Events

Unlocking Potential: The Project SEARCH Talent Pool’s Competitive Advantage

Part of the Work Without Barriers event series for NDEAM 2025
October 14th, 2025, 1:00PM EST

In Ontario, nearly 1.9 million working-age adults have a disability, and the unemployment rate among this group is approximately 16% - more than double of individuals without disabilities. At the same time, employers across the province face persistent workforce challenges, from high turnover in essential roles to difficulty finding skilled, reliable candidates.

This gap represents a major opportunity for change.

Project SEARCH offers a proven, strategic solution that helps employers connect with an often-overlooked talent pool – while building stronger, more inclusive workplaces.

In this session, you’ll learn how the internationally successful Project SEARCH model gives Ontario businesses a competitive advantage by delivering access to a highly trained, job-ready group of youth who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With 27 active program sites across Ontario, Project SEARCH is helping employers address labour shortages – not just by filling roles, but by reshaping recruitment strategies for long-term success.

You’ll discover how Project SEARCH:

• Prepares candidates with job-specific training through immersive workplace internships.
• Reduces turnover by connecting employers with dependable, well-prepared candidates and effective employment support services.
• Aligns with inclusive hiring goals and builds a more resilient, future-ready workforce

By engaging with the Project SEARCH talent pool, your organization can strengthen its workforce, foster inclusive communities, and lead the way in breaking down employment barriers.

Closed captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided.

Join us to discover how unlocking untapped talent can help drive your business forward.