RSA Success Story: A Real Job with Real Wages Through the Disability Innovation Fund

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By: North Carolina’s Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities

In a February 2024 Dear Colleague Letter, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Commissioner Danté Allen prioritized elevating community expectations for competitive integrated employment by showcasing success stories of individuals with disabilities who receive services from RSA Programs. This is the fifth RSA Success Story in a series that will run through November 2024.

Jenna is a young woman with an engaging personality and a strong work ethic, but she had not been able to reach her goal of competitive integrated employment. As a person with an intellectual/developmental disability, Jenna ran into several obstacles and felt her options were limited.

She was unable to drive and needed many accommodations and supports. Jenna’s family never dreamed that she could work in the community.

When Jenna learned about North Carolina’s SPARK program, sponsored by North Carolina’s Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) grant, she was excited to learn about all the supports that could help her reach her goal.

Jenna connected with a peer mentor, career navigator, benefits counselor, and employment specialist. She engaged in job shadowing, received help with completing job applications, focused on developing her job skills, and participated in job coaching.

In May 2024, Jenna began her new job at the Midway Café on the campus of Nash Community College. Jenna loves her new job! Her supervisor appreciates her work ethic, and her co-workers find themselves looking for her even on her days off.

Jenna is fulfilling her dream of working competitively in her community in a job she enjoys and where her work is appreciated. The SPARK Team looks forward to all that Jenna will achieve.

Learn about other SWTCIE grantees through RSA’s Disability Innovation Fund.