LiNC-IT candidates receive job coaching through local providers funded by Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD). The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) and the UNC TEACCH Autism Center (TEACCH) are both job coaching providers who are part of the LiNC-IT collaborative and therefore are highly recommended. However, if you are working with a different job coaching provider, your name will remain in the LiNC-IT talent portal, if you are otherwise eligible for LiNC-IT. One might work with a job coaching provider other than ASNC or TEACCH, because they live in a county outside of ASNC or TEACCH’s catchment area, or because they have another disability along with autism and another job coaching provider is more appropriate to support them.
Map of counties ASNC and UNC TEACCH provide
in-person job coaching services (January 2025)
As of January 2025, ASNC serves Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Chatham, Orange, Durham, Wake, and Johnston counties. TEACCH serves Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Rockingham, Guilford, Randolph, Alamance, Chatham, Harnett, Orange, Durham, Wake, Johnston, and Franklin counties. The list of counties where ASNC and TEACCH provide in person job coaching does change slightly from time to time.
In addition to the Autism Society of NC and UNC TEACCH, there are multiple other job coaching providers that Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities works with.
LiNC-IT encourages potential candidates to start the process of opening a case with Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities as soon as possible, because the process is lengthy. The first step would be to call your local EIPD office and express interest in opening up a case. For resources on navigating the EIPD process, visit the participant resources section of our website.
LiNC-IT is geared toward those who have some postsecondary education in the form of a degree or a certification, or those who are currently enrolled and actively working toward earning a degree or certificate. The following are examples of relevant degrees and certifications for LiNC-IT; however, this list is not exhaustive.
Examples of degrees:
- Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
- Master of Arts, Master of Science, professional school degrees
Examples of certifications:
- AutoCAD
- BioWork
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- CompTIA
- North Carolina Early Childhood Credential
- Paralegal
- Certificate programs at community colleges
(For the purposes of LiNC-IT, Coursera certificates and LinkedIn Learning certificates are not considered as postsecondary education.)
"I have spent so long just searching and sending resumes out hoping someone would give me a shot. Unfortunately, I just never could get past this phase. But reaching out to the Autism Society and Vocational Rehab put people in my corner that would help me show what I am able to bring to the table. This helped put me in a better job and a better mind frame."
- Previous LiNC-IT participant
Examples of positions LiNC-IT participants have filled:
- Robotic Process Automation programmer
- Machine Learning Development & Testing
- Data Analysis (IT, Finance)
- Project Management
- Business Analysis
- Design (UXD)
- Help Desk Tier II
- Operations Assistant
- Chief Technology Office - End User Services Engineering
- Lab Technician
- Chief Technology Office - Project Management Office
- Corporate Systems Technology – Test Engineering and Automation
- Global Markets Technology - Robotic Process Automation
- Global Markets Regulatory Services
- Chief Information Office - Group Operations Solution Delivery / Risk and Data Analytics
- Group Operations Global Cash Products
Check out the website NCcareers.org! It is a database of the number of job openings and salaries in North Carolina. It is a great resource to have as one considers what career to pursue.
NC Residents, Fill out the LiNC-IT Interest Form
Existing Tech Certification Program Participants
FAQ
How long will the placement process take and when will I start?
Different employers may have longer or shorter on boarding processes.
Will I get paid? And how much?
Different internships may pay different amounts.
Will I lose current disability services?
This is a complicated question. In most cases you would not lose disability benefits; although there may be adjustments made to the amounts of those benefits depending on which benefits you receive and eligibility requirements. They may wish to seek benefits counseling through Vocational Rehabilitation services, which the intern would have access to once service began with Voc Rehab if needed.
What if I don’t have transportation?
Transportation cannot be provided. There may be bus services or paratransit services available in your area, Uber, Lyft or other transportation options.
Resources for Participants
Check out the list of resources for early career autistic professionals on topics such as accommodations in the workplace, cybersecurity, finances, and more.
Let’s LiNC.