Project Opportunity provides education, development, and job opportunities at Vanderbilt to people with disabilities. The goal of Project Opportunity is to fill a business need with qualified people who have developmental disabilities.
Project Opportunity was recently featured on WKRN-TV, click here for the story and video.
Program Highlights
Devin Bender, a graduate of Project
Opportunity recently received a
Vanderbilt Credo Award. Read more.
To provide custom training and ensure each person's success, we accept 8 to 10 people each year. However, we have a waiting list of interns in case of an opening. We do not accept interns from the waiting list after January to make sure the person has plenty of training time.
The program begins in July and ends the following May. Each day begins at 9 a.m. We start by talking about job issues such as hospital policies and correct workplace behavior. Most of the day is spent learning about different jobs or rotations. Some of the rotations are processing surgical instruments in Sterile Processing, working in the Vandy Café, and stocking supplies on nursing units.
Other training activities include:
Individualized job readiness training in realistic, inclusive settings
Job coaching, as needed, throughout training and employment
Individualized career planning and job search
Training and ongoing support for parents/guardians
Travel training, such as using public transportation, locating rideshare options, and helping to create back-up or weather-related travel plans
Help with resume writing and the application process
Follow-along and career enhancement services throughout employment at Vanderbilt
Applying to the Program
One of our graduates, Lauren Best, is
training new interns, Kurtis Homrich
and Felipe Buitrago.
To be considered for Project Opportunity, applicants must:
Be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services under their priority criteria. Interested persons should contact their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. If you do not have a counselor or are not sure, call (615) 313-4981.
Want to be employed at a competitive level in the community
Desire and seek independence
Communicate needs and preferences effectively
Accept and improve from constructive criticism
Work cooperatively and independently
Actively participate in chores at home
Demonstrate excellent personal hygiene and grooming
Practice independent feeding, medicating and toileting skills
Have updated immunizations (per hospital policy)
Pass a drug screening and felony check
Hiring Process
When an intern is ready to apply for an open position, Project Opportunity identifies positions that match the intern's skills and experience. Positions are not created or guaranteed. Qualified graduates interview for job openings and compete with other
applicants. The departments make the final hiring decision.
There are approximately 20 graduates of the program employed by Vanderbilt. The Project Opportunity staff watch the progress of these graduates and help as needed. We also have graduates employed in the community. We are very proud of their success, but we do not formally follow them.
Funding
The program is funded through a collaboration among Vocational Rehabilitation, Tennessee Department of Education, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Contact Us
To learn more about Project Opportunity, contact Sara Ezell, Program Coordinator, by calling (615) 343-7773.
Project Opportunity provides education, development, and job opportunities at Vanderbilt to people with disabilities. The goal of Project Opportunity is to fill a business need with qualified people who have developmental disabilities.
Project Opportunity was recently featured on WKRN-TV, 
