A Visit to Pembroke: Building the Future of Project SEARCH in Ottawa
Looking for Project SEARCH Ottawa details and registration forms? Visit the official website!
On Thursday, April 9, a group of partners from across Ottawa came together for a meaningful and inspiring site visit to Pembroke Regional Hospital, home to one of Eastern Ontario’s leading Project SEARCH programs.
Representing LiveWorkPlay, Julie Kingstone and Joshua Gray were joined by Stephanie King from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), along with Lucie Zabchuk and Jewelle Crocker from The Ottawa Hospital’s Volunteer Resources team. The purpose of the visit was clear: to learn firsthand what it takes to build a successful Project SEARCH site as Ottawa partners prepare to launch their own program in September 2026.
At Pembroke Regional Hospital, the group was warmly welcomed by Bailey Kehoe, Manager of Human Resources, Sara Ward from the Renfrew County District School Board, and Jenn Hawes, Skills Trainer with Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley. Together, these leaders demonstrated the strength of collaboration required to make Project SEARCH successful.
The visit included a tour of the hospital and an opportunity to see internships in action. The group met several interns currently participating in the program, each gaining valuable, hands-on experience in real workplace settings. These internships are not simulations. They are embedded roles within the hospital, where interns contribute meaningfully while developing transferable skills for future employment.
Project SEARCH is an internationally recognized transition-to-work program designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It typically runs over the course of a full school year and combines classroom instruction with three rotating workplace internships. Interns spend approximately 38 weeks on-site, supported by a dedicated team that includes a teacher, a Skills Trainer, and workplace mentors.
The goal is simple but powerful. It is to prepare participants for competitive, integrated employment by building skills, confidence, and independence in real-world environments.
During the visit, Ottawa partners had the opportunity to explore the key components required to bring this model to life. Conversations focused on the roles of each partner, including the school board’s responsibility for classroom instruction, the host employer’s role in providing meaningful internship opportunities, and the critical support provided by Skills Trainers. These professionals work alongside interns daily to develop individualized work plans and ensure success on the job.
The importance of structured skill development was also evident. From early onboarding activities such as navigating the hospital and learning workplace expectations, to practicing communication and safety skills, the program is carefully designed to build competence step by step before interns fully engage in their placements.
What stood out most throughout the day was the sense of possibility. Interns were not only learning. They were contributing, connecting, and demonstrating what inclusive employment can look like in practice. The collaboration between education, healthcare, and community partners was seamless and intentional, offering a clear blueprint for success.
As Ottawa moves toward launching its own Project SEARCH program, bringing together OCDSB, The Ottawa Hospital, and LiveWorkPlay, this visit provided both inspiration and practical insight. It reinforced what is possible when partners align around a shared vision to create pathways to meaningful employment for people with disabilities.
The Pembroke visit was more than a tour. It was a catalyst. For Ottawa, it marks an exciting step toward making inclusive employment a reality for more people in our community.
Looking for Project SEARCH Ottawa details and registration forms? Visit the official website!