I had the honor of speaking at the Project SEARCH graduation held on the campus of AHN St. Vincent Hospital this week. 

Local sponsors of Project SEARCH include AHN St. Vincent Hospital, the Erie School District, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Erie County Department of Human Services and Barber National Institute.  

Project SEARCH began over 25 years ago at Children’s Hospital in Cincinatti. It was designed to help students with disabilities in their final year of school transition to work.  Students attend the program for a full school year at the host business (AHN St Vincent) where they become familiar with the culture of the organization, the various job opportunities available and work as a contributing team member. Students receive hands on training through worksite rotations, supportive job coaching and individualized career exploration.  Through this training, they can build their communication, problem-solving, technology and team-building skills which will help them secure employment upon graduation.  

Project SEARCH is a win for employers too. They can achieve a diverse and inclusive work culture where people of different backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas are given the opportunity to learn and grow within their career path.  Much has been written about the many, many benefits of employing persons with disabilities. We do know that organizations whose workforce reflects the diversity within their community are resilient, innovative, and adaptable.   

When Dr. Barber established the Barber Center over 70 years ago, it was with the goal that all people would become active participants in their community and be treated as valued contributors. It was a dream at that time.  Today, Project SEARCH makes that dream a reality.