Camp Royall is a special place for campers of all ages, from 4 to 104! In recent years our programming for teenagers has grown, and we’re excited that Camp Royall can be a place for young people to connect and prepare for adulthood. In 2016, we started Teen Tuesday, a monthly group for teens to…
Becca Martin, Kaitlin Warren, and Angela Wideman Honored with McCrimmon Award
The McCrimmon Award is named for Ed McCrimmon, a longtime member of the Autism Society of North Carolina staff. He was known for his outstanding dedication and integrity as he served individuals with autism. Tragically, he died in 2017. The McCrimmon Award was established to keep Ed’s memory alive, and at the same time, celebrate…
MeKayla Sheene Named 2022 Roman Award Winner
Direct support professionals often become honorary members of the families they work with because of their presence during highs and lows, good times and bad. MeKayla Sheene began working with Casey Drakeford in May 2022, less than two weeks before his mother’s death. For consistently going above and beyond during this difficult time in Casey’s…
Don’t Ring the Doorbell, and Mark Your Lifelong Calendar for June
One of the first things I tell a new direct support professional interviewing to work with our family is to not bother ringing the doorbell. Just come on in and join the family. My twins, Isaac and Samuel, have had Medicaid Waiver services since they were 7 years old. They are now 22. While some…
Achieve a Better Life Experience with NC ABLE
The NC ABLE Program allows individuals with the occurrence of a disability prior to the age of 26 and their families to contribute to tax-advantaged savings accounts without impacting eligibility for important public supports like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. A path to financial freedom For many eligible participants, there has long been a ‘spend down’…
Preparing for an IEP Meeting
Let’s be honest, preparing for your child’s IEP meeting – whether it’s the first or the 20th – can be overwhelming, especially if your child was recently diagnosed with autism. What is an IEP and where does one begin?! An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child…
Public Policy Update: Voting Rights Update
Disability Rights North Carolina sued the state over restrictions on who can help voters with disabilities cast their ballots in elections. Several North Carolina laws limited who can help voters as well as who can request ballots for voters. Those restrictions have been ruled in violation of federal laws. What does this means for you…
Letter to Legislators from the Autism Society of North Carolina
The following letter was sent in May to thank legislators for increased funding for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The Autism Society of North Carolina will continue to advocate for competitive wages for DSPs in recognition of the work they do improving lives and supporting families. May 18, 2022 To: House and Senate Leadership, Joint…