Speaker: Connie Dixon, Rep Payee Investigator/Advocate
Introduce yourself and tell us about your role at DRNC.
Connie Dixon: Hello, my name is Connie Dixon. I live in Leicester, North Carolina. I am a representative payee investigator and advocate of disability rights. North Carolina. I've been with disability rights North Carolina since January 2022. I started work with the case team during COVID-19 and was hired full time April 2022 with the rep payee team.
How has Hurricane Helene impacted you and your work with DRNC?
Connie Dixon: I am incredibly grateful that Hurricane Helena had very little impact on me and my family. As well as my work with DRNC. We were without lights and water for a day and a half. Internet and cell service returned within three days but was very spotty. My son, my daughter-in-law and I transported several days supplies, water generators, gas, toiletries, diapers, feminine hygiene products and P pe supplies from Charlotte, North Carolina to Asheville Marshall and Swana Noa. We opened our homes to community members to take showers, enjoy home cooked meals and afforded families to laundry their belongings. Additionally, we donated furniture to a family that lost everything and had to relocate due to Hurricane Helena. Again, my work with DRNC was um impacted very little due to the losses of internet and cell service. My biggest concern is people with disabilities that have no housing and nowhere to go.
What are people with disabilities experiencing in your community?
Connie Dixon: People with a disability are experiencing adverse situations whereby medical needs clothing housings, um food um is is barely being met and are in great demand. My team and I have been making referrals assisting with dispersing fema information and providing local site information where to obtain assistance as well as um volunteering at many different sites in and around the disaster area.
What steps can people take to impact change moving forward?
Connie Dixon: To impact change. Moving forward. People that want to help can donate to the cause. Volunteer at one of the many sites in the designated areas and of course, vote to ensure those with disabilities are treated equitable and fairly.
Is there anything else you want people to know?
Connie Dixon: I remain passionate regarding disability rights because I have witnessed the profound benefits. This organization has offered to various beneficiaries on a local state and national level as members of society, it is a right that people with disabilities have equal treatment. As members of society, we must continue to ensure people with disabilities receive equal justice. Thank you.
