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

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

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

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

Past Programs: 2024-2025

September 10, 2024 – Sibling Support Across the Lifespan

Trainer: Eileen Slade, LCSW

October 8, 2024 – What Do We Do Now—It takes both of us

Trainer: Timothy T. Simmons

November 12, 2024 – Catalysts for Change: Advancing Anti-Ableism

Trainer: Dr. Anne Odusanya

December 10, 2024 – Making Successful Transitions to Adulthood and Community Living

Trainer: Fred Hathaway, Jr.

January 14, 2025 – Let’s Break the Taboo: Embracing Sexuality and Intellectual Disability

Trainer: Dr. Uzama Price

February 11, 2025 – The impact of rare/undiagnosed conditions on children and families

Trainer: Rebecca C. Spillmann, MS, CGC

March 11, 2025 – Supporting Caregivers of children with Disabilities and Special Healthcare Needs

Trainer: Dr. Gavin Colquitt

April 15, 2025 – Diversity in Neurodivergence: Girls and Women with Autism

Trainer: Caroline Garrett, MSW