// our model
Trust us to train and support.
Project SEARCH is a unique school-to-work training program. We empower youth who have disabilities to achieve their employment goals, training them for jobs that are in demand in the local labour market.
We enable and support employers to realize the benefits of a disability-inclusive workforce.
25+
years of success
// Our Story
Learn about our international, evidence-based model.
In 1996 emergency room director Erin Riehle developed Project SEARCH at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as a recruitment and retention strategy. She partnered with Susie Rutkowski, a special education director at a career training organization.
The Project SEARCH model immerses interns at a host business for 10 months of hands-on work experience combined with employability skills training and career planning.
The model is so successful for graduates and employers that it continues to spread.
- 750+ sites worldwide
- 30 Canadian sites in 2025/26
- 65-70% of Project SEARCH graduates worldwide get jobs after graduation each year compared to 27% Canadian employment rate of adults with severe disabilities who didn’t train with Project SEARCH
- 168 graduates hired in Canada (2020-2023)
- Graduates work an average of 21 hours/week at $18.70/hour (2023 statistics)
// How we work with you
Our “Realizing Employment Potential” strategy connects employers and talent.
1. Understand
Let’s meet to talk about your workforce needs and priorities.
We’ll introduce you to the potential of Project SEARCH.
2. Match
Job-ready candidates graduate every spring.
We’ll connect you.
3. Support
When you hire a Project SEARCH graduate, a local employment service provider supports you through recruitment, onboarding, training and retention.
// Our team
Meet our “Realizing Employment Potential” team.
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With the generous support of donors to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation:
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital acts as a coordinating organization for Project SEARCH in Ontario & Canada. We link existing Project SEARCH sites in a community of practice, help new communities explore the Project SEARCH model and engage in awareness building and knowledge mobilization initiatives.
- The Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) undertakes advocacy and communications activities to promote spread and sustainability of Project SEARCH in Ontario.
- Holland Bloorview and ODEN are co-leads in the 5-year Realizing Employment Potential strategy.
We gratefully acknowledge the leadership of members of our strategy’s Advisory Committee which includes Community Living Oakville, March of Dimes Canada and Norfolk Association for Community Living.