October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognizing the many talents and contributions of individuals with disabilities and focusing on advancing access and equity. Les Fleming’s career journey showcases the possibilities that arise from genuine opportunity.

Having dedicated nearly two decades to a labor-intensive role at a transportation company, he found himself at a career crossroads. The years were taking a toll, with the demands of the job becoming increasingly physical. Fleming yearned for an office job. His social worker told him about Albertina Kerr's Project SEARCH program. "They helped me start a new chapter of life," he says.

In July, he completed a fully integrated internship through Kerr's Project SEARCH, emerging with a new skill set ranging from data entry to customer service. More than skills, Fleming says, he gained confidence.

Kerr's Project SEARCH, a nationally acclaimed nine-month internship program, challenges the conventional workforce by training and integrating adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Fleming and seven other interns rotated through all four divisions of Multnomah County's Division of County Services, learning competitive, transferrable, and marketable job skills. "These interns don't just meet expectations but frequently exceed them," says Ellie Martin, program supervisor, Multnomah County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Division.

According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, people with I/DD have historically encountered higher unemployment rates than the general population. "Many businesses are facing staffing issues," Martin says. "Adults with I/DD want to work; they want to contribute. Investing in them adds value to the entire organization."

Allison Stark, CEO of Albertina Kerr, sheds light on the broader challenge: "The national unemployment rate for individuals with I/DD is over twice the national average than for those without disabilities. This statistic presents an opportunity for the business community - an untapped talent pool."

Past participants and their families sing praises for the program. Pete Danner, parent of a former intern, says, "Everyone needs mentors - that person who guides and supports you no matter who you are. For my daughter, Sarah, that was incredibly helpful.” Similarly, reflecting on her son David's participation, Barbara Leeming says, "The real richness was in the relationships he developed and how the program discerned his special quality of empathy."

"Project SEARCH is propelling futures, nurturing both interns and host businesses," says Stark. "The rewards are substantial: an unwavering dedication to inclusive, ethical business practices while establishing a valuable talent pipeline. Yet, the most remarkable reward is witnessing the profound transformation experienced by the interns and staff they work alongside."

Kerr provides host businesses with onsite skills trainers and management staff as liaisons to assist in creating program goals, training, onsite support, and consistent coordination and communication between staff and interns. All these supports ensure the internship benefits both the participants and the business.

As one of the largest and oldest nonprofit human services providers in the Pacific Northwest, Albertina Kerr empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health challenges to lead self­-determined lives in their communities.