UCP's Internship Program at Backus Hospital Provides Job Training for Young Adults with Disabilities

Norwich, CT – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Eastern Connecticut, in partnership with Hartford HealthCare’s Backus Hospital and the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS), proudly announces the graduation of its 2025 Project SEARCH interns. This internationally recognized, 9-month internship program equips young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) with the skills and experience needed for sustainable, competitive, integrated employment.

Hosted entirely on-site at Backus Hospital, the program offers total workplace immersion. Interns complete multiple rotations in hospital departments including food and nutrition, the gift shop, and patient transport. In addition to hands-on job training, participants engage in classroom instruction focused on employability skills, job discovery and life skills development.

“Project SEARCH has a proven track record of success—85% of graduates secure competitive employment,” said Christine Olbrys, Associate Executive Director at UCP. “This program is life changing. Two of our interns have already been hired by Hartford HealthCare. ”

JT Carlin, from East Lyme was hired as an Information Desk Receptionist and Sharod Washington, from Willimantic will work as an Environmental Services Associate. At the graduation ceremony, JT thanked his trainers and mentors, “I want to thank them for providing me the best 9 months of my life.”

“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 skills, confidence, and experience that make them strong candidates in today’s job market. Programs like this are more important now than ever.”

Everyone gains from this unique program. Young adults with disabilities find gainful employment at competitive wages. They also make new friendships and vital business connections. Employers benefit from a more diverse workforce and improved retention in high-turnover positions.

Donna Handley, East Region President at Backus Hospital, shared her perspective: “We’re challenged to fill frontline positions, and this partnership with UCP has introduced us to eager, capable interns who are excited to learn. They’ve had the opportunity to explore multiple roles within the Hartford HealthCare system, finding what really matters to them. They have brought joy to our organization…they're excited, they're happy to do what they're doing, and it brings meaning to their lives, as well as ours.”

The most important criterion for acceptance into Project SEARCH is a desire to achieve competitive employment. Other eligibility requirements include — young people (age 18 to 35) with intellectual and developmental disabilities and high school students with I/DD in their last year of high school. Funding from school, family or state agencies such as DDS is also required.

Hartford Healthcare is enthusiastic about welcoming the next cohort of interns. Handley added, “This first class of graduates has made such an impression on our organization. We’re genuinely excited to welcome the second class of students from Project SEARCH this fall.”

UCP is continuously recruiting for the program. To learn more about Project SEARCH or to apply for the next open registration period, visit: https://ucpect.org/programs/employment-project-search/

For more information, please contact: Christine Olbrys 860-288-9526, colbrys@ucpect.org

About UCP of Eastern Connecticut

UCP of Eastern Connecticut is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the independence 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 reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives at home, in school and at work.