Childcare Crisis for Kids with Disabilities | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 10, 2026 · 2m

Families in North Carolina are drowning in a childcare crisis as parents of children with disabilities struggle to find safe, affordable, and accessible care—forcing many to quit or cut back on work. Zack Hawkins, a state lawmaker and father of two autistic boys, is fighting for change after years of advocacy, highlighting how current laws allow providers to turn away kids with disabilities without legal consequence. With new state funding recently passed for disability services, Hawkins is pushing for targeted reforms: clearer diagnostic guidelines, incentives for facilities that train…