comments mentioned the poor quality and condition of facilities. Others shared that they wanted some facilities to remain open as they were concerned with lasting care for their adult children.
Healthcare/Medicaid
Healthcare and Medicaid comments expressed frustration with the lack of hands-on assistance from NC Medicaid, finding it difficult to access and afford necessary services. They emphasize the need for a more streamlined process for SSI determination, better education for doctors about disabilities, and greater freedom of choice in Medicaid managed care plans, especially for children with complex medical needs.
Housing
The housing crisis was a main concern, especially as it relates to inaccessible housing and a lack of safe, and affordable housing.
I/DD Community Supports and Services
Again, this year many respondents pointed out the ongoing difficulty of finding and retaining direct support professionals.
Other
Many respondents reported ongoing difficulties in advocacy work and a general feeling of being ignored by policy makers. They also spoke to the importance of continuing our outreach work and efforts to connect with historically marginalized populations.
Self-Determination
These responses underscored the importance of disabled individuals in choosing to live according to their own wishes and to retain as much autonomy as possible.
Transportation
Individuals pointed out the difficulties in accessing transportation, and how poorly maintained sidewalks create barriers for participation in community.
Voting
Many individuals who filled out our survey talked about their concerns regarding accessible voting. Several people emphasized the critical role of DRNC in advocating for voting rights, especially with regard to the new mask law. They also advocated for improved access to absentee and early voting, suggesting legislative changes to make the process more accessible.