July 26 is National Disability Independence Day, celebrating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. In honor of this day and all it represents for inclusivity, we are spotlighting Project SEARCH Graduate, Miguel Simmons, who has found his place at NGHS as a dedicated café worker.
Miguel's story is one of determination, growth and heart. Over his year in Project SEARCH, he learned essential skills like time management, independence, and asking questions. Before landing his current role, he excelled in his three rotations — in registration to interventional radiology to the outpatient lab — gaining confidence, learning new skills and making numerous friends along the way.
The best part for Miguel? The connections he's made. With his special knack for remembering names, Miguel has become a beloved member of NGHS.
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Project SEARCH is a unique one-year business-led transition program designed for interns with mild exceptionalities. This program targets students whose main goal is employment and who will benefit from career exploration. The cornerstone of the academic year program is an immersion into NGMC. The students learn job skills while participating in a variety of worksite rotations. Each experience prepares the student with essential job-specific skills needed to gain and maintain meaningful employment. Individualized job development and placement occur based on the student’s experience, strengths, and skills. Through program support with necessary accommodations, adaptations, and on-the-job coaching, students can earn three elective credits per semester for successful completion of Project SEARCH.