Topics Related to Disability Services

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services invites media to a press conference in Goldsboro announcing the new name of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities. This name change marks an important milestone for the vocational rehabilitation program in North Carolina, reflecting the real progress achieved by people with disabilities over the last century and celebrating the potential and accomplishments of North Carolinians on their journey to independence.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services invites media to a press conference in Morganton announcing the new name of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities. This name change marks an important milestone for the vocational rehabilitation program in North Carolina, reflecting the real progress achieved by people with disabilities over the last century and celebrating the potential and accomplishments of North Carolinians on their journey to independence.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Leaders from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and state legislators will join the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities on Thursday, May 2, for a town hall to discuss key priorities for North Carolinians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including choice and access to community-based services.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services is announcing the division’s new name: the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities. This name change reflects the division’s century-long history of critical work with North Carolinians with disabilities. NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley, EIPD Director Kathie Smith and EIPD clients will celebrate the change at a kickoff event, which will include addresses from clients, partners and division leadership on Tuesday, April 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the Haywood Building on Dorothea Dix Campus in Raleigh.

PRESS RELEASE — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed March Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This marks the 37th anniversary of the Congressional designation of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and acknowledges the nearly 200,000 people living in North Carolina who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities are dedicated to coming together to address societal barriers so individuals can reach their full potential and be fully included in their communities.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released a draft of its 2024-25 Olmstead Plan designed to assist people with disabilities to reside in and experience the full benefit of inclusive communities. The plan is open for public comment through March 7, 2024. NCDHHS encourages all interested individuals and organizations to provide comment on the draft plan. The final, two-year plan will be published in April and implemented in calendar years 2024 and 2025.

PRESS RELEASE — The 47th annual holiday parade at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at 3 p.m. This year’s theme is a “Parade of Songs.” The Center is expecting marching bands, fire trucks, floats and a visit from Santa Claus. This year’s Grand Marshal will be America’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist Dani Kerr.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is enhancing access to its buildings for people with disabilities. The NCDHHS Division of Vocational Services local office in New Bern will update its parking lot with new accessible icons on parking spots on Friday. The office will be the first to replace the old “handicapped” parking symbol with the new accessible icon with the help of the Accessible Icon Project.

PRESS RELEASE — 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.

PRESS RELEASE — October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is committed to raising awareness of the contributions made by employees with disabilities through its continued focus on building a strong and inclusive workforce across North Carolina.