Our Services
Community Education
Project SEARCH is a national employment and high school transition program for adults with developmental disabilities to receive on the job training and support which helps them be successful in their jobs. The program originated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital over a decade ago. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital became a partner of Project SEARCH in August of 2007. Through Project SEARCH, the students apply and interview for three 12 week internships during the school year to help them gain valuable work skills and start building their resume.
The High School Transition Program is a one-year educational program for students with disabilities in their last year of high school. It is targeted for students whose main goal is competitive employment. The program takes place in a healthcare or business setting where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process through continuous feedback and application of new skills.
A typical school day includes:
- Classroom instruction in employability and independent living skills
- Participation at one or more worksite rotations
- Lunch with peers and co-workers
- Feedback from the instructor
Individualized job development and placement begins after the rotations are completed. Students are given support through on-the-job coaching and work site accommodations with the ultimate goal of independence.
Students are currently completing internships at the following sites:
- General Services
- Nursing, 3rd & 5th floors, East and West units
- The Print Shop & Materials Management
- Recycling
- 16th Ave Station
- Children’s Village
- Garden Village
Adults with developmental disabilities who are employed by Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital can also receive support and training services through the Project SEARCH staff.
To find out more about Project SEARCH at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, email Rachel Bonner, Project SEARCH Coordinator at rachel.bonner@yvmh.org
