University engages young adults with disabilities in career exploration and development program.

A new program developed at the George Washington University is helping young adults with disabilities transition from education to employment.
“Statistically, we know that individuals with disabilities are at greater risk for unemployment than the general population, and this is especially true in D.C.,” Professor of Special Education and Disability Studies Juliana Taymans said. “Project SEARCH provides youth and young adults with disabilities with the tools to explore their career interests and develop job skills.”
The national employment preparation program has engaged 11 D.C. residents with disabilities in an 11-month program that follows them from first day workplace jitters to the feeling of a job well done and, hopefully, regular employment.
Project SEARCH was established with funding from the D.C. Department of Disability Services and developed in partnership with the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Goodwill of Greater Washington and Project SEARCH national.
The employment transition program is a campus-wide collaboration between the Graduate School of Education and Human Development, the Office of Academic Planning and Assessment, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Academic Technologies and University Human Resources.