Project Spark is a new program within NCDHHS designed to help people who are working in sheltered work programs shift into competitive integrated employment.
It gives people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the support they need so that they can work at the kinds of jobs they want. Even though the program is in its early stages, hopes are high that its methods of wraparound services and support will help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) become successful in their chosen careers. From transportation to job training and coaching, Spark’s services are free to NCDHHS participants.
Spark is a pilot project with three locations in North Carolina. It all began in 2022 when NCDHHS' Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services got a $13.84 million disability innovation grant from the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration.
What makes Project Spark different from other CIE initiatives is that its funding means that Spark can provide the kinds of employment and wraparound services that people need to be successful on the job – at no cost to job seekers. The grant supports staff who assist participants with the technology, job counseling, transportation and other needed help that participants need to be successful.
The three Project Spark sites are Chatham Trades in Siler City, where the focus is on green energy jobs, Wake Enterprises in Raleigh, where the focus is on travel and tourism jobs, and Tri-County Industries in Rocky Mount, with a focus on jobs for essential workers.
Project Spark supports people with disabilities as they take part in everyday activities and encourages them to take on the same job roles as their peers who don’t have a disability by making sure the right policies, practices and supports are in place.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to help people with I/DD who are interested in transitioning from subminimum wage jobs to career opportunities in the community where they can earn competitive wages while working alongside people with and without disabilities,” said Bridget Hassan, Spark Project Director with NCDHHS' Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. “What makes Project Spark different is the level of funding, which allows us to provide continuing wraparound services and supports making it possible for participants to have long-term success in the community.”
Spark isn’t about eliminating choice and it’s not the answer for everyone with I/DD. It’s for those who are interested in CIE to have the opportunities and support they need to obtain integrated community-based employment.
Spark relies on a team approach to employment. Transportation is built into the services clients receive, and each client gets true person-centered job retention services based on need. Technical assistance is provided as well as a key to Spark’s wraparound community engagement.
Every one of Spark’s clients will be supported by a team that includes a navigator, a peer mentor, employment specialists, a benefits counselor, a vocational rehabilitation counselor and the client’s guardian.
“Even the largest of fires begins with a tiny Spark,” Hassan said. “That potential is within all of us. It’s time to find your Spark and light up the world.”
You can learn more about Project Spark on the NCDHHS website, or contact Bridget Hassan at 919-855-3619 or bridget.hassan@dhhs.nc.gov for more information.