10/06/2026
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates the positive contributions people with disabilities make to the American workforce. This year, IATP is spotlighting Project SEARCH. This program offers education and training to young adults with intellectual disabilities through a career development model that supports participants, workplaces, and the community.
Project SEARCH is a partnership between Springfield Public Schools District 186, Memorial Health, SPARC, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. The program serves District 186 students with disabilities ages 18–21 who have completed their high school graduation requirements and are preparing to transition from school into the workforce.
Since its launch, the program has provided students with meaningful opportunities to learn and develop skills in real-world workplace settings. Through a combination of classroom instruction, career development, and hands-on internships, Project SEARCH supports students as they explore career interests, develop workplace skills, build confidence, and prepare for employment. The program also supports participating workplaces and helps strengthen connections between students, employers, and the community.
Project SEARCH is one example of what can happen when schools, employers, and community partners work together to create meaningful pathways for young adults transitioning from high school into the workforce.
For more information about Project SEARCH, join them for an in-person info night on Wednesday, December 9th from 5 to 7 pm at the Memorial Learning Center Auditorium. Pizza and drinks will be provided. To RSVP, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHwQ2pqA4sGJTLM7gmlAszb5lFQ3-NwFfi9oindCkJ1fHDqw/viewform
Can’t make it in person? Join them virtually from 5 to 7 pm on Tuesday, December 15th at https://meet.google.com/hze-ofsv-jwi?pli=1 or on Thursday, January 14th from 5 to 7 pm at https://meet.google.com/vev-jeti-dfv