Disabilities Coverage

Lengthy waits for mental health care in NC are violating constitutional rights, lawsuit claims

A disability rights group blames declines in government services and a sluggish bureaucratic process for forcing some people with mental illnesses to spend months behind bars -- without being convicted of a crime.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

'This is their Super Bowl': 500 students take the stage for a 'very special' talent show

The 40th Annual Very Special Arts Festival is a chance for exceptional children in Cumberland County Schools to take the stage and shine.

Gilbert Baez, WRAL Fayetteville reporter

New vehicles assist more people to explore Grandfather Mountain

The state used a portion of federal pandemic relief funds to purchase a wheel-chair accessible van and all-terrain vehicle that means more North Carolinians and visitors can enjoy the view from Grandfather Mountain's Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Wilson restaurant gives gourmet hot dogs a whirl, helps those with special needs gain valuable experience

WhirliDogs Café is a Wilson-based restaurant that serves up comfort food and brings jobs to those with special needs.

Ryan Bisesi, WRAL multiplatform producer

5-year-old boy takes long-awaited tricycle for a spin in newfound joy

5-year-old Marshall Smith was excited to get his 'AmTryke' adaptive tricycle on Tuesday. The Hope Mills boy born with cerebral palsy will get to ride in style with friends and family.

10-year-old girl gifted special wheelchair to help her play tennis

10-year-old Morgan Jenkins was given a new wheelchair, thanks to a local organization's grant.

Steven Schlink, WRAL associate producer

NCCU professor heading to wheelchair basketball hall of fame after life brings detour

Andrea Woodson-Smith, a North Carolina Central professor, will soon be inducted into the National Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Three men arrested after young woman with mental disability raped repeatedly at Spring Hope home

On Feb. 12, the Nash County Sheriff's Office responded to UNC Nash General Hospital in reference to a woman being sexually assaulted. Upon arriving at the hospital, deputies identified the victim as a 20-year-old woman with a mental disability.

WRAL staff

School suspends Wendell teacher charged with assaulting student with disability

An arrest warrant from the Wake County Sheriff's Office said Lori Holland, 54, hit and dragged a student with a disability down a school hallway. Documents said it happened on Jan. 30.

WRAL staff

Rev. Barber holds press conference Monday to advocate for disability rights

Rev. Dr. William Barber II will hold a press conference Monday morning, less than two weeks after he was asked to leave a Greenville movie theater - all because he brought his own chair.

Bishop Barber hires lawyer after being kicked out of NC movie theater

Bishop William Barber II announced he has hired an attorney less than two weeks after he was forced to leave a Greenville movie theater because he brought his own chair.

WRAL staff

Rev. Barber calls for change after his removal from Greenville theater

Rev. Dr. William Barber II will speak out Friday days after he was escorted out of a movie theater in Greenville, North Carolina.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Civil rights leader uses his theater ouster as lesson disability access rights

A national theater chain is apologizing North Carolina civil rights leader Rev. Dr. William Barber II after an employee called to police to have him removed. Barber II was escorted out of a movie theater in Greenville, NC, on Tuesday afternoon after he was not allowed to use his own chair to watch a movie.

Rev. Barber speaks out for ADA rights after theater calls police on him; he brought his own chair

Rev. Dr. William Barber II was escorted out of a movie theater in Greenville, NC, on Tuesday afternoon after he was not allowed to use his own chair to watch a movie.

Carly Haynes, WRAL reporter

Inclusive beans, heartfelt scenes: 321 Coffee's story

Explore the heartwarming journey of 321 Coffee, a coffee shop and roaster that thrives on inclusivity, employing over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Kaila Curry, WRAL audience engagement producer

Job opportunities can be scarce for people with disabilities. How some schools are trying to fix that

The Project SEARCH internship program helps Wake students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. It's one of a handful statewide.

Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL education reporter

How to teach kids to befriend a child with a disability

Most kids will meet other kids with disabilities. Here are a few ways parents can encourage their children to assimilate and befriend someone who seems different.

Jaclyn Greenberg, CNN

Raleigh native with one arm inspires, leads millions of all abilities as Peloton instructor

Since becoming a Peloton instructor last year, Logan Aldridge is now a global fitness celebrity.

Ashley Rowe, WRAL anchor/reporter

Raleigh native and athlete leads millions as Peloton instructor

Logan Aldridge, formerly the 'Strongest one-armed man,' is inspiring millions on his journey with Peloton and promoting accessibility through fitness.

'We don't want you here': North Carolina leads nation in suspending students with disabilities

A WCNC Charlotte investigation found North Carolina relies on lengthy exclusionary discipline for students with disabilities more than any other state.

WCNC

New booking system leaves GoRaleigh riders stuck waiting hours for rides

A number of GoRaleigh bus riders have been stranded and left waiting for hours in light of a new booking system.

State passes amendment to help with fumbling of payments, critics say it's 'disingenuous'

Following a WRAL 5 On Your Side investigation into the state treasurer's office and pushback from opponents, lawmakers amended a bill on Thursday.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Durham woman hitting her stride at 69

A Durham woman has already won a medal leading up to the 2023 National Senior Games.

69-year-old Durham woman becomes advocate for organ donation after surviving rare liver disease

A 69-year-old Durham woman was named a "Humana Game Changer" after surviving a rare liver disease and becoming an advocate for organ donation.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL enterprise multimedia journalist

'The fight is always tiring': Lawmakers, watchdog tussle over how to serve disabled people

Lawsuits from watchdog Disability Rights NC could force the state to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to help people with disabilities live at home. The push threatens existing group homes and workshops that employ people with disabilities -- arrangements some families are happy with.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter