IOI provides the actual work for people with disabilities to learn work skills and work habits.  Adults with disabilities placed in one of IOI's programs are generally referred by the North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation, Smokey Mountain Mental Health, Social Services, Cherokee, Clay or Graham County School System, or a private insurance company.

Admissions criteria includes being at least 16 years old, a resident of Cherokee, Clay or Graham Counties, vocationally disabled by physical, emotional or mental limitations and able to benefit from the programs.

IOI is like a large umbrella for a lot of different services going on under this umbrella.  IOI offers the following programs to help people become ready for competitive employment and develop independent living skills:

Adult Developmental Vocational Program (ADVP):   This is a program for people with developmental disabilities who need long-term support in work skills, socialization skills, independent living skills, etc. Individuals in this program can move into one of IOI's vocational programs if they wish to become employed in the community. Mental health funding, private pay or pilot funding covers the cost of this program.

Vocational Evaluation:   This is a program for a short assessment of an individual's vocational skills. After completing this program, an individual can be referred to any of the other programs, as appropriate to their needs. The cost of this program is covered through North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NCDVR).

Work Adjustment:   This program is based on a work-training environment where individuals can work to overcome their barriers to employment. Individuals completing this program may be referred for job placement and job coaching services to find an appropriate job. The cost of this program is covered through NCDVR.

Work Adjustment Job Coach Services:   This program helps an individual prepare for looking for job placement, provides community job development and job training for up to 21 days. Follow-up is provided for 90 days after the coaching is completed. The cost of this program is covered through NCDVR.

Extended Employment:   This is a program that extends employment services beyond our regular programs directed at obtaining community competitive employment. Space in this program is very limited. The cost is covered by IOI.

Supported Employment:   This program can provide intense vocational assessment, job development, job placement and coaching services beyond what our Work Adjustment Job Coaching program is able to provide. The cost of this program is covered by NCDVR.

Supported Employment Long Term Follow Along Support (LTFS):   is designed to provide necessary job and other work-related supports that are necessary to provide each individual with employment stability and career advancement. Supports are provided to the individual, employer and others that are involved with the individual to enable them to maintain their independence in community employment. Follow-up is provided two times each month with the individual and the employer for as long as the individual desires this service. The cost is covered under a pilot program.

School Transition:   This program is for students 16 years old and above. The goal is to help them learn how to work in a real work setting and provide socialization opportunities outside of the school setting. The students learn work skills while at IOI that count as credit toward their diploma/certificate. Entrance into this program is through the school systems and their Special Education/Exceptional Children teachers. The cost of this program is covered by each of the county's Board of Education or County Commissioners.

Enrichment Program:   This program offers individuals that are served in ADVP, in the community or in Supported Employment an option to "retire" or "transition to retirement" and still have a meaningful, fulfilling life. Activities are centered on age appropriate exercise, leisure and community outings. The cost is covered under a pilot program.

Community Alternatives Program (CAP):   This program provides opportunities to improve self -help, socialization, and work skills in a setting outside of their home. IOI is licensed under the NC Division of Facility Services to provide Day Supports - individual and group - and Personal Care Services - Enhanced. The cost of this program is covered by Medicaid.

Private Insurance:   This program provides intensive individualized specific services to meet the client's specific workman's comp needs. The cost of this program is reimbursed by the insurance company.