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NC DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen Introduces EveryBody Works NC as a Win Win for Everyone

February 1, 2018 (Kill Devil Hills, NC) – Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, MD, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), introduced the EveryBody Works NC campaign to local and regional business leaders in an effort to close the 45-point unemployment gap between working-age people with disabilities and those without disabilities in the state.

“Businesses are looking for good workers, who are going to be loyal, longtime employees, and be able to do the job that is in front of them,” said Secretary Cohen. “There is an untapped labor market in our disability community. People with disabilities are educated, have worked hard in school, and they need to transition to the workforce.”

To ease the transition, EveryBody Works NC, launched in October 2017, provides resources that are available for potential employees to get a meaningful, competitive job. North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation plays a big role in supporting employers and potential employees with disabilities through recruiting, pre-screening process, job training, and job coaching.

Additionally, it supports employees with disabilities by providing the modifications they need to be successful at their job. Modifications are minimal and there is usually no financial investment from the employer, added Cohen.

With the right resources, “businesses can meet and hire individuals with disabilities who are loyal and hard workers,” said Cohen. “At the same time, individuals become a part of a team, and have a sense of purpose. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Businesses hiring people with disabilities are also eligible for various tax credits and supports corporate social responsibility, diversity, and inclusion.  This forum encouraged area businesses and employers to consider hiring people with disabilities, including those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD), mental health and substance abuse.

The Secretary’s visit was part of a Health and Human Services Community Forum organized by local advocates and sponsored by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, EveryBody Works NC, and The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce.  

View the video of her speech:

About Everybody Works NC:
The Everybody Works NC campaign is increasing awareness of the untapped pool of talent found in the disability community and creating more job opportunities for people with disabilities. The campaign is being led by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD), the North Carolina Business Leadership Network (NCBLN) and North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (NCVR) to promote and support inclusive workforce strategies. For more information, visit www.everybodyworksnc.com.

About the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce:
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce empowers the Outer Banks business community by promoting and developing economic prosperity.

About the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities:
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) works to assure that people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all areas of community life. Through its Five-Year Plan, the Council identifies and funds innovative projects and initiatives that promote the goals of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) for all North Carolinians. www.nccdd.org

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