Inclusion Connects Updates
Learn more about community-based resources that change lives. Join us as we work together to better understand and improve our services.
Fireside Chat with Kelly Crosbie: How Inclusion Connects is Making a Difference - October 14, 2025
Video: Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week: Celebrating the Heart of Care
Presentation: Celebrating the Heart of Care
Innovations Waiver Waitlist Dashboard Services Updates - August 11, 2025
Innovations Waiver Waitlist Dashboard – Dec 11, 2024
Accessing Community-Based Services Through 1915(i) - July 8, 2024
The Inclusion Connects Advisory Committee (ICAC) is committed to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in North Carolina by researching, recommending, and guiding the implementation of best and promising practices.
This committee consists of community partners and subject matter experts from NCDHHS and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), collaborating to assess and enhance service models and support systems.
Its scope involves presenting and reviewing evidence-based, informed, and promising practices to community stakeholders, which include NC Medicaid and state-funded service definitions, waiver updates, and IDD survey data, aimed at strategic initiatives for IDD services.
ICAC meets quarterly and establishes smaller, focused workgroups as necessary to address specific issues intensively. The membership represents a diverse group of stakeholders statewide, serving two-year terms, with half of the members rotating off annually, providing continuous and knowledgeable oversight of IDD services in North Carolina.
Meetings
Documents
- Inclusion Connects Advisory Committee Presentation April 21, 2025
- Inclusion Connects Advisory Committee Charter
Membership and Volunteering
Inclusion Connects Work Plan
The work plan serves as North Carolina’s roadmap to improving services for people with I/DD and supports the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services’ strategic goals to enhance community-based services.
View the complete work plan and our detailed strategies for the upcoming year.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Workforce Plan
The updated DSP Workforce Plan outlines the Department's comprehensive, multi-year strategy that includes strategic recruitment methods, enhanced training and improved worker retention methods. It also reaffirms our commitment to support DSPs and the vital services they provide. Implementation of the plan began on July 1, 2025
NCDHHS is continuing its commitment to strengthening the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Workforce. This funding will support efforts to recruit and retain DSPs, ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive high-quality care in their communities.
For more information, watch the instructional video, download the questions list and review frequently asked questions. Stay tuned for information on Round 3 of the DSP Incentives Program.