Buncombe County, N.C. (WLOS) — A-B Tech hosted a Resource Hub Fall Fair for regional families facing uncertainty with state and federal services. The community event was designed to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
If a state budget isn't passed by Nov. 1, people with disabilities could experience cuts to their services, according to the Arc of North Carolina.
There are concerns about the potential impact on one-on-one support services with possible changes to Medicaid after the 2026 midterms, which could involve unprecedented cutbacks.
On a state level, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities could experience a 3% cut in services, according to the Arc of NC.
Paul Graham, a teacher at Asheville High School, said his students deserve a fighting chance.
"Oftentimes, these students come from disadvantaged backgrounds," Graham said. "Being able to let them see they can get some help or that they can get a job[...] and have a support person really eases the transition into the workforce and into the community, which for many students is harsh."
Graham said parents are wondering what they’re supposed to do about Medicaid cuts. He said that with changes to the federal Department of Education and some special education programs being removed, he is concerned about the future.
"How are these new government cuts going to affect us directly? We don't know yet," Graham said. "We think it will reduce the budget, personnel and material funding, and we're already stretched thin, and we need all the help we can get."
To help families prepare for what could come, the Arc, A-B Tech, and Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities have come together for a resource fair.
A-B Tech offers educational options through transition programs, vocational rehabilitation is available to connect people with jobs, and state and local agencies are available to answer questions about Medicaid services.
"They can get info like what I need to know about Medicaid before I become an adult, or, if I need my own guardianship, or if someone else needs to be my guardian," said Heather Pack, director of student support services with A-B Tech. "'What are the school options for me?' What are the work options for me?' It's giving them that exposure to all those resources."
"The IDD (people with intellectual and developmental disabilities) population is an underutilized, untapped resource for employers, so this gives them an opportunity to find some skills to go to work and to help employers with some quality individuals," Pack said.
The resource fair will run until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
If you missed the fair, A-B Tech has a representative from Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities housed on campus several days a week to offer support.
