August 2, 2018 

When we remove barriers and create a more inclusive workplace, everyone wins.

This afternoon, Council heard a report on the first phase of the City’s partnership with Project SEARCH. Project SEARCH’s mission is to provide on-the-job experience to young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Nick launched our partnership with Project SEARCH in October 2017 with the creation of 5 internship positions in the Bureau of Environmental Services and the Water Bureau. The interns became valued members of the bureau teams and gained meaningful work experience.

Based on the success of the pilot program, and the City’s commitment to be a model employer, we are creating paid positions for qualified candidates, and hope to expand the partnership to other bureaus.

Special thanks to our outstanding interns, the staff and leadership at the Bureau of Environmental Services and the Portland Water Bureau, the Bureau of Human Resources, and Mer Stevens from Project SEARCH.

Media

Pilot Program in Portland Aims to Help People With Disabilities

Christine Pitawanich in KGW News