The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services unveiled a new name for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services at a press conference on Tuesday morning at WorkSource East. 

The division is now known as Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities. This name change marks a milestone for the vocational rehabilitation program in North Carolina, reflecting the progress achieved by people with disabilities over the last century and celebrating the potential and accomplishments of North Carolinians on their journey to independence. 

“A good job gives us a sense of purpose,” N.C. Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities assistant director Kenny Gibbs said. “It allows us to connect socially with those around us and the people in our communities. It allows for personal growth, dignity, and a chance to contribute to one’s community. Our division’s vocational rehabilitation work has been an integral part of employment and inclusion in our state for the past 100 years. We have been able to provide services to over 35,000 North Carolinians.

This announcement follows years of collaboration with clients, staff, and partners across the state to develop the new name and ensure it accurately captures and clearly explains the division’s mission and spirit.  

The Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities helps people overcome disability-related barriers and achieve their goals for career advancement and more independent living.

EIPD also engages with thousands of businesses annually, supporting recruitment and onboarding, training, consultation, and other services that help employers develop a diverse, disability-inclusive workforce.   

Yusef Ewais, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, at AP Emissions Technologies in Goldsboro, has seen firsthand the benefits of partnering with EIPD to provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities. 

“Our company here in Goldsboro, AP Emissions, we’ve been working with (EIDP) for over ten years,” Ewais said. “We’ve had over 100 different clients that we’ve worked with. I think we should recognize people for what they are, and what they contribute. It is our responsibility as employers in North Carolina to offer those opportunities to everyone.”

Ashanti Downey, a current student at WorkSource East, and Menisha Frankline, a WorkSource East graduate, both shared their success stories. 

Downey first discovered WorkSource East during a tour her class took in high school. While at WorkSource East, Downey has completed the child care class and received her child care certifications as well as the ED119 at Wayne Community College with an A in the course. 

Upon graduation from WorkSource East, Downey will begin working at New Beginnings child care center in Henderson. 

“Being here at WorkSource East, I have gotten to meet new people, make new friends, and I have even gotten a little taste of living on my own,” Downey said. “I never thought I would say in my life that I have completed a college class, but I have, and I am so proud of myself.”

Frankline used her experience at WorkSource East to gain an internship at the child care center at First Baptist Church, which later progressed into employment. 

“What I have achieved at WorkSource East has impacted my life in such a way that I was able to overcome many challenges that led me to continue with my success,” Frankline said. “I have now moved to a nicer home, and I am working to obtain my driver’s license. I am grateful for the support of my counselors and the team at WorkSource East.”