GREENVILLE, NC — Sept. 24, 2025 — Eastern Carolina Vocational Center, Inc. (ECVC) will join organizations across the country this October in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year marks the 80th anniversary of NDEAM, established by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities to the nation’s workforce and economy. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
For ECVC, NDEAM is more than a national campaign, it is at the heart of the organization’s mission. Nearly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. – close to 70 million people – report having a disability, and ECVC works every day to ensure those individuals have opportunities to succeed through meaningful employment.
“ECVC continues to answer the call for our nation’s military and all our customers. The last two years have been among the most successful in our history,” said Jason Thomas, President and CEO of ECVC. “One of the driving forces behind our success is the strength of our team members, who demonstrate each day that disabilities are not disqualifiers. One of our goals is to help every employer in Pitt County realize the value that employees with disabilities can bring to their workforce.”
Honoring ECVC’s Legacy
Founded in 1965, ECVC has provided thousands of people with disabilities the chance to build fulfilling careers and achieve greater independence. From packaging, assembly, and manufacturing for federal and commercial customers, to janitorial contracts across Pitt County, to pre-employment transition services for local students, ECVC supports opportunities at every stage of life. The organization also operates a custom frame shop open to the public, further connecting its mission to the community.
ECVC’s impact extends far beyond North Carolina. As a member of the AbilityOne® Program, one of the nation’s largest sources of employment for people with significant disabilities, ECVC plays a vital role in serving the U.S. military and government. Each year, the organization supplies more than 34 million batteries to the Department of Defense and manufactures products such as battery terminal adapters and custom frames that directly support national priorities.
Celebrating NDEAM and 60 Years
This year’s observance of NDEAM holds special meaning for ECVC, as the organization celebrates its 60th anniversary. On October 2, ECVC will host its 60th Anniversary Banquet at Rock Springs Center in Greenville, NC. The event will feature keynote speaker Lou Ferrigno, the presentation of the Employee Success Story of the Year Award, and reflections on six decades of creating jobs with purpose for people with disabilities.
Moving Forward
While NDEAM shines a spotlight once a year on the contributions of workers with disabilities, ECVC works year-round to expand opportunities and promote inclusive employment. As part of a nationwide network through SourceAmerica® and the AbilityOne® Program, ECVC contributes to the employment of nearly 39,000 people with disabilities across the United States.
ECVC invites the community to join in celebrating this year’s NDEAM and to continue supporting efforts that build a more inclusive workforce. To learn more, visit www.ECVCinc.com or follow @ECVCinc on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Founded in 1965, Eastern Carolina Vocational Center (ECVC) is a self-sustaining nonprofit committed to helping individuals with disabilities attain a higher quality of life through the achievement of their vocational goals. Headquartered in Greenville, NC, ECVC provides manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and distribution services to government agencies and commercial clients nationwide. Locally, ECVC offers job placement support, pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, janitorial services, and operates an on-site custom frame shop that is open to the public.