Topics Related to Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Health and Human Services initiative called Project Spark is launching 10 new locations across the state to expand access to the services and supports that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) be successful in finding competitive integrated employment (CIE). CIE means working in the community alongside other employees without disabilities, earning at least minimum wage and getting the same workplace benefits and opportunities as other employees doing the same job. A non-CIE work setting is an organization or environment

NCDHHS and the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities are celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October by highlighting the contributions people with disabilities are making in workplaces across North Carolina.

This week, NCDHHS hosted an event celebrating 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The landmark legislation was passed on July 26, 1990, to expand access and opportunity for all Americans with disabilities.

This week, NCDHHS leadership came together at the i2i conference to talk about the Olmstead Plan. This plan helps people with disabilities get the support they need to live the lives they want in their communities.

PRESS RELEASE —The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of a digital resource to help people with disabilities in the workforce. North Carolina DB101 was guided by beneficiaries and their experiences with the goal to simplify how to apply for, access and understand public benefits. This new resource will help North Carolinians navigate programs such as social security disability insurance, food and nutrition services and Medicaid.

NCDHHS hosted its Annual Assistive Technology Expo, “Breaking Boundaries, Empowering Lives,” on Oct. 3 at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center in Raleigh.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services invites media to two virtual events being presented in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host its Annual Assistive Technology Expo, "Breaking Boundaries, Empowering Lives," on Oct. 3, 2024. The event will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center, 1101 Gorman St., Raleigh, NC 27606. There will also be a virtual option for those who cannot attend in-person.

EIPD Job Fair July 26, 202410 AM - 12 PMDogwood Event RoomHilton Raleigh North Hills3415 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609In 2024, North Carolina’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services relaunched as the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD), opening an exciting new chapter in the way we understand and describe the life-changing services we provide to thousands of North Carolinians around the state. 

NCDHHS' Assistive Technology Program is a state and federally-funded initiative that provides assistive technology services statewide to people of all ages and abilities. The program promotes independence for people with disabilities through access to adaptive equipment at its nine AT Centers throughout North Carolina. On May 3, NCATP hosted the third of its three AT Resource Fair Pop-Up events at the Charlotte AT Center.