Project Search Toronto is a transition-to-work program for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, powered by partnerships between ODEN, Community Living Toronto, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Toronto Rehab-UHN, the Toronto District School Board and United Way Greater Toronto.
This school year, 10 TDSB students in their final year of high school had the opportunity to participate and gain marketable skills needed for employment through three interconnected co-op placements with one or both of the host businesses: Toronto Rehab-UHN and Holland Bloorview.
“We are so proud of the partnership and collaboration with our Project SEARCH partners and most importantly the students,” said Wendy Terro, TDSB Centrally Assigned Principal. “Students have excelled within their placements in reception and clerical, environmental services, food services and client registration and billing, accruing over 700 hours of hands-on work experience. We have an amazing cohort of students who are highly skilled and ready for employment.”
The Project SEARCH team has also worked hard to develop opportunities for students who are progressing well to do their third co-op placement “off site” with a potential employer. Two TDSB students started in April 2022!
“Students in these placements acquire skills, work experience and receive employment supports for a successful transition to work,” said TDSB Centrally Assigned Principal, Denise DePaola. “This experience can be life changing for students who traditionally face barriers to employment as they move into a post secondary workplace pathway.”
Congratulations to the 2021-22 cohort of Project SEARCH students! We look forward to continuing this partnership where TDSB students gain the skills needed for employment beyond high school.
Read what TDSB students had to say about Project SEARCH:
“It’s a good program because it offers job experience. The program helps you get a job and helps your quality of life.”
“I would like people to know the Project SEARCH Toronto is a great experience. I learn job skills and I like being exposed to different opportunities.”
“I learn new things every day with helpful people who will help me find a job.”
“It’s a welcoming environment.”