NC Disability Advocacy Conference Funding Applications
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2013/06/04 - Updated: 2026/01/13
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: Finance - Related Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information details a state-funded reimbursement program managed by the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities that helps people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their families, and guardians access professional development opportunities. The Jean Wolff-Rossi Fund for Participant Involvement provides practical financial assistance covering registration fees, childcare, personal assistance services, lodging, and travel expenses for educational seminars and conferences. What makes this resource particularly valuable is its focus on removing economic barriers that often prevent individuals with disabilities and their advocates from attending skill-building events, with priority consideration given to first-time applicants, those from rural areas, and individuals who enhance cultural diversity within the disability community - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Rossi Fund reimburses individuals for training and conferences to improve advocacy skills of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities or parents.
Main Content
Self-advocates and parents raising children with disabilities are encouraged to apply to the NC Council for Developmental Disabilities for funds needed to attend conferences or educational seminars that improve knowledge, and networking and advocacy skills.
Those eligible for reimbursement of expenses include people with an intellectual or other developmental disability (I/DD), parents, family members, guardians, or parents of a child at risk of I/DD.
All recipients must be residents of North Carolina and will be expected to complete a Rossi Fund Participant Survey to share knowledge with the community and the Council.
The Jean Wolff-Rossi Fund for Participant Involvement has funds available to reimburse applicants for costs incurred, including seminar or conference registration, child care, personal assistance, lodging costs and transportation. The fund will only partially cover the costs of attending such events so that more people can receive financial help.
There is a limit of $600 in funding per year for in-state events or $800 per year for out-of-state for any individual applicant.
Other considerations in making awards from the Rossi Fund are whether this is a first time user of the Fund, a first time attendee for the activity or event, will the attendee enhance ethnic or cultural diversity and is the applicant from rural or under-served areas of the state.
The 40-member North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities seeks to support effective and innovative initiatives that promote community inclusion, independence, productivity, self-determination and integration for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: While funding caps at $600 for in-state and $800 for out-of-state events may seem modest, the Rossi Fund represents something more significant than dollar amounts - it acknowledges that advocacy skills require cultivation through exposure, networking, and formal training. By partially subsidizing conference attendance rather than covering full costs, the program stretches limited resources to benefit more people while still requiring applicants to maintain some financial investment in their own development. For North Carolina residents navigating the disability service system, this funding can mean the difference between isolation and connection, between accepting services passively and advocating effectively for systemic change - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.