UCP Info Session 3.13, Internships for Individuals with Disabilities

Norwich, CT – March 7: United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut (UCP) is hosting an information session to provide details about its acclaimed Project SEARCH internship program. The nine-month program prepares young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) for competitive employment.

The goal of the program is sustainable, competitive, integrated employment after program completion. The program’s structure includes several internship rotations across various departments at Backus Hospital, such as Patient Transport, Environmental Services, Food and Nutrition and Info Desk. The curriculum includes employability skills training, job discovery, self-awareness and life skills development. Another unique aspect of the program is that it’s fully hosted at Backus Hospital for total workplace immersion.

The following audiences are encouraged to attend:

· High school students or young adults with disabilities interested in developing skills for competitive, integrated employment.

· Parents, guardians, and caregivers who want to understand how the program will support their child’s transition into adulthood.

· Educators, school transition staff, or community agencies seeking information to refer students to the program.

· DDS case managers.

This innovative program is a collaboration between Project SEARCH, UCP of Eastern CT, Hartford HealthCare's Backus Hospital in Norwich and the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services.

This session will educate prospective interns for the next cohort that starts Sept 2025. Highlights include:

· Internship structure, rotations & daily skills training.

· Eligibility & application process.

· Benefits: independence, skill-building & career readiness.

· Program overview, expectations of interns, program outcomes.

· Get an opportunity to meet the UCP and Backus Project SEARCH staff.

"Project SEARCH is truly a game-changer for individuals with disabilities seeking meaningful employment," said Jennifer Keatley, Executive Director of UCP. "Through on-site job training at Backus Hospital, our interns gain vital workplace skills, confidence and experience that make them highly competitive candidates. We have room for six interns for our next cohort."

Everyone gains, which is why UCP wants to spread the word. Young adults with disabilities find gainful employment at competitive wages. They also make vital social and business connections. Employers diversify their workforces and fill jobs that are often high turnover positions.

Eligibility Requirements

· Young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

· High school students with I/DD in their last year of high school.

· Age 18 – 35 (some flexibility on age).

· The most important criterion for Project SEARCH acceptance is a desire to achieve competitive employment.

· Funding from school, family or state agency such as DDS.

"Project SEARCH has an exceptional track record of helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals," added Christine Olbrys, Associate Executive Director at UCP. “75% of Project SEARCH graduates find jobs.”

About United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT

UCP of Eastern Connecticut is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities. With a strong belief in inclusivity and empowerment, UCP of Eastern CT provides a variety of services and programs that help individuals with disabilities re

ach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives at home, in school and at work.

To learn more about this internship program or to apply for an internship program, visit: https://ucpect.org/programs/employment-project-search/

RSVP or Questions? Contact Christine Olbrys: colbrys@ucpect.org | 860-443-3800 ext. 125.

Click the QR Code to Apply for Project SEARCH.