FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2019
The Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) partners to bring international Project SEARCH model to Toronto
The Cincinnati-born transition-to-work model for students with developmental disabilities is being implemented in Ontario for the first time
On June 18, 2019 ODEN celebrated the launch of Project SEARCH in Toronto, an international, transition-to-work program for youth who have an intellectual disability. Beginning this September ten carefully selected high school students in their final year, from across Toronto, will participate to gain the marketable skills needed for employment. The Project SEARCH model has been implemented across 600+ sites worldwide and upon completion, over 75 percent of the students find gainful employment within a year of graduation.
Project SEARCH is powered by partnerships. The Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) and United Way Greater Toronto have been instrumental in mobilizing funding and community support, in partnership with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and UHN Toronto Rehab, Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Community Living Toronto.
The Project SEARCH program model was introduced to Ontario 18 months ago, as an innovative best practice by the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN). "After convening champions from private and public sector and securing the community support funds from United Way of Greater Toronto, we are thrilled at the commitment and partnership that has brought Project SEARCH Toronto to life" said Jeannette Campbell, CEO of ODEN.
Students will spend 10 months studying and working in non-clinical roles at the two hospitals. A typical day begins and ends with classroom instruction, led by Toronto District School Board (TDSB) teacher Lisa Cunha de Freitas, at UHN Toronto Rehab’s Rumsey-Neuro Centre. Topics focus on life skills that will help make students successful in the work place, such as money management and building interprofessional skills. Students are supported at their work placements by job and skills developers from Community Living Toronto. After graduation, Community Living Toronto provides personalized employment support to assist student to secure quality jobs.
“Together with Toronto Rehab, Holland Bloorview looks forward to co-hosting the first ever Project SEARCH cohort in Toronto,” said Meenu Sikand, executive lead, equity, diversity and inclusion, Holland Bloorview.” Susan Jewell, senior vice president and executive lead, Toronto Rehab, noted, “Participating in Project SEARCH feels like a natural extension for us at Toronto Rehab. We feel privileged to help youth with disabilities develop the skills and confidence they need to compete in today’s job market.”
Contact:
Jeannette Campbell, CEO
Ontario Disability Employment Network
jcampbell@odenetwork.com
1-866-280-6336 Ext. 101