Covenant UnityLink
UnityLink Community Networking for Adults with IDD in NC
What is Community Networking
for people with IDD?
The purpose of Community Networking is to open real doors: joining local activities, building friendships, and taking on roles in the community that most people take for granted. Through planning and caring guidance, each person is supported to try new experiences, strengthen practical life skills, and grow their confidence over time.
The outcome we work toward is genuine inclusion. When individuals with IDD are active, connected participants in community life rather than observers of it, they build the relationships and skills that make lasting independence possible, and the community itself becomes more welcoming for everyone.
How It Works
Step
Personal Assessment and Goal Setting
The process begins with understanding each person’s unique strengths, preferences, and goals. Covenant’s team works closely with individuals and their families to identify what a fulfilling, active, and connected life looks like for them. This foundation shapes a plan that encourages community inclusion for individuals with disabilities and supports growth at a comfortable pace.
Step
Activity Planning and Coordination
Once goals are defined, a personalized schedule of community services for individuals with disabilities is created. Activities may include volunteering, visiting local parks, attending classes, or joining community events. Each activity is chosen to nurture independence and promote social inclusion for individuals with disabilities in diverse, integrated environments.
Step
Supported Participation
Trained professionals provide hands-on support as individuals engage in their community activities. This ensures that participation is both safe and empowering. Whether practicing new social skills, learning to navigate public spaces, or discovering new interests, the focus remains on creating natural opportunities for inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Step
Ongoing Evaluation and Growth
Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure activities remain meaningful and aligned with personal goals. Adjustments are made as individuals grow in confidence and capability. Covenant’s team continuously encourages community integration for individuals with disabilities, helping participants expand their comfort zones and deepen their community ties.
Who is Community Networking
a good fit for?
Community Networking may be a good fit for:
- Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who want to become active, connected members of their community.
- Families seeking a structured, supportive way for a loved one to build independence and social skills.
- People who want community-based support that balances safety, learning, and enjoyment in real-world settings.
Community Networking is a strong fit for individuals who value collaboration, consistency, and steady guidance, and who want to build a life that extends beyond the home. It supports people who are ready to explore new activities, form relationships, and take part more fully in inclusive community settings.
Who is eligible for
Community Networking?
To take part in Community Networking, individuals must qualify for the North Carolina Innovations Waiver, a Medicaid program that funds home and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Waiver eligibility confirms that each participant receives the appropriate level of support to take part fully in community life.
How do I enroll in
Community Networking?
Everyone deserves the chance to connect, contribute, and grow in their community. Covenant's UnityLink provides practical support that makes inclusion accessible and meaningful, not just a goal on paper. Through consistent engagement, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) build the confidence and relationships that make everyday community life possible.
Community Networking is available through the North Carolina Innovations Waiver, a Medicaid program that funds home and community-based services for people with IDD. If you are already on the Innovations Waiver, Community Networking can often be added to your plan.
To get started, contact Covenant. Our team will help you confirm eligibility, understand how Community Networking fits with your current services, and walk through the next steps. We can also help families who are new to the Innovations Waiver understand the process from the beginning.
Answers for Families
UnityLink FAQs
Straight answers to the questions families ask most about Community Networking for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What is Community Networking for adults with IDD?
Community Networking is a person-centered service that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) build connections and take part in everyday community life. The focus is on relationships, participation, and belonging. Covenant offers it as UnityLink.
What activities does UnityLink include?
Activities follow each person's goals and interests, and they take place in integrated community settings. Examples include volunteering, visiting local parks, attending classes, joining community events, and taking college courses with support. In some cases the service can also pay for a class, a membership tied to an integrated class, or a conference. Each activity is chosen to build independence, practical life skills, and friendships.
What are the limits on activities?
Innovations Waiver rules set a few boundaries. Volunteering must happen at a place that normally uses volunteers, not for the agency providing the service. Activities must take place in community settings, not in a licensed facility or residential setting, and overnight programs are not covered. Payment for classes and conferences is capped at $1,000 per plan year. Your case manager can confirm the current limits for your plan. See the NC Medicaid Innovations Waiver services page for official definitions.
Is transportation included in Community Networking?
Not automatically. Transportation to and from activities depends on what your person-centered plan authorizes, and Community Networking has a transportation component that can be requested. The service does not cover hotels, meals, or materials, and it does not cover rides between school and a community activity. NC Medicaid also offers rides to medical appointments, but that benefit covers appointments, not community activities. Ask Covenant what transportation is available for UnityLink in your area, and ask your case manager to add it to your plan if you need it.
How does UnityLink work?
It follows four steps. First, Covenant's team learns the person's strengths, preferences, and goals alongside the family. Second, the team plans and coordinates a personalized schedule of community activities. Third, trained professionals provide hands-on support during each activity. Fourth, the team reviews progress regularly and adjusts the plan as confidence grows.
Who is Community Networking a good fit for?
It fits individuals with IDD who want to become active, connected members of their community, and families who want a structured, supportive way to build independence and social skills. It works well for people who are ready to explore new activities, form relationships, and spend time beyond the home.
Who is eligible for Community Networking?
Participants must be enrolled in the North Carolina Innovations Waiver, a Medicaid program that funds home and community-based services for people with IDD. Waiver eligibility generally requires Medicaid eligibility, a diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability, and a level of need that matches institutional (ICF-IID) care. Because funded waiver slots are limited, many people begin on the waitlist. Our Innovations Waiver family guide walks through each requirement.
What if my family member is not on the Innovations Waiver yet?
Covenant helps families who are new to the waiver understand the process from the beginning. Start with our Innovations Waiver family guide and case management services. A case manager can explain the application, the waitlist, and which services to request. For a statewide overview, see NCDHHS: Accessing I/DD Services.
Does Medicaid pay for Community Networking?
Yes, for people enrolled in the Innovations Waiver. The waiver funds Community Networking as a home and community-based service, and your person-centered plan sets how much support you receive. Your LME/MCO (find yours in the NCDHHS directory) manages authorization.
Can UnityLink be combined with other services?
Yes, with limits. Community Networking cannot take place at the same time of day as services like Day Supports, Community Living and Supports, Respite, or Supported Employment. Many people schedule UnityLink on different days or hours from those services. Your case manager can build a weekly schedule that fits your plan.
How do I enroll in UnityLink?
If you are already on the Innovations Waiver, Community Networking can often be added to your plan. Contact Covenant and the team will confirm eligibility, explain how UnityLink fits with your current services, and walk you through next steps. Call (704) 780-4552 or contact our team.
How is Community Networking different from a day program?
A day program offers structured daytime activities at a program site. Community Networking takes place out in the community, in places like parks, classes, and volunteer sites, and builds relationships and roles in everyday life. Many families use both. See Covenant's Day Program Guide to compare.
Ready to talk through your options?
Call (704) 780-4552 or contact the Covenant team. You do not need to have everything figured out to start.
Direct Support
Professionals
Individuals Served
Since 2010
