Project Spark is an initiative by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) find competitive integrated employment (CIE) in North Carolina. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration. It is adding 10 new locations to increase employment options for people with I/DD. The goal is to help individuals with disabilities work with non-disabled peers, earn at least minimum wage, and receive the same workplace benefits.
Currently, Project Spark operates at three sites: Chatham Trades in Siler City, Wake Enterprises in Raleigh, and Tri-County Industries in Rocky Mount. The new locations will be in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham, Greenville/Kinston, Jacksonville, Wilmington, Wilson, Gastonia, Asheville, and Boone. The Wilmington site is set to open in October 2025, and the other sites will open in 2026. This expansion aims to make employment services available to more people with I/DD across North Carolina.
Dev Sangvai, Secretary of NCDHHS, said the expansion is intended to improve access to employment and reduce barriers. The state is investing in skill-building and job placement to support the workforce and communities. Kathie B. Smith, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, said the expansion is an important step toward making CIE more available for people with I/DD…