NC H756

The Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Office of State Human Resources, must study development of a comprehensive statewide program to establish North Carolina as a model employer for individuals with disabilities.

The study shall focus on increasing disability inclusion in state agency employment, specifically targeting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and demonstrating employment viability to local government and private sector employers.

The Department must examine existing programs in other states and consider implementing at least one or more program components, including fast-track hiring policies, recruitment and outreach efforts, enhanced application accessibility, workplace accommodation guidelines, personnel training programs, data collection systems, and public-private partnerships like Project SEARCH.

A report on study results and legislative recommendations must be submitted to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by December 1, 2021.