The Hanover & District Hospital is hosting a community networking event in Hanover, Ontario, on April 8, 2026, to show local businesses how they can help young adults with disabilities find steady jobs. The Business After 5 evening will focus on Project SEARCH, a school-to-work program that provides training and internships to help people enter the workforce. This initiative is designed for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities who want to start a career immediately after finishing school.
The program has a high success rate, with 65 to 70 percent of its graduates finding employment compared to only 30 percent of people with similar disabilities who do not have this training. Graduates typically work an average of 21 hours per week and earn about $18.70 per hour. The initiative is coordinated by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN).
From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the hospital at 90 7th Avenue, business owners can learn how to host interns in their own workplaces. The event will feature appetizers, a talk on inclusive hiring led by ODEN, and a chance to meet the current program interns and instructors. The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board and Bluewater District School Board help manage the local program, which treats the hospital as a real-world training ground for students.
Local leaders and business owners interested in attending the event must RSVP by March 30, 2026. Anyone wanting to join the networking session or learn more about hosting an intern can email Cindy at lyonsco.ca to secure a spot.
