Topics Related to Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities

Julie Dutchess, an assistive technologist with NCDHHS, received this year’s Joy Zabala Spirit Award in recognition of her dedication and passion for utilizing assistive technology in the workplace for people with disabilities. The award was presented to her at the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference last week in Orlando, Florida.

NCDHHS is in partnership with Alliance Health, the Wake County Public School System and Embassy Suites to help implement Project SEARCH, where interns with disabilities are spending their senior year of high school working and learning in one of the nicest hotels in Cary.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is enhancing access to its buildings for people with disabilities. The NCDHHS Division of Vocational Services local office in New Bern will update its parking lot with new accessible icons on parking spots on Friday. The office will be the first to replace the old “handicapped” parking symbol with the new accessible icon with the help of the Accessible Icon Project.

Read about how a Goldsboro automotive manufacturing company has benefitted from hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through NCDHHS' Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is awarding $4 million to support choice and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workforce. This award will help expand and enhance services that support individuals to work in their communities. It also furthers a top priority of the department to build a strong and inclusive workforce.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching the Inclusion Works initiative to promote competitive integrated employment for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, because everyone in North Carolina has a right to work in an integrated setting for fair pay if that is their choice. Inclusion Works offers resources for people with disabilities seeking employment, those who are currently employed and employers who hire and retain staff with an intellectual or developmental disability.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host its Annual Assistive Technology Expo “A Day in the Life with AT” on Oct. 5, at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State University in Raleigh.

Read about how Inclusion Works allows individuals with disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, to be successful in competitive integrated employment when provided with reasonable accommodations – Brittany Ellis's story.

NCDHHS' Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps Kelly Gilliam land a job through WorkSource West’s Vocational Skills Training program in Morganton.

The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) will be hosting its Annual AT Expo on October 5th, 2023 at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center in Raleigh, NC.