January 25, 2016 (Raleigh, NC) - Philip Woodward joins the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities as a Systems Change Manager. In his role, Woodward will lead the Community Capacity Building initiatives, which include Project SEARCH, Upward to Financial Stability, Emergency Preparedness and the NC ADA Network, including Fiscal Agent/Intermediary.

"As a person with a disability and an advocate for people with all types of disabilities, I hope to bring an awareness of the needs and talents of people with disabilities and build a strong network among agencies, organizations and people with disabilities across our State," said Woodward, who is Hard of Hearing and knows American Sign Language.

Woodward previously worked as the access specialist for the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), where he wrote a new ACCESS North Carolina travel guide in 2012; administered North Carolina's voluntary service animal registration program and handled all service animal inquiries; and administered three American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) contracts designed to provide employment opportunities for VR clients.

He also assumed a dual role as a communications project manager for the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Communications, where he assisted DVRS, the NC Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) and the NC Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) with their communications and outreach. In that role, he collaborated with NCCDD on various initiatives, including planning Raleigh's ADA 25th anniversary celebration.

He currently serves as a board member for Arts Access and as the public information chair for the Raleigh Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
"We are very excited to have Philip join NCCDD and utilize his many talents in our work across the State," said Executive Director Chris Egan. "His enthusiasm and energy are a great addition to the Council and our initiatives."

A native of Richmond, VA, Woodward was diagnosed with a severe to profound hearing loss at age four, and was mainstreamed throughout his secondary education. He received his Bachelors in English and his law degree from the College of William and Mary.

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.

Contact:
Devika Rao
[email protected]
(O) 678-384-7836; (C) 404-374-5231