Work and the Disabled -- They Become the Work-Able

(video from Daily Local News)

Project SEARCH, a program that teaches job skills to the disabled and also helps them get jobs, run in cooperation with Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, has graduated their first class this year.  Project Search is a countrywide program but Bryn Mawr Rehab is one of only two locations to offer the program for adults.

Project SEARCH at Bryn Mawr Rehab is currently underwritten mostly by philanthropic donations but it's success should attract aid from other funding sources.  Currently they receive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA.

The graduates from Project Search at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation not only have skills they often have JOBS!  Think what your life would be without the satisfaction your job brings to you.  Project SEARCH is teaching people to reach out and help themselves. It's making them ABLE. 

One of the biggest difficulties for the disabled is finding a full time job in the community they live in.  If they can be successfully integrated into the communities they live in they become not only happier and have a personal feeling of success but they may need fewer services that are underwritten by the state and federal government.  I'd rather see my tax dollars at work training people to WORK, than paying them to stay home. 

Interns may train for a variety of positions ranging from patient services, clerical positions, food service, environmental services, materials management, information services, support services and others.  Any classroom education takes place at Bryn Mawr Rehab, while the three internships they take part in may take place at Bryn Mawr Rehab or other Main Line Health locations. 

Students interested in this program should contact Bryn Mawr Rehab or their local office of Vocational Rehabilitation.  Applications previously were accepted in April so get a head start and make inquiries now to see if this program would help you.