Project SEARCH Internship

About this Project SEARCH Internship

Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship program for people with disabilities. It is for those between the ages of 18-30 including transitioning high school students, who seek competitive employment. The Project SEARCH internships with Abilis run in two locations: one internship program at Greenwich Hospital and one internship program at the Darien YMCA.

At the Darien YMCA Abilis Project SEARCH Internship, interns rotate in different departments including facilities, wellness, childcare, marketing and membership.

In these programs, total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process, as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills. For instance, interns 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 preparing them for future employment. To assist them, Interns work with a team that includes their family, their Project SEARCH instructor, an Abilis job coach/developer and a business mentor.

Project SEARCH is a collaboration between Abilis, Greenwich Hospital, Darien YMCA, various local school districts, and the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services.

Who is eligible for a this Internship?

First, to be eligible for Project SEARCH, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and have a developmental disability. Second, they must be eligible for development or disabilities services, and want to work competitively. Lastly, if the young adult is currently a high school student, a recommendation is required by their school district.

For other young adults, tuition is paid by the Department of Developmental Resources (for those eligible) or a family may choose to pay privately. The Greenwich Hospital Project SEARCH program starts September 2022; the Darien YMCA program starts January 2023. Registration is required for our information session.