Eastern Carolina Vocational Center (ECVC) recently welcomed several North Carolina and federal legislators for a two-day roundtable and facility tour, spotlighting the organization’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment.
The event featured discussions led by ECVC President and CEO Jason Thomas, focusing on the impact of the AbilityOne Program and the pressing need for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) reform. Currently, outdated income thresholds can disincentivize work for individuals with disabilities by risking the loss of critical benefits. Mr. Thomas urged lawmakers to consider policy changes that support income stability as individuals gain employment.
Attendees included U.S. Congressman Greg Murphy, NC Representative Gloristine Brown, NC Senators Bob Brinson and Kandie Smith, Trey Lewis (Northeast Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Thom Tillis), and John Tayloe (Regional Director for U.S. Senator Ted Budd).
Following the discussions, legislators toured ECVC’s Green Street production facility, observing operations such as battery packaging, frame manufacturing, dental item kitting, and warehouse logistics. These services not only support government and commercial clients but also provide competitive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
ECVC, a member of the federal AbilityOne network, is one of the largest battery suppliers to the Department of Defense, having shipped over 34 million batteries last year. The organization continues to advocate for policies that enhance employment opportunities and income stability for people with disabilities.
📸 For more details and photos from the event, read the full article by WCTI12:
👉 Vocational center pushes for policy change to support disabled workers’ income stability
Read ECVC’s Press Release Here: State Legislators Visit and Tour ECVC’s Production Facility
