There is a great program currently available in our area to help students with disabilities transition from the end of their schooling to employment.  This program, Project SEARCH, began in 1996 in Cincinnati when an Emergency Room Director facing a high turnover rate had the idea to see if young adults with disabilities could fill the open entry-level positions.  The successful model has now grown into over 200 different programs.
Project SEARCH is offered through ESU 6 for students with disabilities ages 18-21 who meet eligibility guidelines and are accepted into the program after applying. Â It provides them with opportunities to work at three unpaid internships with continual feedback throughout the school year. Â The program begins with an orientation to build employment skills and identify possible jobs based on the interests and abilities of the individual. Â Students work at each internship for 10 weeks where they build specific job skills, social skills, and learn to exercise responsibility. Â At the end of the internship, the student must also give a two weeks notice and write a thank-you letter. Â The ultimate goal is that the student uses their acquired skills to attain employment somewhere at the completion of the program. Â Organizations that are involved with Project SEARCH include: York General Health Care Services, ESU 6, Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Health and Human Services Developmental Disabilities, and Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership.
For more information or questions about the program, contact Nichole Wetjen, Educational Service Unit 6, at nwetjen@esu6.net.
