Four New Florida Project SEARCH Programs

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc, National Project SEARCH, RESPECT of Florida, and the Florida Department of Education – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are pleased to announce the implementation of four Florida Project SEARCH Adult models.

The FDDC entered into a contract with RESPECT of Florida to identify four Employment Centers that would partner with Project SEARCH and the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to serve the first adult cohorts in January of 2022. RESPECT of Florida has a long history of providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work on state contracts that provide a wide variety of commodities and services and has recently funded multiple microenterprises to assist individuals with developing their own businesses. The Employment Centers identified for implementing the Florida Project SEARCH Adult Model are:


The FDDC also entered into an agreement with the international, award-winning, National Project SEARCH program for program licensure, training, and technical assistance. Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is targeted for individuals whose goal is competitive employment. The program takes place in a quality healthcare, hospitality, or other large business setting where total immersion in the workplace facilitates a learning-lab environment. The interns will acquire marketable work skills through their participation in three different 10-week internships, accompanied by a daily employability skills curriculum to reinforce critical competitive skills. The interns work with a team that includes their families, an instructor, a skills trainer, and local and state agencies to create and reach their employment goals.


The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc, National Project SEARCH, RESPECT of Florida, and the Florida Department of Education – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.