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Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities

EIPD is an independent agency of the state of North Carolina operated under the Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose of this agency is to work with individuals who have a disability which prevents their employment and to help persons overcome barriers to employment and find a job. EIPD sponsors trainees at Foothills Industries where they receive vocational evaluations and job training.

Vocational Evaluation Services

EIPD is an independent agency of the state of North Carolina operated under the Department of Health and Human Services. The goal of EIPD Services is to help people with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence. When requested by a EIPD Counselor, our team performs an evaluation to determine the needs of sponsored individuals. Once these needs are identified, a team meeting is held to determine what resources will assist the individual in obtaining both employment and independence.

Vocational Work Adjustment Services (WAT)

Work Adjustment Services (WAT) is designed to assist each individual served in acquiring the skills and behaviors necessary to find and keep employment. Through their participation in the program, each individual is encouraged to meet their individual employment objectives and improve their view of actual work demands and employer expectations. This program also helps individuals develop work tolerances, work skills, and good work habits. It teaches the individual served to be self-reliant, accept supervision, and to relate properly to co-workers.

Job Coaching Services (JC)

When Vocational Work Adjustment Service individuals are ready to seek a job in the community, they may enter Job Coaching Services. The individual, along with a staff member, will work together to find a job which matches their skills and interests. When a job is found, the Job Coach may go to work with the individual to help work through any problems that may arise during the initial training.

Supported Employment (SE)

Supported Employment (SE) offers continued support the opportunity for competitive work in integrated settings (A) for the individuals with severe disabilities for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, or (B) for individuals for whom competitive employment has been interrupted or intermittent as a result of a severe disability, and who, because of their disability, need ongoing support services to perform such work.

Community Based Assessment (CBA)

The Community Based Assessment (CBA) provides a vocational assessment within competitive job sites consistent with the individual's interests and capabilities. The individual is assigned to various job sites during the assessment period, during which work habits, skills, and aptitudes are evaluated. A job coach accompanies the individual, providing assistance as necessary. Results of the assessment enables the individual to pursue vocational objectives.

Long Term Vocational Support (LTVS)

This service is available to assist EIPD Supported Employment individuals who need continued support and services following intensive job coaching with LTVS. LTVS begins after the intensive phase of job coaching funded through the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities ends and includes services provided to or on behalf of the individual both on and off the job site to ensure ongoing employment success and career growth. The individual participates in choosing the type of LTVS Services, the manner of its delivery, and the people who will provide it, both on and off the job site. The individual has the right to decline this service at any time.