Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)

North Carolina's Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD), formerly called the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS or VR), helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work. They can help you get the training or other services that you need to return to work, change the type of work you do, keep working, or get a job for the first time. These services are based on your strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and interests. An EIPD counselor works with you to figure these out and make a plan for reaching your work goals.

EIPD's services are also known as "vocational rehabilitation" or VR for short. To be eligible for services from EIPD, you must have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult for you to find or keep a job. If you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) based on your disability, you probably qualify for EIPD.

EIPD can be your service provider for the Ticket to Work program, or you may be eligible for EIPD services without being in the Ticket program.

To learn more about EIPD and to apply for services, find a local Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) office near you or call EIPD's toll-free information line at 1-800-689-9090.

EIPD Transition Services for Students

North Carolina students with disabilities who are at least 14 years old can get Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) from EIPD. These services are provided in a group setting, and are designed to help students explore careers, develop work skills, practice social skills, and create a network of community support while still in high school. Your school transition counselor can refer you to EIPD, or you can contact the closest Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) office and ask for Pre-ETS.

If you need extra help to transition from high school to college, career, and adult life, you can apply for transition services from EIPD. If you are eligible, you work with a counselor to create an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) that lists the services and supports you need to meet your long-term career goals.

Learn more about EIPD's Pre-ETS and Youth Transition Services.

Other Resources

Community Rehabilitation Services

Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) offer a range of employment-related services to EIPD consumers with specialized needs. EIPD operates two CRPs:

• WorkSource East (WSE) in Goldsboro offers high school students (16 or older) and community students (18 or older) classroom instruction and hands-on skill-building in one of 12 career training programs. Students who complete the program earn a certificate. Magnolia Place is a nearby 40-bed, dorm-style residence for WSE students 18 or older.
• WorkSource West (WSW) in Morganton uses smaller class sizes, customized teaching materials, and opportunities for one-to-one instruction to help students 16 or older prepare for working in the community, living more independently, and being more financially self-sufficient. WSW has a variety of career training programs with classroom instruction and hands-on skill-building.

EIPD also partners with independent CRPs to deliver employment-related services statewide.

Learn more about community rehabilitation services and programs.

Independent Living Rehabilitation Program (NCILRP)

EIPD's Independent Living Rehabilitation Program helps people with disabilities connect to training, resources, services, and activities in the community. They will help you develop a Plan For Independence, which can include finding or keeping a job, modifying your home or vehicle, getting medical equipment, and more. Services are available at offices throughout the state. To apply, contact a local Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) office near you or call EIPD's toll-free information line at 1-800-689-9090.

Learn more about independent living services from EIPD.

Division of Services for the Blind

If you are blind or visually impaired, the Division of Services for the Blind can help you gain independence and reach your work, education, training, and independent living goals. Their services may include:

• Job development and placement
• On-the-job training
• Supported employment
• Help living as independently as possible
• Transition services
• College or university training
• Assistive technology
• Diagnostic eye and medical exams

If you need a comprehensive program to develop the skills needed to live and work independently, your EIPD counselor may refer you to the residential DSB Career and Training Center in Raleigh.

Learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind. To apply, set up a meeting with a vocational counselor at the nearest Services for the Blind District Office or call 1-866-222-1546 for more information.