St. Clair Catholic District School Board’s Project SEARCH interns recently took a significant step toward greater independence during a comprehensive session with Sarnia Transit. The interns received both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, learning to navigate the city bus system by traveling to various terminals and riding specific routes. This invaluable training equips adult learners with the skills and confidence needed to access reliable transportation, which is often a key factor in securing employment.
In addition to navigating routes, the interns learned essential bus-riding etiquette, including where to wait for the bus, how to board and disembark safely, and how to use the lost and found system. They were also shown how to read schedules and maps, use the Sarnia Transit website, and what to do when a stop is closed. Practical tips on paying fares were provided, including using smart cards, tickets, or cash. As part of the session, the students received preloaded smart cards with $6 credit to encourage independent travel.
“This experience has been a huge success for our interns,” said Kelly Goetz, Program Resource Teacher at St. Clair Catholic. “Learning to use the bus system is more than just a practical skill – it’s a boost in their confidence and independence, which will have a lasting impact as they move toward employment.”
The session presenters, Sarah McAllister, Administrative and Scheduling Clerk, and Sarnia Transit drivers Felicity Bazeley and Debbie Veenbaas, ensured the students were well-prepared to ride the city buses. They also highlighted Sarnia Transit’s role as a “safe haven” for passengers and mentioned plans to introduce new, including electric, buses to the fleet.
Navigating public transit ties directly to the mission of Project SEARCH, founded in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital by Erin Riehle and Susie Rutkowski. The program empowers adult learners with disabilities by providing opportunities to acquire transferable, competitive skills through real-world experiences. Interns take part in three workplace internships and receive personalized skills training from partners like Goodwill and the YMCA, all aimed at securing meaningful employment.
Superintendent Lisa Demers highlighted the program’s value: “Programs like Project SEARCH are essential because they open doors for individuals with disabilities, providing them with the skills and support they need to succeed with confidence. The partnership between St. Clair Catholic and the YMCA demonstrates the power of collaboration in building brighter futures for our students.”
With over 750 sites worldwide, Project SEARCH continues to offer transformative opportunities for individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve the independence and skills necessary for a successful transition into the workforce.
