The ADA at 36: Progress, Challenges, and Disaster Preparedness
Disability: IN North Carolina (DI-NC) celebrates the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a roundtable on disaster preparedness for people with disabilities. Less than two years ago, Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina, particularly Western NC—causing loss of life, destroyed homes, and community upheaval. Dr. Kapriskie Seide, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Davidson College, moderates the event. A survivor of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Dr. Seide researches adults with acquired physical disabilities and the impact of social inequality. The discussion features two leaders whose actions during and after the hurricane saved lives, especially among displaced people with disabilities.
Lauren Howard, Director of the NC Office on Disability and Health, has 27 years of public health experience and a master’s from UNC Chapel Hill. She has transformed disability services statewide.
LaDonna Huffaker, Workforce Engagement Manager for NCDHHS, holds a Master of Public Health from UNC Gillings and a bachelor’s from Brevard College. While Lauren led efforts from Raleigh, LaDonna was in Asheville, coordinating direct support and ensuring emergency shelters met access needs. During recovery, Lauren led daily briefings from the Emergency Operations Center, prioritizing disability needs. LaDonna’s outreach guaranteed accessible support. Their leadership kept people with disabilities at the forefront, earning them the 2025 Kerri Eaker Mountain Mover Award.
