Founded in January 2024, ConnectIDD, LLC is on a mission to create more inclusive, accessible communities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With a bold, national scope and a deeply personal vision, ConnectIDD supports organizations, governments, and communities in delivering better systems of care and opportunity for people with disabilities.
Led by founder and CEO Michael Thomas, ConnectIDD has already impacted thousands of lives across more than 10 states. The agency is now planting deep roots in Western North Carolina, recognizing the Asheville area’s welcoming spirit and untapped potential for disability inclusion. Through consulting, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration, ConnectIDD is helping redefine what’s possible—for service providers, for families, and most importantly, for people with disabilities.
Check out our Q&A with Michael below…
Where did your vision begin? How has it grown?
Michael Thomas: The vision for ConnectIDD was born out of a decade of fielding calls from families and organizations across the country asking for help. Some wanted to replicate our previous model in their community; others needed support to improve their programs. Today, ConnectIDD exists to answer that call. We provide whatever support is needed to help organizations better fulfill their mission and purpose.
What brought you to Asheville?
Though we’re based in North Texas, we chose Asheville because it felt like the perfect fit. This is one of the most inclusive communities in the country, and while the state provides decent support funding, there’s a major gap in service providers—especially in Western North Carolina. We saw an opportunity to bring our expertise where it’s truly needed and to help grow something meaningful.
Who are your key partners?
We work with a wide variety of partners—state agencies, service providers, cities, counties, businesses, and more. Anyone committed to making life better for people with disabilities is someone we want to collaborate with.
What has been your greatest challenge and victory?
The greatest challenge? Getting siloed systems—education, employment, healthcare, social services—to work together or even acknowledge how interconnected they are.
Our greatest victory came from our earlier work in North Texas: launching programs that shifted the expectations for adults with disabilities, ultimately leading to a $30 million capital campaign and the creation of the first continued education program for adults with IDD in the state.
What’s something most people don’t know about your organization?
We serve a wide range of clients—our partners range from organizations with $100K annual budgets to those operating at $60 million per year. We adapt to meet each client’s needs.
What advice would you give someone entering this field?
If something feels wrong, speak up. If you know it can be better, don’t be afraid to shout it from the rooftops. The only constant is change—get comfortable with it.
What does “community” mean to you?
Community is a place where everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and included—across all areas of life.
Anything else you’d like to share?
We’re on a mission to make Western North Carolina the best place in the world for people with disabilities and their families to live and thrive. If you’re connected to that goal in any way, we want to meet you.
Learn more about ConnectIDD at their website and connect with them on LinkedIn.