An information session about a program to prepare young adults with special needs and disabilities to enter the workforce will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Abilis offices at 50 Glenville St. in Greenwich.
Photo from Abilis
This event is for individuals and families interested in learning more about the Project SEARCH internship program that leads to competitive employment.
— an announcement from Abilis
The event is organized by Project SEARCH and sponsored by Abilis, a Greenwich-based nonprofit organization that provides services and support to more than 700 individuals with special needs and their families, in partnership with Greenwich Hospital.
This event is for individuals and families interested in learning more about the Project SEARCH internship program that leads to competitive employment. This event is free and open to the public with advance registration at abilis.us/calendar.
Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship program for students with disabilities, from 18 to 30 years old, who seek competitive employment. The program takes place at Greenwich Hospital where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process, as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills.
Photo from Abilis
Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship program for students with disabilities, between the ages of 18-30, who seek competitive employment. The program takes place at Greenwich Hospital where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process, as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills.
Students participate in three, unpaid internships and explore a variety of career paths. Along the way, the interns increase their independence, self-confidence and self-esteem.
Interns work with a team that includes their family, their Project SEARCH instructor, an Abilis job coach/developer and a Greenwich Hospital mentor. The interns begin their day learning employability skills in a classroom at Greenwich Hospital.
After this classroom portion of the day, the interns move to their internship where they are taught distinct skills and receive feedback about their skill development. At the end of the day, the interns return to the classroom to reflect on their day, discuss challenges and evaluate progress.
With the help of Abilis and the Project Search team, interns utilize the skills they have learned to achieve competitive employment in the community.
Eligibility Criteria
• 18-30 year’s old
• Diagnosed with a Developmental Disability
• Eligible for Dept. of Developmental Disabilities or willing to pay privately
About Abilis and Project Search
Abilis is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports more than 700 individuals with special needs and their families from birth throughout their lives.
Abilis has been a leader in serving the special needs community in Fairfield County in towns including, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport, Weston and Wilton, and has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high quality care. For more information, visit the Abilis website, or Abilis on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram.
Project SEARCH, developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, is a business-led, one-year work-preparation program for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Most participants are enrolled while transitioning from high school to work. The hallmark of Project SEARCH is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training.
Project SEARCH’s primary objective is to secure competitive employment for every program participant.