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10 <br /> Page 2 of 2 Carol Conway <br /> DSS is facing an unprecedented increase in workload, which I fear is only the beginning of a <br /> trend--relegating social safety net programs to the local level, often as unfunded mandates. It's <br /> going to take some creative thinking and partnerships to deliver on the Board's mission. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> Virtually all my volunteer work has focused on the IDD community. IDD stands for intellectually <br /> and developmentally disabled . Our county has a disproportionate share of the state's IDD <br /> population due to UNC being famous for treating autism. As I look over the county budget, and <br /> the specific plans for DSS, I see very little that addresses the critical needs of IDD, particularly <br /> adults. I would bring to the board the lived experience of this population. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> Possibly. I have informally advocated for a family that had difficulties with DSS. I think the case <br /> is still currently under review. <br /> Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee <br /> Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board <br /> I have a Masters in Public Policy from Princeton and spent the bulk of my professional career <br /> as an analyst and author of many policy papers. Virtually none of those had to do with housing <br /> or disabilities, but I am skilled in research, data analysis, and clear writing. I am also known to <br /> give 100% to my commitments and relentless in finding solutions, including those involving <br /> innovative approaches. I also know a ton of state leaders in the disability field, including some <br /> state legislators. <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> I have spent some 15 years post-retirement dedicated to helping families with disabled kids and <br /> adults. Accessing housing is a gigantic problem, with over half of disabled adults still living I the <br /> family home, and not by their choice or that of their parents. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> I bridge the disconnect between home care for the disabled and home care for the aged. <br /> Disability is a two-generation, lifelong catastrophe for most families. Birth through death for the <br /> disabled individual and birthing through death of the parent. The entire family suffers financially <br /> and emotionally for reasons I can go into later, but note that only 10-20% of siblings take over <br /> care of the disabled person once the parents die. Guardians are often out of state, court- <br /> appointment, or corporate, meaning there are few eyes on the disabled individual once parents <br /> are incapacitated. Both generations are housing-impacted. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> Not really, but possibly. My 38-year-old son lives in an Intermediate Care Facility in Chapel Hill <br /> (RSI)with which I am happy and to which I also donate. My interest for this committee is in <br /> ensuring all of our county s group homes and ICFs meet the progressive spirit of the Olmstead <br /> Decision and the Final Rule of the CMS (e.g., safety, dignity, choice, access to community, <br /> etc.), plus watch for options and needs of those IDD residents who are at risk of aging out of <br /> their current home. <br /> Boards/Commissions appointments: <br /> Other Comments: <br /> This application was current on: 1/14/2026 11:26:26 AM Date Printed: 1/28/2026 <br />