Focus on Family and Disability

The Focus on Family and Disability Seminar Series is a forum to educate diverse audiences from students and faculty to service providers, community stakeholders, and family members. The series is offered in conjunction with the Family Support Network.

Program topics include current issues, policies and research, and evidence-based approaches in health, education, and disability. 

Individuals with IDD/Special Needs, Self-Advocates, and their families can attend Focus on Family and Disability Seminars for FREE.

Upcoming Programs: 2025-2026

April 14, 2026 – Positive Pathways: Empowering Lives through PERMA and Recreation

Trainers: Mallory Willis, LRT, CTRS and Alexandra Smith, BA

May 12, 2026 – Supporting and Learning from Kinship Families Raising Children with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs

Trainers: Amanda Klein-Cox, Ed.D., Angela Tobin, OTD, OTR/L, and Alison Parson

Past Programs: 2025-2026

September 9, 2025 – Engaging Families as Partners in Developmental Monitoring, Screening, and Follow-up

Trainers: Chandler Knott, PhD and Laura Hiruma, PhD

October 14, 2025 – A Good Life for the Whole Family: Supporting People in the Context of Their Family

Trainer: Lisa Meyer

November 18, 2025 – NC Able and Increasing Financial Security of Individuals with I/DD

Trainers: Jeff Hancock, CRSP, CMFC, AIF, Christy Farrelly, and NC Treasurer Bradford B. Briner

December 9, 2025 – The Intersectionality of Race, Gender, and Disability on Black Youth with Autism

Trainer: Danyale Sturdivant, MSSW

January 13, 2026 – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Palliative Care: Integrating Comfort, Support, and Accessibility

Trainer: Melissa Levin, MSW, LICSW

February 10, 2026 – Disability Advocacy and the Criminal Justice System

Trainer: Luke Woollard, J.D.

March 10, 2026 – Structured Tools to Ease the Transition into Adulthood

Trainer: Tara Regan, PhD, MSW, LCSWA