WATERLOO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
WCDSB Celebrates Expansion of Project SEARCH Program on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On December 4, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) joined partners Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH), Project SEARCH, and KW Habilitation to celebrate the launch of a new branch of the transformative Project SEARCH school-to-work program in Cambridge.

Originally introduced at St. Mary's General Hospital in 2024, Project SEARCH Waterloo Region is a dynamic collaboration between WCDSB, St. Mary's General Hospital, and KW Habilitation. The program is specifically designed for students with intellectual developmental disabilities in their final year of secondary school, offering a 10-month journey that combines work experience, employability and life skills training, and employment planning and support.

The success of the initiative was highlighted earlier this year when WCDSB proudly celebrated the graduation of its second cohort of Project SEARCH interns on June 25, 2024.

Now expanding to CMH, this life-changing program will offer students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on work experience. Over nine months, interns will rotate through various departments at the hospital, including Food Services, Housekeeping, Stores, Administration, Medical Day Clinic, and Diagnostic Imaging. Guided by dedicated mentors and trainers, the interns develop crucial skills and build confidence, equipping them for meaningful employment opportunities in the future.

"We are so impressed with the overall inclusive culture of Cambridge Memorial Hospital," said Rachel Agley, Project SEARCH Skills Trainer at KW Habilitation. "Project SEARCH has been widely accepted and has already made a great impact on our interns. We are so excited to see our interns grow and support them in finding employment in their community."

The WCDSB is proud to celebrate this milestone and the continued commitment of Project SEARCH to fostering inclusivity and opportunity for all students. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we honour the transformative power of partnerships and the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future for our students.