Looking Beyond the Disability: HR’s Role in Embracing the IDD Workforce
Nearly 80% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are unemployed despite their ability and willingness to work. Here in North Carolina, a CDC report from 2023 estimates that about 29% of adults have a functional disability including mobility, cognitive, independent living, hearing, vision, and self-care. These numbers represent a vast, largely untapped talent pool—one filled with capable, motivated individuals eager to contribute to the workforce.
As HR professionals, you play a critical role in bridging this gap. By understanding the strengths, potential, and accommodations needed for individuals with IDD, you can help foster inclusive workplaces that not only change lives but also enhance businesses with dedicated, diverse employees.
Conference Sessions
UCHRA has partnered with the Union County Chamber Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to host the 2025 Spring Conference.
This conference is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to tap into this talent pool effectively. It has been approved for 4 SHRM credit hours.
Sessions will cover:
Education: Understanding the Talent Pool
Melinda Plue, Director of Advocacy and Chapter Development with The Arc of NC
Interviews: Unveiling the Potential of the Talent Pool
Kristy Brinson, Program Specialist with the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
Accommodations: Unleashing the Power of the Talent Pool
Samantha Nevins, Disability Rights and Resources, & Tara McAlister HR Advisor with Catapult Employers Association
Panel Discussion: Unfolding the Stories and Questions
All Speakers, Moderated by David Casper, Chief Executive Officer with Union Diversified Industries
This day is about learning, breaking down barriers, and rethinking what’s possible when we embrace inclusive hiring practices. Join us as we explore how individuals with IDD are valuable contributors to the workplace and how you can be a catalyst for change in your organization.
Lunch is included and vendor tables are available.
Let’s build a workforce that works for everyone!
2025 Sponsors
Speakers
Melinda Plue has been working in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities for almost 30 years. She is a native of Raleigh and got her B.A. in Special Education from UNC-Charlotte in 1996. She taught Exceptional Children in the public school sector for seven years.
In 2005 Melinda and her family needed the services of The Arc when she and her husband moved her brother-in-law, Jake, an adult with I/DD, to North Carolina from his native Alabama. She was then hired by The Arc to provide advocacy for local families. Her role expanded within The Arc and she became Executive Director of The Arc of Union County in 2008. She facilitated a merger with The Arc of Cabarrus County in 2013 and served as the Executive Director of The Arc of Union/Cabarrus until October of 2015. She is a recipient of the Carey Fendley Award for Executive Excellence. Melinda has worked for The Arc of North Carolina as Director of Advocacy and Chapter Development since October of 2015 and works across the entire state.
Melinda is a graduate of the three-year University of Delaware’s Advancing Strong Leadership in the Developmental Disabilities Field program and received her MSW in 2015 from Winthrop University She is a licensed clinical social worker in North Carolina and an adjunct professor in the Social Work department at Wingate University. She is married to Kevin, who works for Union County Public Schools, and they are the parents of two just-about-grown daughters, Georgia and Juliet. They live in downtown Monroe with their hound dog, Norman.
Kristy Brinson serves as Program Specialist for Business Engagement with NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation. She has been with EIPD since 2014, helping people with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence, and partnering with employers statewide to share of the agency’s services. She resides in Duplin County where she owns a family farm. Kristy works closely with her team to educate North Carolinians about the power of inclusion. She is passionate about this program because her mother had a disability. Over time, she witnessed the positive impact her mother had on others while they learned more about the value that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace.
Samantha Nevins is currently the Executive Director of Disability Rights & Resources a Center for Independent Living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Samantha is a non-profit leader with over 25 years of experience facilitating grassroots advocacy initiatives, and implementing and evaluating community health programs. Samantha is a certified Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator through the University of Missouri, and Governor appointed member of the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council and the National Council for Independent Living (NCIL). She is also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits. Although a Florida native, Samantha is a proud graduate of Appalachian State University currently lives in South Charlotte with her husband and two children.
Tara McAlister is an accomplished HR Advisor with over 20 years of proven expertise in human resources. Throughout her career, Tara has demonstrated a keen aptitude for employee relations, recruiting, and implementing strategic HR initiatives that drive organizational success.
While at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat, she played a pivotal role in fostering positive employee relations, spearheading recruitment efforts, and developing comprehensive management and leadership programs.
Transitioning to Insperity, Tara embraced the opportunity to work closely with small to mid-size business owners, aiding them in building robust teams and navigating complex HR challenges to mitigate risks effectively.
In her role as an HR Advisor at Catapult, Tara finds fulfillment in collaborating with business leaders to navigate various facets of human resources, including employee relations, compliance, talent acquisition, and staff development.
Tara is a dynamic networker who thrives on connecting individuals and resources to foster success. Her passion for forging meaningful connections extends to her active involvement in the Union County Chamber, where she serves as an Ambassador and Co-Chair of the Women in Business Program. Tara also serves on the UCHRA Board as the Secretary and additionally, contributing her expertise to the board of Union Diversified Industries, where she actively engages in community development initiatives.
David E. Casper III, a proud Union County native, earned his undergraduate degree from Wingate University. Recognized for his leadership, he was named a Trail Blazer by Business North Carolina in 2020, and under his guidance, Union Diversified Industries (UDI) received the Excellence in Business Award for Nonprofit Innovations from the Union County Chamber in 2021.
David is dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. He is a certified Lift and Transfer Trainer, a Red Cross Certified First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, and co-author of the North Carolina state-approved curriculum, “Minimally Intrusive Intervention Techniques.” Beyond his professional work, David is an internationally licensed and ordained minister through the National Freewill Baptist Association.
Active in his community, David is a member of the Monroe Rotary Club, Emerging Leaders, MARC, NCARF, and the Coalition for Employment Choice. He serves on the Transportation Activity Board for Union County.