Access to Achievement
Access to Achievement transforms lives by creating accessible educational pathways for individuals with IDD across North Carolina, empowering them to achieve independence, gain workforce skills and participate fully in their communities.
Welcome
Many North Carolinians with intellectual and developmental disabilities believe they don't have the option to go to college or pursue their dreams.
Access to Achievement changes that.
About
Access to Achievement is a legislatively created initiative (2023) that promotes increased employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in North Carolina’s community college system. It ensures opportunities for credentials, degrees and diplomas.
Access to Achievement Fosters Support for:
- Establishing best practices for providing vocational training for individuals with IDD;
- Providing financial and benefits counseling;
- Developing strategies on integrating assistive technology;
- Maximizing access to credential, diploma and degree programs;
- Promoting inclusive college environments;
- Ensuring communities are aware of the opportunities available
Access to Achievement is currently funded at these community colleges:
Access to Achievement Coordinators Will:
- Improve the ability of community college staff to offer education and support services while improving employability skills
- Support colleges in providing on-the-job training and apprenticeships in business and industry for individuals with IDD.
- Work with students to develop a Person-Centered Plan that will guide them toward their educational and employment goals
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
- Alamance Community College
- Brunswick Community College
- Catawba Valley Community College
- College of the Albemarle
- Guilford Technical Community College
- James Sprunt Community College
- Johnston Community College
- McDowell Technical Community College
- Richmond Community College
- Robeson Community College
- Sandhills Community College
- South Piedmont Community College
- Stanly Community College
- Wilkes Community College
Contact the Team
Nancye Gaj
State Director
ngaj@nccommunitycolleges.edu
Vickie Vinson
Associate Director, Professional Development & Implementation
vinsonv@nccommunitycolleges.edu
Lindsay Tipton
Associate Director, Pathways and Partnerships
tiptonl@nccommuitycolleges.edu
Upcoming PD Events
Coordinator Check-In
September 4 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDTNCCCAEA Conference
September 23 - September 27Career Pathway Training
October 1 - October 2