Michael Tyler Evola

06/04/2026

Together, we can identify gaps and advocate for stronger services and supports that help people with disabilities thrive across North Carolina. Your input is a vital part of that effort!

The North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council (NC SILC) is developing its next three-year State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), and your feedback is important.

If you are a person with a disability, family member, caregiver, advocate, or someone who supports people with disabilities, we want to know: What is working well? What challenges or barriers still exist?

Your input will help identify gaps and guide advocacy efforts to strengthen services and supports for people with disabilities across North Carolina.

✅ The survey is anonymous
✅ Takes approximately 5–7 minutes to complete

Your voice can help shape the future of independent living in North Carolina. Please take a few minutes to share your experiences and perspectives.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TCPGB2P



Image Description:

A square informational graphic from the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council (NCSILC). The background is textured blue with a large white geometric panel centered on the page, outlined in black.

At the top of the white panel, dark blue text reads: “STATE PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING SURVEY.”

Centered below, in larger bold blue text, is the message: “Your Feedback Is Important!”

Additional blue text states: “Your input will help identify gaps and guide advocacy efforts to strengthen services and supports for people with disabilities across North Carolina.”

At the bottom of the graphic is the blue NCSILC logo, featuring a stylized figure in motion alongside the text: “NCSILC – NC Statewide Independent Living Council.”

The design uses a clean, professional layout with high-contrast blue and white colors, emphasizing the importance of community input from people with disabilities and other stakeholders to help shape independent living services and advocacy priorities across North Carolina.

06/04/2026

The words we use matter. That is why we must move away from antiquated and harmful terms such as 'handicapped,' 'crippled,' 'differently-abled,' and 'special needs,' and instead use language that reflects dignity, respect, and the lived experiences of disabled people.

Words Matter: Disability is not a bad word. Avoid euphemisms like “differently-abled."

Using vague or softened language can minimize real experiences and barriers. Be clear, respectful, and accurate–say “disability.”

06/02/2026

Disability is an immutable aspect of human diversity, and we have a responsibility to create a community where all people have equitable opportunities to engage and thrive.

06/01/2026

"Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as 'DeafBlind Awareness Month' in North Carolina"

Governor Stein Proclaims DeafBlind Awareness Month DeafBlind Awareness Month.pdf PDF • 1.72 MB - May 28, 2026 Proclamation

05/28/2026

"A lawsuit is challenging Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which legally mandates access and accommodations across wide swaths of the public."

An ongoing lawsuit challenges Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which legally mandates access and accommodations across wide swaths of the public.

05/27/2026

We must ensure that Section 504 continues to be upheld and preserved, as it is one of the foundational civil rights laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

Any attempt to dismantle or weaken Section 504 is a direct attack on the Disabled community.

Section 504 legally protects disabled people from discrimination in federally funded programs and services by requiring equal access, reasonable accommodations, and inclusive practices across education, healthcare, public services, and employment. In the second installment of our three-part series, learn more about why Section 504 still matters today and how its protections shape the daily lives of people with disabilities. Read the blog: https://www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/05/why-section-504-still-matters/

05/24/2026

North Carolina is at its strongest and greatest when every voice is heard, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

North Carolina has an official state toast? Show off your Tar Heel spirit by reciting “The Old North State: A Toast” at your next dinner party!

"Here's to the land of the long leaf pine,
The summer land where the sun doth shine,
Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great,
Here's to "down home" the Old North State!"

05/21/2026

North Carolina Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Statement from Council Chair Michael Tyler Evola
May 21, 2026

Hearing Loss Awareness Month

Hearing loss touches every part of our state. It is one of the most common, yet often overlooked, public health issues, and when left unaddressed, it can contribute to social isolation, cognitive decline, and broader health disparities. This month, we join communities across North Carolina in raising awareness, advancing accessibility, and reaffirming our commitment to the more than 1.3 million North Carolinians living with hearing loss.

With access to resources like early screening, communication tools, assistive technology, and inclusive communities, individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing can thrive in every aspect of life. North Carolina has made meaningful progress, but there is still more work to do to ensure equitable access to communication in healthcare, education, employment, and public services.

After developing hearing loss from a brain tumor early in my life, I quickly came to understand that our communities are not structured as inclusively as they should be. Too often, communication barriers are treated as individual challenges rather than systemic responsibilities. That experience shaped my commitment to advocacy and continues to drive my work today.

The North Carolina Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing remains committed to dismantling communication access barriers and ensuring that policies and systems reflect the needs and rights of our community.

Everyone should be encouraged to take action regarding their hearing health by scheduling a hearing screening, learning about communication access tools, supporting inclusive practices, and most importantly, listening to and amplifying the voices of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

05/19/2026

Honored to celebrate my first year with the Community Shelter of Union County!

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of supporting our mission and the people we serve. This work has been incredibly meaningful to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference in our community.

I’m looking forward to all that’s ahead as we continue building connections and creating opportunities for collaboration to support our neighbors in need.
🏠💚🥣👤

Join us in celebrating a big milestone 🎉

Michael Evola is celebrating 1 year with our team! As our Community Engagement Manager, Michael plays a vital role in connecting the community to our mission. From welcoming new volunteers to sharing the story of the shelter, he helps people see how they can step in and make a difference.

Michael - we’re grateful for you and the impact you’ve made this past year!

05/16/2026

Now more than ever, we must come together and collaborate to eliminate barriers, strengthen accessibility, and help ensure North Carolina is a place where everyone can fully participate and thrive.