Raleigh, NC (November 13, 2017) – Byron Anthony “Tony” Dalton was honored for his outstanding contributions in advocacy and leadership in the North Carolina disability community at the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) Advocacy and Leadership Awards on Nov. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cary, NC.

Dalton, who worked for and led the Developmental Disabilities Training Institute (DDTI) at the University of North Carolina for 34 years, received the Helen C. “Holly” Riddle Distinguished Service Award that honors leadership by a professional in the field of intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Dalton began as a consultant in vocational services at DDTI in 1972, eventually rising to director in 2001. During the time, North Carolina shifted from an institutional system of services to a more individual and community based system of supports and services. During his career, Dalton also traveled as a speaker and consultant, wrote training materials and grants, and participated in the governance of local, public and private I/DD agencies and professional organizations.

“I truly appreciate this great honor. Those of us working to help persons with developmental disabilities have had important work to do. Depending on allies and friends, we have enhanced the lives of others and given meaning and understanding to countless people. I accept this award on behalf of all my colleagues,” Dalton said.

Retired since 2006, Dalton was coaxed out of retirement to serve on the board of directors in the development of Beyond Academics at UNC-Greensboro. Beyond Academics is a program that supports students with I/DD through a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) while enrolled in Integrative Community Studies. The four-year certificate program of study emphasizes higher education, self-determination, community inclusion, career development and independent living.

Chris Egan, executive director of NCCDD, said, “Our Council is very pleased to honor Tony Dalton with this year’s Helen C. “Holly” Riddle Distinguished Service Award.  Tony has been a strong mentor to so many of us, focusing on expanding choices and opportunities for individuals with I/DD, and those with other disabilities who have historically been marginalized by our society. He leads by example, through a career of research and training, and through his personal commitment to directly support individuals in his community to become part of the fabric of their community.”
 
About the Helen C. “Holly” Riddle Distinguished Service Award: The award is named for Helen C. Riddle who served the State of North Carolina as the executive director of NCCDD from 1990 until 2013. As an exceptional advocate for people with I/DD, Holly is committed to enhancing the quality of life for North Carolinians affected by I/DD. Holly is currently the Policy Advisor for the Office of the Director, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and continues to collaborate with the Council.

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.

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