(scroll down for state and national resources)
Quick Reference Guide
County Services
- Union County Adult Services (DSS)
Advocacy, Adult Protective Services, guardianship, case management
📞 (704) 296‑4300
Statewide & Regional Resources
- Arc of North Carolina
Housing, employment, community inclusion
📞 (704) 332‑0178 • arcnc.org - Autism Society of North Carolina
Family support groups, workshops, adult autism resources
📞 (704) 894‑9678 • autismsociety-nc.org - Family Support Network of NC
Peer mentoring, parent support, resource navigation
📞 (800) 852‑0042 • fsnnc.org - Disability Rights NC
Legal advocacy, protection of rights
📞 (919) 856‑2195 • disabilityrightsnc.org
Educational & Transition Resources
- Union County Public Schools – Exceptional Children Parent Resources
Transition planning, summer camps, statewide links
📞 (704) 296‑9898 • ucpsnc.org - NC DHHS – Division of MH/DD/SAS
Medicaid waivers, supported living, vocational services
📞 (984) 236‑5000 • ncdhhs.gov
Local & Community Supports
Most likely, the first agency a parent of an adult with special needs in Union County, NC should contact to connect with other parents and family support is the Family Support Network of North Carolina (FSN-NC).
- FSN-NC specializes in peer-to-peer mentoring and parent support groups, connecting families who share similar experiences.
- They provide guidance, emotional support, and resource navigation, making them the most direct way to meet other parents in similar situations.
- 📞 (800) 852-0042 • 🌐 fsnnc.org
Locally, parents can also reach out to the Autism Society of North Carolina (Charlotte/Union County office), which runs family support groups and workshops for caregivers of adults on the autism spectrum.
- 📞 (704) 894-9678 • 🌐 autismsociety-nc.org
NORTH CAROLINA SPECIFIC
Through Rooted Hearts, families of newly diagnosed children on the autism spectrum, and/or families who have experienced a disruption to services, are eligible to receive an Autism Toolbox at NO COST to them, regardless of their household income. In addition, Rooted Hearts Ministries offers families opportunities to connect through community events and educational programs.
Therapy and Motion empowers, challenges and inspires children and families to thrive despite life’s barriers and challenges. An innovative way to provide therapy within underserved communities is through mobile therapy. This mobile therapy center is designed to bring specialized interventions, education, resources, and programming to children and their families.
Cakeable is a nonprofit workforce development program for adults who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer vocational training opportunities at Cakeable Cafe in Charlotte.
With NC ABLE, disabled North Carolinians or their benefactors can set aside money for most living expenses without losing eligibility for certain assistance programs, such as SSI and Medicaid.
Guardianship – LIFE Guardianship is a program of The Arc of NC designed to help advocate for and protect the health and safety of individuals to ensure that their civil and human rights are not violated.
Disability Rights & Resources is a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, non-residential, private, non-profit Center for Independent Living. They advocate for and mentor people with disabilities in a four-county service area comprising Cabarrus, Gaston, Mecklenburg, and Union Counties in North Carolina.
Lifespan Services aims to illuminate the abilities of children and adults with disabilities by providing education, employment, and enrichment opportunities to live, work, and play in their communities throughout their lifetimes.
First In Families of the Southern Piedmont’s mission is to empower and support people with intellectual/developmental disabilities by establishing partnerships between families and the community.
The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) is a state and federally funded program that provides assistive technology services statewide to people of all ages and abilities. NCATP leads North Carolina’s efforts to implement the federal Assistive Technology Act of 2004 by providing device demonstrations, short-term device loans, and assistive technology utilization. They promote independence for people with disabilities through access to technology.
The North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) is for adults with disabilities who prefer to remain in their primary private residences rather than in a nursing home.
Housing – The Arc of North Carolina provides assistance to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families in locating housing that meets their needs.
InReachNC provides innovative housing, employment, and community services to support people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities, as well as their families. Including a day support and activity center in Monroe.
Autism Strong’s list of resources in the Charlotte area for special needs families
Trusted Parents’ list of resources for NC families
Polka Dot Parent List of Resources
Polka Dot Parent list of church programs related to special needs
St. Matthew Catholic’s program for children and adults with special needs
Holy Angels in Belmont, NC, offers a wide array of services to individuals ranging from infancy to older adults and their families, including: residential living, day services, vocational opportunities, medical services, physical therapy, special education and habilitation services, creative arts, recreation, spiritual opportunities and family support services.
Best Buddies of North Carolina – Offering One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in North Carolina.
JOY Special Needs Ministry of Carmel Baptist Church – Journeying with Families with Special Needs
The North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides counseling, training, education, transportation, job placement, assistive technology and other support services to people with disabilities.
NCDHHS Job Training and Disability Employment: If your disability or chronic condition is a barrier to success on the job, NCDHHS can help you chart your path to a career with a future in North Carolina. They provide counseling, training, job placement assistance, assistive technology and many other services, depending on what each individual client needs to meet their goal for competitive integrated employment.
Supported Employment – The Arc of NC helps connect employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. This process, with the support of a trained Employment Specialist, involves matching the right person with the right job by:
• Assessment
• Planning
• Job Development
• Job Coaching
• Long-term support
The LiNC-IT Collaborative supports autistic individuals in North Carolina in seeking internships and early career employment opportunities. As a part of that, the Autism Society of NC and UNC TEACCH provide training and job coaching for success in the workplace.
The Arc Advocacy and Education – The Arc provides advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and assists them in locating resources, navigating systems of support and making community connections. Resource Advocates provide advocacy and education, assistance with developing plans, and help link people to services they need in the community. To qualify for this service, an individual must qualify for Medicaid and have an I/DD diagnosis. Find out more by calling The Arc of NC’s toll-free number: 800-662-8706
The Caregiver Institute for Wellbeing empowers caregivers through coaching, education, and guidance to improve their overall wellbeing and caregiver experience.
Signposts Ministries helps families that have children with disabilities or chronic health problems by connecting them with local resources, providing educational materials, and supporting them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
North Carolina Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources and Treatment (NC START) is a statewide community crisis prevention and intervention program for individuals age six and above with intellectual/developmental disability and co-occurring complex behavioral and/or mental health needs. The model works to improve the lives of the individuals served and their families by providing services and supports using a person-centered, positive, multidisciplinary, cost-effective, systemic and evidence-informed approach.
Gigis Playhouse Charlotte welcomes all ages and abilities, from prenatal through adulthood. The center’s programs are geared to Down Syndrome, but welcome individuals with autism or other learning disabilities with open arms. GiGi’s Playhouse’s custom, research-based curriculum works towards advancing literacy, math skills, gross and fine motor skills, improving low muscle tone, building self-esteem, preparing for the workforce, and more while fostering acceptance, awareness, and networking resources for parents, siblings, and the community. All programs are FREE of charge: cost will not be a barrier to achievement!
The North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to help low-income citizens save energy and reduce expenses through the installation of energy conservation materials and the implementation of energy efficiency measures in their homes. Priority is placed on providing assistance to the elderly, individuals with disabilities and families with children.
Julia’s Community at Wingate University. For dependent adults (age 21+) the options for living, learning, and working are limited, often lacking cohesion and functionality. Julia’s Community concept is a true 360-degree model that supports and enhances multiple functions and developments, each of which will provide meaning to persons with I/DD and their families. Operating under a separate nonprofit structure and led by an executive director, Julia’s Community collaborates with private, public, and other nonprofit agencies to fund, administer, grow, and assess the program. Julia’s Community exists to merge social, educational, medical, mental health, and developmental activities that increase self-determination and self-worth and lead to greater autonomy for persons with I/DD.
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders is located in Waxhaw, NC and provides equine-assisted therapy to special needs children, ranging in age from 5-17, with varying conditions including autism, cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome, and more. Riders experience a variety of activities which challenge them cognitively, physically and socially, all while developing a long-term relationship with horses.
Mending Strides Ranch is located in Mint Hill, NC and provides equine-assisted psychotherapy. Mending Strides Ranch is committed to creating a sanctuary for individuals facing the impacts of trauma, abuse, and emotional obstacles. Its approach involves guided equine-assisted therapy experiences tailored to enhance mental well-being, build confidence, and increase joy in life.
Located in the Steelecreek area of southwest Charlotte, Agape Acres is a small farm in the big city, a refuge where struggling, vulnerable, and special needs youth are connected with a caring, trained mentor, nature, and rescue horses to bring about hope and change. The beauty, goodness, and healing that is inspired by nature and horses will be combined with communication and trust that is built with a positive role model.
Union Diversified Industries (UDI) is Union County’s oldest nonprofit for adults with Developmental Disabilities. UDI offers work activities, life skills training, creative arts, and much more. Outside of the day programming offered, UDI offers services in the home and community through the Innovations Waiver and B3 Services.
Community Colleges
South Piedmont Community College’s Compass Education program offers educational opportunities to assist adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities with a goal of transitioning to the workforce and/or college and training programs. Morning and afternoon classes are available and are provided at no cost to the student. Please contact SPCC’s Adult Basic Skills Department at 704-290-5183 for additional and/or enrollment information. SPCC also has an Accessibility Services office to assist students with disabilities in obtaining equal access to educational opportunities at South Piedmont Community College
Disability Services at Central Piedmont Community College – The following are some types of academic accommodations available at Central Piedmont. Contact Disability and Access Services to learn more about the types of accommodations offered and for guidance on how to apply for a specific accommodation.
- Attendance Leniency
- Audio Format for Tests
- Extended Time
- Sign Language Interpreter
- Personal Care Attendant
- Scribe/Dictation
Phil's List 