Adult Developmental Vocational Program

Real work skills for real-world employment.

ADVP teaches the practical job skills, work habits, communication, and social competencies that adults with IDD need to succeed in supported or competitive employment.

Who This Is For

Adults building a path to employment

ADVP is designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are working toward — or actively pursuing — paid employment. Some participants are building their first work experience. Others are practicing skills they'll use in a future community job placement.

There's no "right" starting point. Our team meets each person where they are.

Ages 18+ IDD diagnosis State-funded

Participant practicing job skills in ADVP

What Participants Do

A typical day in ADVP

Structured work activities, skill-building, breaks for social time and meals, and ongoing coaching from staff who know each participant by name.

Skill Building

Task & Work Habits

Following multi-step instructions, completing tasks accurately, staying focused, transitioning between activities — the foundation of any job.

Communication

Workplace Communication

Asking for help, taking direction, working with co-workers, handling feedback, and using assistive communication tools when needed.

Social

Social Competencies

Workplace appropriate behavior, team dynamics, problem-solving, and the soft skills that make for a great co-worker.

Hands-on

Real Work Projects

Participants work on real assembly, sorting, packaging, and light fabrication projects — building stamina and confidence with tangible output.

Independence

Living Skills

Money handling, time management, schedules, hygiene at work, and the daily-life skills that support independent employment.

Pathway

Community Placement

For participants ready to take the next step, we coordinate with employers and supported-employment providers to build a transition plan.

How It's Funded

ADVP is a state-funded service

ADVP is funded by the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, typically administered through your local LME-MCO (Vaya Health or Partners Health, depending on your county).

For most families this means there is no out-of-pocket cost to the participant — but the process to access funding has specific steps. Our intake coordinator can walk you through it.

See enrollment steps & eligibility

How to Enroll

Four steps from inquiry to first day

Call us

Call (828) 757-5680 or use our contact form to talk to our intake coordinator.

Confirm funding

We help confirm ADVP eligibility with your LME-MCO and gather required documents.

Tour & assess

Visit our facility, meet the team, and complete a person-centered assessment.

Start strong

We build a transition plan that introduces the program at the participant's pace.

FAQ

Common questions about ADVP

Does ADVP guarantee competitive employment?

No. ADVP builds the skills that make competitive employment possible — but the path varies by person. Some participants move into supported employment, some into community jobs, and some thrive long-term in ADVP itself. Our job is to honor each person's pace and goals.

Are participants paid while in ADVP?

ADVP includes paid work on real projects when applicable. We follow all state and federal wage requirements. We can walk through the pay structure during your tour.

What hours does ADVP run?

Monday through Friday during standard business hours. We coordinate with families on transportation pickup and drop-off times.

Can my loved one combine ADVP with Day Supports?

Yes. Many participants split their week — a few days of ADVP, a few days of Day Supports — based on what their funding allows and what serves their goals. We design schedules around the person.

What if my loved one struggles with the program?

We adjust. Person-centered planning means we revisit goals and approaches regularly, not just at intake. If something isn't working, we change it.