LIFE SERVICES
Project SEARCH
An internship program for young adults with developmental disabilities.
The Project SEARCH Training Program
The Project SEARCH Training Program is a nine-month internship program for young adults with developmental disabilities. It is targeted at individuals whose goal is competitive employment.
The Project SEARCH programs with Abilis are held in partnership with Greenwich Hospital and Stamford Health with hospital-related jobs, and with the Darien YMCA in many different departments in the facility, including the childcare center.
Licensed Program
This best practice, licensed program follows a specific curriculum offering total immersion in the workplace while ensuring the acquisition of employable and marketable work skills. Interns participate in the three unpaid internships throughout the program and explore a variety of career paths.
Throughout the program, interns develop skills, and increase their independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem which prepares them for future employment.
Project SEARCH is a collaboration among Abilis, Greenwich Hospital, Stamford Health, the Darien YMCA, and the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services.
A day in the life of a
Project SEARCH Intern
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8:45 AM - 9:15 AM
Arrive at program site and transition from classroom to internship department
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9:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Working onsite in their internship department
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12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Enjoy lunch
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12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Continue working onsite in their internship department
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2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Learning in the classroom with their instructor
Greenwich Hospital intern, Brayden Hone
An Ideal Project SEARCH Candidate
An ideal Project SEARCH candidate is an individual who is looking to expand their employment and life skills as they transition into young adulthood. Individuals who participate in Project SEARCH should understand that they are expected to work a part-time or full-time job upon graduation.
Project SEARCH Success
Interns who have graduated from Abilis' Project SEARCH programs in the past are working either part or full-time jobs in industries that fit their lifestyle needs and career interests. Previous interns have secured jobs at places such as the Bruce Museum, Maritime Center, Something Natural, the Greenwich Hospital, ACME, The Greenwich Country Club, Darien YMCA, Masthead, Library Cafes in Greenwich and Darien, Whole Foods, and TJ Maxx.
Stamford Health and Darien YMCA Projects SEARCH Interns
Greenwich Hospital
Project SEARCH Interns
Questions & Answers
To be eligible for Project SEARCH, a person must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and eligible for Development of Disabilities Services or willing to pay privately.
Applications are available online by registering with this Intern Application (English) form -and- Intern Application (Spanish) form. You can also contact the program manager, Maddy Schulte, for a hard copy of the application.
The Project SEARCH team accepts applications year-round with a deadline in May for the following September and October programs.