First-Ever DECI IDD Resource Fair Brings Together 55+ Local Organizations
- DECI News
- May 26
- 3 min read
Durham County, North Carolina, May 26, 2026 – Durham Exchange Club Industries, Inc. (DECI), a self-supporting non-profit dedicated to serving adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Durham and surrounding counties, hosted its first-ever IDD Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 19th, at the Durham Armory. Open to the community, the event brought together more than 55 local organizations with a common goal in mind – offering individuals with disabilities and their family’s linkage to employment opportunities, training programs, and essential community services.
“Access to the right resources can transform lives. That is a statement we can attest to here at DECI having witnessed first-hand the impact our services have made to the vocational disabilities’ community here in Durham and surrounding cities,” said Chrissy Sailstad, President & Chief Executive Officer, DECI. “We recognize that navigating job training, employment and community services can be overwhelming for individuals with disabilities and their families and this fair was about opening doors and expanding possibilities.”
Throughout the day, notable government officials and local non-profits spoke to attendees on the value of service programs like the IDD Resource Fair to help break down barriers for individuals with disabilities by creating direct pathways toward employment and personal independence including:
· Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)
· Fred Hathaway, Founder, We Will Walk With You
· Claire Colligan, LCAS, LCMHC-S, CCS, I/DD Employment Lead, North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, NCDHHS
· Alma Taylor, Assistant Director, North Carolina Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, NCDHHS
“It’s crucial that we have community programs in place that not only help individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but also their parents, families and caregivers,” said Kelly Crosbie. “Everyone deserves access to a place of employment where they feel comfortable, valued, welcomed, respected, and are compensated fairly and competitively, and we are thrilled to be working with wonderful organizations like DECI to make sure we are doing everything we can to see more people with disabilities achieve success in our workforce.”
“I cannot say enough positive things about the work that DECI does to bridge the gap between the intellectual and developmental community and meaningful employment,” noted Claire Colligan. “Everyone has the right to work, regardless of their disabilities, and we need more partners like DECI to help point these individuals and their caregivers in the right direction.”
DECI self-advocate, Kazmere Ramey, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, shared her personal success journey with DECI.
“So far, my experience with DECI has been motivating, encouraging, and very powerful,” said Kazmere Ramey. “They helped reinvigorate my resume to showcase my unique skills and potential and taught me the importance of a cover letter. They also helped me discover that I do have abilities despite my disabilities. My mother always told me that ‘you have your disability, but your disability doesn’t have you’ and through my connection with DECI, I am striving to be a behavior technician and help others in need.”
For more information about DECI and our services, please visit us online at https://www.deci.org/.
Media Contact:
Melissa Maycott
C: 609-636-3939
About DECI:
Celebrating 60 years of impact, DECI is a private, nonprofit community-based rehabilitation organization serving adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Durham County. Through job training, placement services, and ongoing support, DECI empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve independence, earn wages, and build meaningful lives.
Note for journalists: please reach out to Melissa Maycott directly for high-res images of pictured captured below.
Comments