Inclusion Works Data Summary

The Inclusion Works Data Summary provides metrics related to employment services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). We are tracking these metrics over time and sharing the geographic trends associated with the services. This data is used to understand the current employment landscape across North Carolina and support individuals to achieve competitive integrated employment (CIE).

Data sources are listed at the bottom of the page. This information is available in the One-Page Infographic below:

Inclusion Works Data Summary Infographic

Supported Employment

Supported Employment helps individuals achieve and maintain Competitive Integrated Employment. This services provides vocational evaluation, job development, intensive training, job placement, and ongoing support.

There were 2,523 individuals receiving Supported Employment in North Carolina as of November 2024. Individuals receiving this service are either in the process of preparing for a job, searching for a job, or are already employed. Medicaid-funded, State-funded, and Innovations Waiver Supported Employment Services are all included in the total count. The map above shows the county of residence for individuals receiving Supported Employment services in North Carolina, with the darker green indicating a higher number of individuals. The counties with the most individuals receiving Supported Employment are Mecklenburg (357), Wake (310), and Guilford (159).

Adult Developmental Vocational Programs/ In-Lieu-of-Services (ADVP/ ILOS)

Adult Developmental Vocational Programs/ In-Lieu-of-Services provide organized developmental activities for individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities to prepare the individual to live and work as independently as possible.

A map of North Carolina showing the county of residence for individuals receiving ADVP/ILOS services in North Carolina, with the darker blue indicating a higher number of individuals. The counties with the most individuals receiving ADVP/ILOS services are Guilford (124), Wayne (62), and Rowan (60).

There were 1,659 individuals receiving Adult Developmental Vocational Programs or Medicaid In-Lieu-Of-Services (ADVP/ILOS) in North Carolina as of November 2024. Individuals receiving this service attend Provider locations that assist with vocational training or employment opportunities, volunteering, or leisure activities. Staff provide support to members to build skills needed for work experience. Individuals receiving ADVP/ILOS services may also be employed by the Provider agency to perform work. This includes both integrated and non-integrated work settings. The map above shows the county of residence for individuals receiving ADVP/ILOS services in North Carolina, with the darker blue indicating a higher number of individuals. The counties with the most individuals receiving ADVP/ILOS services are Guilford (124), Wayne (62), and Rowan (60).

Jobs that do not meet Competitive Integrated Employment criteria (Non-CIE Jobs)

Non-CIE jobs are jobs are available to individuals with I/DD and are not in integrated settings and may pay less than minimum wage in NC.

A map of North Carolina showing the county of residence for individuals working in Non-CIE jobs, with the darker maroon color indicating a higher number of individuals. The counties with the most individuals working in non-CIE jobs are Wayne (56), Lenoir (36), and Rowan (36).

There were 576 individuals who were working in Non-CIE jobs in North Carolina as of November 2024. If a job does not meet all the criteria for CIE defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, then it is considered Non-CIE. These jobs are available to individuals with I/DD to work at Provider locations or businesses that hold 14(c) certificates from the Fair Labor Standards Act. The map above shows the county of residence for individuals working in Non-CIE jobs, with the darker maroon color indicating a higher number of individuals. The counties with the most individuals working in non-CIE jobs are Wayne (56), Lenoir (36), and Rowan (36).

Progress on key metrics over time

A line chart showing the counts for Supported Employment, ADVP/ILOS Services, and Non-CIE Employment for individuals with I/DD in North Carolina over the past year. Supported Employment has increased over the past year, with 2,523 individuals currently receiving the service. ADVP/ILOS services have increased over the past year, with 1659 individuals currently receiving the service. Non-CIE Employment has decreased over the past year, with 576 individuals working in Non-CIE jobs.

Inclusion Works has been tracking these metrics since 2/29/2024 to understand how employment service counts are changing over time.

Supported Employment – Counts have fluctuated due to a change in claims processing system, but overall counts have increased slightly from one year ago
ADVP/ILOS Services – Counts increased in November 2024 due to a data collection update in ILOS service codes from Tailored Plans
Non-CIE Jobs – Counts have decreased slightly from one year ago. The Inclusion Works team conducted outreach to Providers to confirm their employment offerings

Employment & Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)

Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) supports individuals with I/DD to overcome disability-related barriers and achieve their goals for competitive employment and more independent living in their community. In collaboration with each client, they help assess skills, interests and abilities and choose a goal for competitive employment or independence.

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) help in-school youth develop work readiness skills, explore career pathways, and prepare for their future.

Two cards showing the number of new VR cases in the last 12 months (1,873) and the number of new Pre-ETS participants in the last 12 months (2,925).

In the last 12 months, there were 1,873 new Vocational Rehabilitation cases for individuals with disabilities and 2,925 New Pre-Employment Transition Services participants.

Data Sources

Providers and Tailored Plans – Reports on member employment status and services
Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities – Vocational Rehabilitation Case records
Service Claims Records (EPS) – I/DD Services delivered in NC

If you have any questions about the data collection process or the data presented in the Inclusion Works Data Summary, please reach out to Claire.Colligan@dhhs.nc.gov.