RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is awarding $4 million to support choice and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workforce. This award will help expand and enhance services that support individuals to work in their communities. It also furthers a top priority of the department to build a strong and inclusive workforce.
Competitive integrated employment is work performed by a person with a disability on a full-time or part-time basis alongside other employees without disabilities. It also means people with disabilities earning at least minimum wage and getting the same workplace benefits and opportunities as other employees without disabilities doing the same job.
“Inclusion is an essential part of what makes any workforce strong,” said Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. “And we are committed to ensuring innovative supports are available for people with I/DD to work how and where they choose.”
The award was given to Work Together NC and will support the Inclusion Works initiative, which helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve competitive integrated employment. NCDHHS is providing $4 million over a three-year period to Work Together NC using funds received from the state budget.
Work Together NC will work with an advisory group of individuals with I/DD, family members, service providers and other community partners to update and implement the Inclusion Works Strategic Plan. Work Together NC will conduct a thorough assessment of the current availability of competitive integrated employment opportunities in our state. They will also update Career Planning and Assessment tools used by providers; implement a communication plan to help individuals and families learn about supported employment opportunities; and support service providers who may want to transform their current models of employment supports.
In coordination with the launch of Inclusion Works, individuals can sign up for the community update which highlights new opportunities and developments in competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities and employers who are interested in community employment.
NCDHHS will host Inclusion Works virtual lunch and learn sessions on the third Wednesday of every month for people with I/DD who are interested in competitive integrated employment. Sign up online to join the meetings.
To access employment services, individuals can contact their local vocational rehabilitation office to apply for vocational rehabilitation services, or contact their LME/MCO or tailored care manager to determine what Supported Employment services are right for them.
