State Council for Persons with Disabilities

10/21/2026

The State Council for Persons with Disabilities wants to thank you for your attendance and wonderful presentations. SCPD is grateful for your commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities which begins with equal access and everyone's civil rights. Thank you!

Director Rony Baltazar-Lopez (left) and Deputy Director Midline Oware (right) joined Delaware Division of Human & Civil Rights Director Romona Fullman (second left) at the State Council for Persons with Disabilities 24th Annual Partnership Event to highlight the work of the Delaware Department of State offices.

Thank you to Director John McNeal (center) for the invitation and ability to inform the partners of our work with immigrant communities.

10/21/2026

Congratulations again, Emmanuel!

10/20/2026

Inclusive workplaces just work! Congratulations Randolph on your successful employment and thanks to Acme for making it possible!

One theme of (National Disability Employment Awareness Month!) is the magic that happens when an employee with a disability finds a job with an employer committed to their success, and that’s just what Randolph has found in his job at ACME Markets in Rehoboth Beach!

Randolph is someone who’s always looking for a challenge. He’s a full-time high school student, but sought a job outside of school to hone his work skills and gain the experience to set himself up for future opportunities. Randolph was hired as a Produce Clerk, and quickly impressed his coworkers and managers with the swiftness with which he learned his tasks.

While many would be satisfied with learning their job and doing it well, Randolph wanted to push himself. He set up a meeting with his managers, and expressed that while he loves his job, he’d like to learn even more. Impressed with his self advocacy, the managerial team at ACME worked with Randolph to create a schedule where he could continue to work in the Produce section for a portion of his shifts, and use the others to gain experience in difference facets of the store’s operations, from stocking and shelving to handling incoming deliveries.

We are so proud of Randolph for his self advocacy and for the great job he’s doing at work. We also want to give a big shout out to the amazing team members at ACME for their thoughtfulness and care in working with Randolph: their flexibile approach is empowering him to learn and grow at at work. Special thanks to CIS’s own Angel Smith for sharing this great story with us and for sending through the photo of Randolph!

For more on how CIS works for jobseekers with a disability, head to cisworks.org.

10/20/2026

Celebrating Katie's accomplishments and Capriotti's inclusive employment!

Throughout October, DDDS is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by highlighting the skills, talents, and contributions of Delawareans with disabilities in workplaces and communities.

Meet Katie! Through Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore Supported Employment program, Katie found a job she enjoys at Capriotti’s, where her dedication and determination shine.

“She is fully capable of doing anything that I can do,” says Ashley B., Capriotti’s General Manager. Ashley appreciates Katie’s strong work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond. No matter how many tasks are on her list, Katie gets them done!

What does Katie love most about her job? “Because it is fun!” When she’s not working, Katie enjoys volunteering at the SPCA and helping her mom find homes for kittens.

Katie’s story is a reminder of what can happen when employers recognize ability, provide opportunities, and create supportive workplaces. People with disabilities bring valuable skills, dedication, and unique strengths to the workforce. With the right supports, employees and businesses can thrive together!

10/20/2026

10/20/2026

Celebrating Briana Wilcox and inclusive work environments! It's a win-win!

10/20/2026

Just one of many highlights from the SCPD Annual Partnership Event!

Director Rony Baltazar-Lopez (left) and Deputy Director Midline Oware (right) joined Delaware Division of Human & Civil Rights Director Romona Fullman (second left) at the State Council for Persons with Disabilities 24th Annual Partnership Event to highlight the work of the Delaware Department of State offices.

Thank you to Director John McNeal (center) for the invitation and ability to inform the partners of our work with immigrant communities.

10/20/2026

Wear red on Monday to show your support for our deployed troops.

10/15/2026

Don't miss this amazing event! Register now!

🌟 Embracing All Abilities: Visibility, Invisibility, and Self-Acceptance

💙 Every disability experience is different, and every experience deserves to be heard and valued!

Join us at the 2027 LIFE Conference: From Advocacy to Action for an engaging discussion about confidence, self-acceptance, and embracing who we are!

This session will focus on how people with visible and invisible disabilities can build confidence, recognize their strengths, and feel comfortable with who they are. Through real-life experiences, our speakers will explore how stigma affects self-confidence, ways to challenge negative attitudes, communicate personal needs, and create spaces where everyone feels respected and included.

🎤 Featured Speakers:

🔹 Derek Diaz – Wilmington University student and disability advocate.

🔹 Christina Feil – Community Relations Coordinator, Delaware Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and accessibility advocate.

🔹 Debbie Rice – Disability advocate sharing her journey toward independence and community living.

📅 January 27, 2027
📍 Bally’s Dover Conference Center

💬 Whether you're learning for yourself or supporting someone else, this is a conversation you don't want to miss!

🎟️ Register today and reserve your spot!

🔗 https://lifeconferencede.org/registration/

10/15/2026

We are proud to sponsor this event! Come join us!

🎉 2027 LIFE Conference Gold Sponsor Spotlight! 🎉
We are excited to shine the spotlight on the Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) as a Gold Level Sponsor of the 2027 LIFE Conference!
👏 A huge THANK YOU to SCPD for its generous support and continued commitment to advancing the rights, opportunities, and inclusion of people with disabilities throughout Delaware!
Partnerships like this help make the LIFE Conference a place where people with disabilities, families, professionals, advocates, and community partners come together to share knowledge, build connections, and turn advocacy into meaningful action!
What does LIFE stand for?
L – Legislation
I – Independence
F – Families
E – Education
These four important areas are at the heart of the LIFE Conference and our mission to create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and positive change!
📅 January 27, 2027 | Bally’s Dover Conference Center
🎯 2027 Theme: From Advocacy to Action
Have you registered yet? Don't miss this opportunity to be part of one of Delaware's important disability-focused conferences!
⏰ Early Bird discount ends November 2, 2026! Register today and save!
🔗 Registration: https://lifeconferencede.org/registration/
Is your organization or business interested in supporting the 2027 LIFE Conference? Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Join SCPD and other organizations helping make this event possible.
🔗 Sponsorship information: https://lifeconferencede.org/sponsors-and-exhibitors/
👏 Thank you, State Council for Persons with Disabilities, for being a Gold Level Sponsor and helping us move From Advocacy to Action!
Stay tuned as we continue celebrating the organizations supporting the 2027 LIFE Conference!