Winston-Salem, NC (March 6, 2023) -  “UNMET: North Carolina's Two Developmental Disability Crises,” a film commissioned by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD), will be screened on March 9, 2023 at 7pm at the ACE Theatre Complex at 1533 South Main St., Winston-Salem, NC.

The 25-minute film shows the real-life situations of individuals with developmental disabilities living in North Carolina and what their needs look like when unmet.

Many individuals living with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) who qualify for services in the state are waiting for funding from the North Carolina General Assembly to become available. These individuals are placed on a waiting list called the Registry of Unmet Needs (RUN). There are currently approximately 16,000 people on the waitlist, and many have to wait for over 10 years for essential services. 

In addition, many people with I/DD need daily support such as physical assistance, bathing, cooking, and more to live in their homes and community safely. This assistance is provided by Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). With DSPs earning an average of approximately $13 an hour in our state, many North Carolinians with I/DD find it impossible to find the staff for necessary services.  Nationally, a 2022 report by ANCOR found 63% of providers are discontinuing programs and services due to insufficient staffing.

“These are two long-simmering crises that we have to meet now,” said Talley Wells, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities.  “The Unmet film brings viewers inside the homes of North Carolina families and people with I/DD to see what our neighbors are experiencing due to the waitlist and workforce shortage.” 

Winston-Salem native, Bryan Dooley, appointed by Governor Cooper to the NCCDD and its current Chairperson, is among those featured in the film. “We hope that, while the General Assembly is in session, our state leaders will respond to these crises with bold action to support us. People with I/DD, when receiving adequate supports and services, can be productive, engaged citizens in their communities, and we can contribute to our society.”

The event includes a film viewing, a panel discussion, and a call to action for what people can do to bring attention and solutions to issues facing the I/DD community in North Carolina. Admission is free.

The agenda includes the following:

• Special Performance: Chris Hendricks, NCCDD Policy Education Coordinator
• Welcome: Mark Steele, Executive Director & Adrian Boone, Director of Operations at Solutions for Independence;
• The Two Crises: Bryan Dooley, NCCDD Chairperson, & Dave Owen, I/DD In-Reach Transition Coordinator, Vaya Health;
• Movie Screening: UNMET: North Carolina's Two Developmental Disability Crises;
• Panel Discussion
  • Bill Donohue & Deb Woolard, NC Waiver Action Team
  • Scottie Rush, Community Support Professional (DSP)
  • Matt Potter, advocate and a person with I/DD on the waiting list
  • Sarah Potter, parent of a person with I/DD
  • Talley Wells, Executive Director, NCCDD (Facilitator)
• Closing & Thank You

Spaces are limited. Register via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unmet-north-carolinas-two-developmental-disability-crises-tickets-559742975307

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About the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities: The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) works to assure that people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families participate in the design of, and have access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all areas of community life. Through its Five-Year Plan, the Council identifies and funds innovative projects and initiatives that promote the goals of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) for all North Carolinians.