Resources for Adults or Almost Adults
We have programs to help parents and families of children with disabilities of all ages, especially as they transition into adulthood. Whether your child has a disability or special healthcare needs, or if you are just concerned, look through the programs below to see how FIRSTwnc can meet your needs.
Adult or Almost
Explore our Navigator Plus Pathfinder Toolkits, designed to guide you through every step of your journey. Each toolkit focuses on a specific milestone, offering valuable information and community resources to support you along the way and the Supported Living Guidebook which provides practical information to individuals with IDD, natural supports, service providers, and other interested stakeholders about the Supported Living service model in order to set up a home for life-long success.
Abilities FIRST – Microenterprise Coaching
Abilities FIRST is a new coaching program designed to assist persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) create a micro-enterprise or self-employment opportunity.
Community Parent Resource Center
FIRSTwnc has been funded as a CPRC by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education. This allows us to offer free training for parents on educational issues and parental rights.
My FIRST Key: Supported Living Program
My FIRST Key evolved from the desire to provide a safe and healthy residential environment with flexible, accessible, and self-directed natural supports. In this way, My FIRST Key creates opportunities for enhanced independence and well-being in and out of the home. Our team of direct support coaches fulfills this mission by facilitating quality services through their collective talents so that they can make a difference every day.
Innovation Waiver Services
The NC Innovations Waiver is a federally approved 1915 C Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver designed to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) who prefer to get long-term care services and support in their home or community, rather than in an institutional setting. As a Vaya Health and Partners Health Management provider, FIRSTwnc can provide our services through this waiver or private pay.
Full Circle Capacity Building Initiative
Full Circle is a capacity-building initiative designed to mobilize personal networks for people with disabilities. Full Circle helps people to expand their circles of connection and natural support in their communities, giving them more opportunities for meaningful and supportive relationships, more experiences, an overall sense of belonging, and a good, happy life.
Outpatient Therapy
FIRSTwnc clinicians support people with disabilities and their families to help meet their mental wellness needs. Our clinicians have expertise working with people of all ages and their families. They specialize in trauma-informed care, Theraplay, trauma play, child-centered play therapy, autism, and caregiver coaching.