Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a nationally and internationally recognized program that prepares young people and adults with significant disabilities for success in competitive integrated employment. Worldwide, there are over 600 Project SEARCH program sites, representing 43 states and 4 countries.  Adult Project SEARCH is a unique business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the host business.  Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations.  The program culminates in individualized job development.

Following the core model, fidelity is a required component of the program.  All elements of the program are provided to the Community Rehabilitation Provider.  This includes extensive evidence-based material such as classroom curriculum, assessments, and program timelines with outcome measures that are based on a rigorous definition of competitive employment that includes the following criteria:

• Competitive employment in an integrated setting (i.e. among co-workers with and without disabilities)
• Year-round, non-seasonal employment
• 16 hours/week or more
• Prevailing wage

APRI has 60 years of experience helping people to identify and overcome significant obstacles and realize their dreams related to employment, which often provides the foundation to bigger dreams.  APRI has been a proud Real Jobs partner since 2017.  Our Rhode MAP (Maximizing Accessibility & Possibility) program has demonstrated an 80% employment rate for participants in this customer service partnership.

AccessPoint RI believes that all Rhode Islanders, no matter their present circumstance, can access and rise up the career ladder to improve their economic condition. Project SEARCH will allow us to focus on individuals who need a different type of “map”, those who may need more intensive training and support.