Project SEARCH is an one-year transition-to-work program designed to provide young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the skills and experience necessary to achieve competitive, integrated employment.
Project SEARCH started in 1996 at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. A hospital director, Erin Riehle, wanted to hire people with developmental disabilities to fill open jobs. She teamed up with a special education director at Great Oaks Career Campuses, Susie Rutkowski, and together they created the program.The Project SEARCH program model was introduced in Ontario by the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN).
This program is a collaborative partnership between the YRDSB, YMCA, and March of Dimes. The program takes place primarily at the YMCA business site, providing hands-on learning through a series of internships. Participants gain valuable work experience, develop job skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Program Features
Classroom Instruction: Daily instruction from YRDSB staff focusing on employability skills
Internships: Three rotations in YMCA departments
Job Coaching: Real time job immersion experience supported by YRDSB staff
