AGENDA
Registration & Continental Breakfast/Exhibitor Fair/Client Assistance and Services Help Desk*
8:30am – 9:30am
*DRNC advocates and attorneys will be onsite to answer questions and provide information.
Breakout Sessions 1
9:30am – 10:30am
Presenters: Iris Green, Kishona Mimms, Demetrice Jones, Walter Spencer, Debbie Thome
Disability Rights NC is federally mandated to monitor facilities where people with disabilities live or receive services, working to prevent, detect, and address instances of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This session offers attorneys, advocates, and service providers a behind-the-scenes look at DRNC’s monitoring process, highlighting systemic concerns, legal and advocacy strategies, and real-world insights into facility conditions across North Carolina. Attendees will learn how monitoring findings can inform legal action, policy change, and best practices for protecting the rights and well-being of people with disabilities. Attendees will also learn how they can navigate the Division of Health Services Regulation (DHSR) website to research facilities and file complaints
Presenter: Holly Stiles
The child welfare system is intended to protect and improve the lives of children, yet evidence shows that North Carolina is failing to meet this goal, particularly for children and parents with disabilities. Disability discrimination is a critical legal issue in child welfare proceedings, as disabled parents face a higher likelihood of unnecessary child removals, and disabled children placed in the system often end up in congregate or institutional care, suffering long-term negative consequences.
This session will identify common scenarios in which disability discrimination surfaces in child welfare interactions, suggest strategies for achieving better outcomes within North Carolina’s existing systems, and identify opportunities for positive change for North Carolina’s children through the lens of disability rights cases from across the country.
Presenters: Drew Fabricius, Chris Hodgson
The legal history of whether, and to what extent, public entities must integrate bus route systems is complicated with many twists and turns to and from integration over the years. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal history of bus route integration, including key court decisions, legislative developments, and enforcement challenges. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on the current legal landscape and specific recommendations for how best to enforce the right to integrated, accessible bus routes for people with disabilities.
Presenters: Sara Harrington, Lisa Nesbitt, Dane Mullis, Lena Welch
The number of people diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) has significantly increased over the last decade, along with the number of reported overdose deaths. In some cases, people with SUD are protected by disability rights laws. In this training, you will learn about the background on the opioid overdose epidemic in North Carolina, treatments for SUD, how to determine whether SUD is protected by disability laws, examples of SUD discrimination in employment, healthcare, and housing, and how policy changes can improve the lives of people with SUD.
BREAK / EXHIBITOR FAIR
Breakout Sessions 2
11:00am – 12:00pm
Presenter: Lisa Grafstein
Private equity firms, sometimes called hedge funds, are rapidly acquiring healthcare facilities across the country, including in North Carolina. This trend has raised significant concerns regarding quality of care, staffing, costs, safety, and financial transparency—especially in facilities serving people with disabilities such as rehabilitation centers, adult care homes, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs), and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs).
This session will explore how private equity ownership influences healthcare services in these settings and discuss concerns for the rights and well-being of individuals receiving care.
Presenter: Marisa Leib-Neri
Psychotropic polypharmacy is the practice of prescribing multiple psychotropic medications simultaneously and is widespread among children with mental health disabilities. Attorneys representing children must be aware of the physical effects, as well as the legal and ethical implications of psychotropic polypharmacy. Improper use of these medications can amount to a chemical restraint, violating children’s rights and impeding access to appropriate care.
This session will explore the overreliance on medication in lieu of evidence-based mental health services and provide critical insights and legal strategies to advocate for young clients.
Presenter: Lena Welch
Knowing your rights and understanding how to navigate the vocational rehabilitation process are essential for for individuals with disabilities aiming for competitive integrated employment. This session offers practical self-advocacy strategies for engaging with the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD, formerly VR) and the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB). Participants will learn about new resources and initiatives by EIPD designed to support individuals pursuing meaningful employment. The session will also cover formal and informal appeals procedures to ensure access to necessary services and supports.
Lunch
12:00pm – 12:45pm
Plenary Speaker: Lawrence Carter-Long in a Conversation with DRNC CEO Virginia Knowlton Marcus
12:45pm – 1:20pm
BREAK
Breakout Sessions 3
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Presenters: Mellonee Kennedy, Cas Shearin
North Carolina’s Involuntary Commitment (IVC) laws and practices have profound legal and human rights implications. Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) conducted a year-long investigation into the often traumatic and unconstitutional procedures involved in IVC, culminating in a forthcoming report with key findings and recommendations.
Through site visits to Emergency Departments, interviews with individuals with lived experience, families, hospital officials, mental health advocates, and legal scholars, DRNC has assessed the real-world impact of the current system. This session provides critical insights into due process rights, legal challenges, and policy reforms aimed at improving the IVC system.
Presenters: Cari Carson, Glynnis Hagins, Jolona Kinlaw, Elijah Moffe, Debbie Thome and youth panelists
Attorneys of and advocates for young clients must engage young people effectively while complying with relevant ethical rules. This session will provide an overview of the NC Rules of Professional Conduct relevant to representing youth, and how DRNC’s Education Team applies these rules in our advocacy with and for young people. The session will conclude with a conversation with young people and their insights about effective student representation and youth engagement.
While designed for attorneys and advocates representing youth, it is also valuable for parents, educators, and youth service providers seeking strategies to empower youth, collaborate with advocates, and support student rights. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to ethically and effectively engage young people in legal and advocacy settings.
Presenters: Kirby Morrow, Lisa Nesbitt, Tim Sookram, Rebekah Spannagel
Medicaid Waivers provide essential services that help individuals with disabilities. Whether you are an individual seeking services, a family member navigating options, a service provider supporting clients, or an attorney advocating for Medicaid access, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate North Carolina’s Medicaid Waiver system.
This session will break down the four Medicaid Waivers available in North Carolina: Innovations Waiver, CAP/DA (Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults), CAP/C (Community Alternatives Program for Medically Fragile Children) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver.
This session will cover who qualifies for each waiver, the types of services they offer, and how to apply. Additionally, we’ll discuss what to do if an application is denied and how to advocate for fair access to these critical programs.
Presenters: Desireé Gorbea-Finalet, Emma Kinyanjui
Brain injuries often intersect with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and the legal system, creating complex challenges for individuals and those who support them. This in-depth discussion will explore these connections while introducing Disability Rights North Carolina’s (DRNC) Brain Injury Community Screening Program, a new initiative designed to help providers and advocates better identify and assist individuals affected by brain injuries.
BREAK / EXHIBITOR FAIR
Breakout Sessions 4
3pm – 4:30pm
Presenters: Andy Anderson, Gabriella Bush, Katherine Castro, Barbara Daniels, Connie Dixon, Kiara Mcleod, Ashleigh Swayze
A representative payee is a person who acts as the receiver of Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income for a person who is not fully capable of managing their own benefits. This session will provide critical insights into Social Security representative payee responsibilities, compliance requirements, and strategies for protecting beneficiaries’ rights.
Attendees will gain practical tools to ensure compliance with Social Security regulations, protect clients from misuse or mismanagement of funds, and advocate for fair financial oversight.
Presenters: Cari Carson, Drew Fabricius, Tim Sookram, Lena Welch
The transition to adulthood is a critical period for youth with disabilities, bringing significant changes in legal protections, educational rights, and access to services. This session will help individuals, families, and advocates navigate the shift from primary education to higher education or employment, focusing on the differences between the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how these laws apply at different stages of life.
Attendees will gain insight into key legal protections, eligibility criteria, and advocacy strategies to ensure that youth receive necessary accommodations and services. The session will also cover support available through the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) and how these services facilitate a successful transition into higher education, vocational training, or employment.
Presenters: Kirby Morrow, Lisa Nesbitt, Rebekah Spannagel
Understanding Medicaid services and recent changes is critical for individuals who rely on these supports, as well as their families, service providers, and attorneys advocating for their rights. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of key Medicaid topics, including 1915(i) Services, Transition to Community Living Program (TCL), Tailored Care Management, Medicaid Appeals and Medicaid Transportation
Whether you are an individual navigating Medicaid, a family member seeking the best care options, a service provider delivering essential support, or an attorney advocating for fair access, this session will provide valuable insights and practical guidance to help you understand and navigate these crucial Medicaid programs.
Presenter: Lawrence Carter-Long
Everyone has an origin story—an experience or turning point that led them to disability advocacy. This interactive workshop will guide participants in crafting their personal narratives for different audiences, whether speaking to legislators, the media, or fellow advocates. Through live coaching and real-time feedback, we’ll explore how to shape stories that resonate and drive change. Attendees will learn how to adapt their message based on the context, workshop real examples, and leave with practical tools for making their advocacy more impactful. The session will also touch on current disability policy issues and how personal storytelling can be a powerful tool in influencing change.
BREAK
Additional Details
Sessions and session times are subject to change.
*Speak with members of DRNC’s CASE team (Client Services Assistance & Engagement) Our advocates and attorneys will be onsite to answer questions and provide information