Services and Programs

IOI provides actual work for people with disabilities to learn pre-vocational and work skills. Referrals for services are through North Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (NCDVR) and Vaya Health, MCO.

* Admissions criteria includes being a resident of Cherokee, Clay or Graham counties, vocationally disabled by physical, emotional or mental limitations and able to benefit from the programs.

Program hours are 8:30 to 3:30, Monday - Friday with the exception of job coaching services would be determined by the community employer.

IOI offers the following programs to enhance a person’s ability to become competitively employed or to develop independent living skills:

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Long Term Community Supports (LTCS)

This is a day program for individuals who are 16 years of age, and older, who need long-term support in skills set training, socialization skills, independent living skills, etc. There is also an option to participate in paid prevocational training. Services are in-house and out in the community. Referrals come through guardians, individuals and other resources. If the individual desires employment outside of IOI, they can be referred to IOI’s vocational programs provided by NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (NCDEIPD). IOI is licensed under the NC Division of Health Service Regulations to provide LTCS services. Medicaid or private pay covers the cost of this program. This is a Monday – Friday program from 8:30-3:30. Days and times can vary according to your requests.

Vocational Evaluation

This program is designed to assess an individual’s vocational skills. The evaluation may last 20-25 working days. The services are primarily in-house but may be provided at community sites if more appropriate. Upon completion, an individual may be referred to other programs that are appropriate to their needs and eligibility. The cost of this program is covered through NCDEIPD. This is a Monday-Friday program usually from 8:30-3:30. Times may vary according to the work schedule. Days and times can vary according to your requests.

Work Adjustment

This program is based on a work-training environment for up to 90 working days, where individuals can work to overcome their barriers to employment. The services are primarily in-house but may be provided at community sites if more appropriate. Upon completion, individuals may be referred for job placement and/or job coaching services to find an appropriate job. The cost of this program is covered through NCDEIPD. This is a Monday-Friday program usually from 8:30-3:30. Times may vary according to the work schedule. Days and times can vary according to your requests.

Work Adjustment Job Coach Services

The individual must complete either Vocational Evaluation or Work Adjustment services to be eligible for this service. The service prepares the individual for job placement, provides job development based on their interests/skills and on the job training up to 21 working days. Once training is complete, follow-up services are provided for 90 days. The cost of this program is covered through NCDEIPD. The days and times will vary according to the individual’s work schedule and needs.

Supported Employment

This program provides intense vocational assessment, job development, job placement and on the job coaching services for an extended period. Once an individual has learned the skills of the job, the job coaching services begin to fade away. NCDEIPD determines an individual’s eligibility for this service. The cost of this program is covered through NCDEIPD. The days and times will vary according to the individual’s work schedule and needs.

Supported Employment Long Term Vocational Support (LTVS)

An individual must be successful in Supported Employment to receive this service. LTVS is designed to provide necessary job and other work-related supports that are necessary to provide the individual with employment stability and career advancement. Support is provided to the individual, employer and others that are involved with the individual to enable them to maintain their independence in employment. Follow-up is provided at least two times each month or as needed with the individual and the employer for as long as the individual desires this service. The cost is covered by Medicaid funding or IOI. The days and times will vary according to the individual’s work schedule and needs.

Pre-ETS Program (Pre-Employment Transition Services)

This program is for students age 14 and until they complete school, grades 9-12. The service is available in the schools in Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties. Weekly classes cover soft skills required in employment along with real work trials and tours of local employment possibilities. The cost of this program is covered by a NCDEIPD grant.

Innovations Day Supports Waiver Program

This is a program for individuals who are 16 years of age or older. The program provides opportunities to improve self-help, socialization, and skills set training in a setting outside of their home. There is also an option to participate in paid prevocational training. Services are in-house and out in the community. Referrals come through Vaya Health. IOI is enrolled with NC Division of Medical Assistance and Vaya Health MCO to provide Day Supports – individual and group. The cost of this program is covered by the Medicaid Innovations Waiver. This is a Monday- Friday program from 8:30 – 3:30. Days and times can vary according to your requests.

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If you would like to receive more information on the IOI Community Programs and Services, please complete our Contact Form. A Staff member will contact you to discuss your needs.

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