This September, Atlantic General Hospital will train their first class of Project SEARCH interns. This group of interns is made up of individuals striving to overcome a developmental disability. You’re probably asking yourself…
What is Project SEARCH?
Project SEARCH is a high school transition program with more than 500 locations in the U.S. and 10 other countries. Their purpose is to secure competitive employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their tagline reads, “Preparing young people with significant disabilities for success in integrated, competitive employment.”
Originally, the program was developed in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, a center that focused on fostering ‘visionary thinking and innovation.’ Erin Riehle, the Director of Cincinnati Children’s Emergency Department at that time, felt that if the hospital served people with developmental disabilities, they should be hiring them, too. She brought her ideas to Susie Rutkowski, the Special Education Director at Great Oaks Career Campus at the time. Together, they began Project SEARCH.
Kickoff Celebration
The Atlantic General Hospital will host a Kickoff Celebration with festivities to give interns, hospital staff, and community partners the opportunity to meet one another before the program begins. This is a very important, special occasion for the entire region, being that it’s the first Project SEARCH program on the Eastern Shore.
Who?
Representatives from Atlantic General Hospital and its Project SEARCH Partners – Worcester County Public Schools, the Worcester County Developmental Center, and Maryland Department of Education’s Division of Rehabilitation Services – as well as other community agencies, elected officials and Carol Beatty, the Maryland Secretary of Disabilities.
Where?
Atlantic General Hospital Cafe
9733 Healthway Drive
Berlin, MD 21811
When?
Thursday, August 16th from 4-6 pm. (RSVP by noon on Aug. 16th to Sarah Yonker at syonker@atlanticgeneral.org)
