North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities assists people with I/DD, their families and supporters to attend conferences, participate in policy studies, conduct research and receive technical assistance and evaluation.

It provides funding for speakers and presenters that will enhance the Council’s work in systems change, advocacy and community capacity to build inclusive communities for persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and families.

JEAN WOLFF-ROSSI FUND FOR PARTICIPANT INVOLVEMENT

The Jean Wolff-Rossi Fund for Participant Involvement (Rossi Fund) is designed to empower people with I/DD and their family members with opportunities, experiences, resources and information, to actively participate in decisions that often impact them personally. Individuals with I/DD and their family members can receive reimbursement for specific expenses for seminars and conferences designed to improve their knowledge, networking and skill levels for advocacy.

The NCCDD makes all decisions on the disbursement of funds. Applicants receiving Rossi funds will be asked to complete a Rossi Fund Participant survey and are expected to share their knowledge with the local community and with the NCCDD members.

CONFERENCE/SPEAKER FUNDING

The Council’s Conference/Speaker Funding policy serves as guidance on how to advance NCCDD’s goals by sponsoring effective presentations and speakers at conferences. In determining whether to fund a presenter(s) for a conference, the Council gives strong weight to the degree of input from the Council in planning the conference, including development of recommendations of presenters.