DOA promotes independence and enhances the dignity of North Carolina's older adults, persons with disabilities and their families through a community-based system of opportunities, services, benefits and protections; to ready younger generations to enjoy their later years; and to help society and government plan and prepare for the changing demographics.

North Carolina will provide people with, or at risk of, mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse problems and their families the necessary, prevention, intervention, treatment, services and supports they need to live successfully in communities of their choice.

The Disability Resource Center is a community-based residential program that provides free services to individuals with disabilities. It is dedicated to assisting all persons regardless of disability in making choices about their own lives and in experiencing success as active participants in society.

Disability Rights and Resources provides services and workshops focusing on fair housing, transportation and other services ensuring the independence of those with disabilities.

Easter Seals UCP serves a broad range of people with disabilities, such as people with cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, muscular dystrophy, stroke, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, hearing and visual impairments and mental health diagnoses.

Money Follows the Person is a state demonstration project that assists Medicaid-eligible North Carolinians who live in inpatient facilities to move into their own homes and communities with supports. Under the project, a growing number of North Carolinians are able to transition out of long-term, institutional settings and return to their homes and communities.