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Essential Organizations

This is a list of some of the state organizations and federally funded organizations that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This list is not comprehensive. There are many fantastic organizations not listed here due to website constraints.

Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC)

Disability Rights North Carolina is a legal advocacy agency dedicated to advancing and defending the rights of people with disabilities in North Carolina. As the federally designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization for the state, DRNC handles cases involving discrimination, abuse, and other rights violations at no cost to North Carolinians with disabilities. Its vision is a just, fully integrated, and accessible society where people with disabilities have power, equal opportunity, and freedom to make their own decisions.

For more information: https://disabilityrightsnc.org/

Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD)

The Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) is a comprehensive center at UNC providing multidisciplinary clinical services, conducting research, offering training, and engaging in advocacy, all with the goal of improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. CIDD is part of three national networks: University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC), and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs. It aims to serve as a leader in clinical care, training, and research, disseminating evidence-based information related to neurodevelopmental conditions.

For more information: https://www.med.unc.edu/cidd/

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS)

NC DHHS is the overarching state agency responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians. For individuals with developmental disabilities, it oversees and funds a wide array of services, including Medicaid programs, waivers, and the divisions responsible for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use services. It is the designated state agency for the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.

For more information: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations (LME-MCOs)

LME-MCOs are regional governmental entities contracted by NC DHHS to manage Medicaid, state, and local funds for mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), substance use disorder, and traumatic brain injury services. Through “Tailored Plans,” they also cover physical health and pharmacy services for eligible Medicaid members, providing integrated care. They are responsible for ensuring access to care, maintaining provider networks, and managing the NC Innovations Waiver, including its waitlist.

For more information: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory

Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services

DMHDDSUS is part of NC DHHS and supports the well-being of all North Carolinians by building systems, services and supports for:

  • Mental Health
  • Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
  • Substance Use
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Problem Gambling

For more information: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mhddsus

Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)

EIPD is a division within the NC Department of Health and Human Services, dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve competitive employment and more independent living. It provides vocational rehabilitation services, including counseling, training, job placement assistance, and assistive technology, to individuals whose disability presents a barrier to employment. EIPD operates through a network of over 70 local offices statewide, customizing plans to meet individual needs.

For more information: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/eipd

Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)

ECAC is a statewide, nonprofit parent organization committed to improving the lives and education of all children, with a particular focus on children with disabilities and special health care needs. It serves as North Carolina's designated Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center, providing information, education, outreach, and support to families across the state. ECAC's Parent Educators, who are parents of children with special needs themselves, help families navigate the special education system, understand their rights, and advocate effectively.

For more information: https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/