ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Finding a job can be challenging all around, from the application process, rounds of interviews to nailing down that offer. For adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, this challenge can be even greater.

According to studies cited by the Center for Research on Disability, “people with physical mobility, learning-related, or psychological imitations experience significantly more employment barriers than people with vision or hearing limitations, compared to those with no disabilities.”

The Arc of North Carolina is trying to dismantle many of these barriers. Part of a larger, nationwide network of organizations, The Arc of NC “promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” One way it tries to achieve this is through Project SEARCH, a program that offers nine months of real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills.

The Arc’s local chapter in Asheville is accepting applications for the 2024-25 Biltmore Estate Project SEARCH program. As a collaboration with Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) and Biltmore, A-B Tech provides classroom instruction where interns (adults 18-35 years old) learn valuable skills such as workplace safety, teamwork, effective communication, and job-specific competencies. At Biltmore Estate, interns rotate through various departments, including hospitality, horticulture, retail and operations so they’re exposed to a wide variety of opportunities for professional growth.

Tim Blekicki is the assistant regional director with The Arc of NC’s Asheville chapter. He said the Asheville chapter is one of five local chapters in the state, and, it’s not to be confused with The Arc of Buncombe County. He said all are their own, separate nonprofit organizations, all under the umbrella of The Arc of the U.S. and they all share the branding and mission of the larger Arc organization.

Finding solutions: How Project SEARCH began

Blekicki said Project SEARCH started in 1996 at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. A worker at the hospital said he couldn’t find anyone to fill entry-level positions. Meanwhile, an exceptional children’s teacher at a local high school was lamenting that he couldn’t find entry-level positions for his graduates. Thus, a partnership began.

“Light bulbs went off,” Blekicki described. “Like, we are the answer to each other’s questions.”

Almost 30 years later, Blekicki said Project SEARCH stretches to around 15 countries with 700 programs. Many of these programs seek high school graduates. The Asheville chapter of the Arc focuses on adults due to an assessment done around 2014 when they were first building the program locally. The assessment found a number of people moving to Western North Carolina had adult children with disabilities.

Blekicki said Project SEARCH aims to unravel generations of harmful standards and societal norms that once discouraged adults with disabilities from finding fulfilling careers.

“We’re just a generation removed from those folks being told very early on, ‘yeah, they’re going to end up in an institution,’” Blekicki said.

Practical skills: What interns learn during Project SEARCH

During the nine-month program, interns learn skills for best success in the employment world that they may not have learned earlier. Blekicki said he tells job coaches during the program, “your job is literally to write down the unwritten rules of employment. You know, don’t put your feet on your desk, knock on your boss’ door before you walk in. No, don’t text your boss like you text your friend.”

He added that the program isn’t one-size-fits-all, but rather filled with aspirational goals.

“It is a nine-month-long opportunity to discover what you want to do and it’s not necessarily what you want to do for the rest of your life, but it’s what you want to do as a young adult,” he said.

He added that the program tries its best to pair interns with their strengths for best success.

“If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree you’re always going to be disappointed,” he said.

Life after Project SEARCH

The wide variety of duties can help some interns discover their passions during the nine-month program, while others might go into the program with specific goals in mind.

One shining example from the program is an intern named Sam who said he was interested in beer and the brewing industry. Pairing him with the closest thing, during his nine months in the program Sam worked in various locations of Biltmore’s winery, from front-end retail to back-end warehouse, cleaning wine barrels. Sam excelled in all areas and Biltmore hired him once his internship was done.

Since the program began, 87 percent of participants have secured competitive employment following their internship.

There are 12 spots in the program and applications will be accepted through August, although Blekicki said they can be a little flexible on this. Potential candidates should be between 18-35 years old and have a documented intellectual or developmental disability. They must also have completed high school, have reliable daily transportation and be eager to transition to a work environment.

For more information or to request an application, contact Tim Blekicki at tblekicki@arcnc.org or at 828-674-8957.

CLICK HERE to learn more about The Arc of NC and Project SEARCH.