UCP Hosts Zoom Info Sessions for Internship Program at Backus Hospital for Young Adults with Disabilities

Norwich, CT: United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut (UCP) is hosting virtual information sessions February through April to provide details about its acclaimed Project SEARCH internship program. The nine-month program prepares young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) for competitive employment.

Sessions are offered February 4 & 18; March 4 & 18; April 1 & 15 on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. Interested individuals and families are encouraged to register and attend a session to learn more about program details, eligibility requirements and the application process. The Transition to Work Program at Backus Hospital starts September 2026. The application deadline is April 10, 2026.
This innovative program is a collaboration between Project SEARCH, UCP, Hartford HealthCare's Backus Hospital in Norwich and the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

"Project SEARCH is truly a game-changer for individuals with disabilities seeking meaningful employment," said Jennifer Keatley, Executive Director of UCP. "Through on-site job training at Backus Hospital, our interns gain vital workplace skills, confidence and experience that make them highly competitive candidates.”

Everyone gains, which is why UCP wants to spread the word. Young adults with disabilities find gainful employment at competitive wages. They also make vital social and business connections. Employers diversify their workforces and fill jobs that are often high turnover position.

Donna Handley, East Region President at Backus Hospital, shared her perspective: “We’re challenged to fill frontline positions. Our partnership with UCP has introduced us to eager, capable interns who are excited to learn. They’ve had the opportunity to explore multiple roles within the Hartford HealthCare system, finding what really matters to them. They have brought joy to our organization…they're excited, they're happy to do what they're doing, and it brings meaning to their lives, as well as ours.”

Program Highlights

The goal of the program is sustainable, competitive, integrated employment after program completion. The program’s structure includes internship rotations across various departments at Backus Hospital, such as food and nutrition services, environmental services and escort office. The curriculum includes employability skills training, job discovery, self-awareness, and life skills development. Another unique aspect of the program is that it’s fully hosted at Backus Hospital for total workplace immersion.

“Project SEARCH has a proven track record of success—85% of graduates secure competitive employment,” said Christine Olbrys, Associate Executive Director at UCP. “This program is life changing. Two of our Project SEARCH interns were hired by Hartford HealthCare in 2025. ”

Eligibility Requirements
· Young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
· High school students with I/DD in their last year of high school.
· Age 18 – 35 (some flexibility on age).
· The most important criterion for acceptance is a desire to achieve competitive employment.

* Funding from school, family or state agency such as DDS.

To register for a zoom info session, visit:
https://ucpect-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/JD2Bgv4CQoW8tyJPVvDWqA#/registration
For questions about this unique program: Contact Christine Olbrys, 860.288.9526, colbrys@ucpect.org
To apply for an internship program, visit: https://ucpect.org/programs/employment-project-search/

About United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT:
UCP of Eastern Connecticut is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities. With a strong belief in inclusivity and empowerment, UCP of Eastern CT provides a variety of services and programs that help individuals with disabilities reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives at home, in school and at work.