Reflecting on the passing of time and establishing intention with the Bicentennial, the Semiquincentennial, and the Tricentennial, on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
My Son at 25: Autism, IDD, and Choosing One’s Path
Autistic adults—and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities more generally—should have far more agency than they often do in choosing their activities, their relationships, and the substance and direction of their lives.
Kerri Eaker on intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) support, connection, community, and joy
My dear friend Kerri Eaker was a longtime advocate for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and…
We are dehumanizing our Hispanic and Latino neighbors and friends. Let’s stop.
When we criminalize ethnic and racial identities, we always regret it.
My talk at the NCCDD Awards Ceremony, upon receiving the Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award
Ray Hemachandra’s talk upon receiving the Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award emphasizes that action to support all Americans and North Carolinians with intellectual and developmental disabilities is urgent and essential regardless of any political moment.
We continue to fail autistic people, across parties and as a country. It’s nothing new.
Autistic children and adults—especially autistic people who are intellectually disabled—are underserved and discriminated against by many autism professionals, including teachers and therapists, and by government officials of both parties.
O Night, Night! Poems by Leathe Colvert Hemachandra in The Messenger
Seven poems by writer and teacher Leathe Colvert—later, Leathe Hemachandra—appeared in The Messenger, an important Black political and literary journal published by A. Philip Randolph and Chandler Owen.
Op-Ed: N.C. needs to fund support services for all its children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in need
North Carolina’s continued underfunding of intellectual and developmental disability services puts generations of North Carolinians with disabilities at risk.
Register to attend an incredible Autistic Adult Panel on Zoom on Monday, April 7
A panel of Autistic Adults will center autistic voices and honor the values and spirit of Autism Acceptance Month.
My Talk at the IDD Legislative Caucus Listening Session: End the waitlist for services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Ray and Nicholas Hemachandra participated in the North Carolina IDD Legislative Caucus Listening Session and subsequent press conference at the N.C. State Legislative Building on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Here’s what they said about the waitlist for IDD services, with video and photos from the day.
