Type of service: Employment services

Project SEARCH is a transition programme for individuals between 16 and 24 with disabilities providing preparation for employment. The model was developed in Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in 1996 and has since seen worldwide recognition. It is now expanding across Scotland with strong backing from the Scottish Government and sponsorship from The Scottish Consortium for Learning Disabilities. The first site in Scotland gained 100% success of moving individuals into mainstream employment. Project SEARCH is a full academic year long programme, which is delivered in partnership with a supported employment provider, a host employer and an educator.

Through this approach, participants are supported to complete three internships (or placements) with their host employer on a full time basis over the year, experiencing over 800 hours of practical work based learning. Through this work experience, they are supported to achieve vocational qualifications. At the end of the year, they are supported to source and sustain paid employment. The Edinburgh Project SEARCH is a partnership between The City of Edinburgh Council (host employer), Intowork (supported employment provider), Edinburgh College (educational provider), NHS Lothian, Autism Initiatives and The Edinburgh Guarantee.

During the first year the project only offer places to people on the autism spectrum. From the second year it will open up to be a pan-disability service..

If you would like more information about delivering Project SEARCH in your area please contact Maura Lynch on maura.l@scld.co.uk or 0141 559 5720

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Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult

Gender: All genders

Covers: City of Edinburgh

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific