We’re learning about Project SEARCH which helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities transition from school to work. The one-year program’s primary objective is to help recent grads develop life and work skills appropriate for competitive employment. Project SEARCH was first developed 20 years ago at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and is now at more than 300 sites across the U.S. and around the world, including here in Southwest Florida at HealthPark Medical Center, and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
We’re joined by Meghan Daley, Project SEARCH Program Coordinator for Lee Health; Colleen Tenfelde, Project SEARCH Teacher from The School District of Lee County Exceptional Student Education Department; Ethan Rodriguez, Project SEARCH Intern; and Renee Sluzalis, Regional Director of the Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast.
