North Carolina Programs for Adults With Developmental Disabilities

Caring for adults with development disabilities can be challenging. The state of North Carolina has a variety of organizations to aid in the care, education and socialization of adults with disabilities. These programs provide a range of services from adult day care to permanent residential housing.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

• The North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has been in existence for over 80 years.Through the use of community rehabilitation programs, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation offers a range of programs designed to aid adults with developmental disabilities enter the workforce. According to its website, services provided include vocational evaluation, job development, job coaching, individual or group supported employment and work adjustment activities. There are 72 offices statewide. They report that in 2008, they helped 2,164 individuals with developmental disabilities achieve independent living.

  Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
  2801 Mail Service Center
  Raleigh, NC 27699-2801
  [phone]
  dvr.dhhs.state.nc.us

Smoky Mountain Center

• The Smoky Mountain Center provides services for adults with developmental disabilities as well as others suffering from mental disabilities and substance abuse. The center serves both individuals and families. The Behavioral Health Unit offers an inpatient program that includes housing during treatment. The Care Coordination Department ensures that individuals receiving treatment are put in contact with appropriate community resources and creates funding for community programs in need.

  Smoky Mountain Center
  Department of Human Resources
  44 Bonnie Lane
  Sylva, NC 28779
  [phone]
  smokymountaincenter.com

LifeSpan

• LifeSpan provides education, employment, and enrichment services for children and adults in North Carolina with developmental disabilities. They currently provide programs for more than 2,000 children and adults. Listed services include adult day care, developmental therapy, therapeutic horseback riding and case management. The LifeSpan Business Enterprises include woodworking, custom sewing, packaging and cleaning services, which provide funding for the program. There are four residential locations throughout the city of Charlotte.

  LifeSpan Incorporated
  200 Clanton Road
  Charlotte, NC 28217
  704-944-5100
  lifespanservices.org

Easter Seals UCP North Carolina

• The North Carolina branch of Easter Seals offers inclusive communities for disabled adults where they can develop skills and connections to help them live and work in their community. In 2004, Easter Seals and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) joined together to create this program for North Carolina residents. They serve children and adults with cerebral palsy, autism, mental retardation and muscular dystrophy. The annual Walk With Me events help raise funds for a variety of programs. Easter Seals UCP is a non-profit organization with locations statewide that serve all 100 counties.

  Easter Seals UCP North Carolina
  2315 Myron Drive
  Raleigh, NC 27607
  [phone]
  nc.easterseals.com