Inclusion Works

Competitive Integrated Employment

NCDHHS has programs to support people with disabilities secure and maintain jobs in the community alongside their peers without disabilities.

Provider Innovation Program Updates

A man with disabilities works with another person. The Provider Innovations Award helps to create more inclusive workplaces.

Inclusion Works continues its mission to support providers in creating more inclusive workplaces for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). The goal remains to expand access to Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), ensuring individuals have opportunities to work in community settings and earn fair, equitable wages. 

Now Accepting New Applications
Applications are now open for new providers interested in participating in the next round of the Provider Innovation Program. Eligible applicants include service providers who are interested in expanding and transforming their services to help more people achieve CIE. We invite these organizations to apply and join this effort. Financial Rewards are available for completed milestones.

For more information view the 2026 Cohort NC Provider Innovation Program Application.

2025-2030 Inclusion Works Strategic Plan

The Inclusion Works Strategic Plan explains how expanding competitive integrated employment (CIE) gives more opportunities to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

What is CIE?

Learn more about Competitive Integrated Employment.

Get Started with CIE

Access Employment Services under Inclusion Works.

FAQs

Responses to frequently asked questions about Inclusion Works.

Information for Care Providers

Information about service implementation and data collection.

Inclusion Works Data Summary

Key metrics we are tracking to monitor progress of Inclusion Works in NC.

News and Community Updates

View news and updates from DHHS on Inclusion Works.

Inclusion Works Guide

A guide for people who support individuals with I/DD to help them find a job in their communities.

About Us

Inclusion Works is an NCDHHS Initiative to promote competitive integrated employment (CIE) for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Everyone has a right to work in an integrated setting for fair pay if that is their choice. Inclusion Works offers services and support to help individuals with I/DD find and maintain jobs in the community at competitive wages. Inclusion Works is a collaboration between the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (DMHDDSUS), the Division of Health Benefits (DHB) and the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD).

Our Mission

Inclusion Works is committed to expanding supported employment services and to improving and increasing CIE for individuals with I/DD in North Carolina by:

  • Ensuring that individuals with disabilities have more choices and options​
  • Supporting providers to update the tools and processes they use to help individuals with employment​
  • Partnering with community services (including ADVP/ILOS) to support individuals with I/DD and contribute to a meaningful week