Thursday, October 1, 2026
79 ° Clear
79 ° Clear
When Geraldine Gonzales first walked into the Bucks County Justice Center as a Project SEARCH intern, she didn’t yet know it would lead to her first steady job. After gaining hands-on experience in the courthouse café, Geraldine now works nine hours a week with The Nutrition Group, providing food services in the Lower Moreland School District, an accomplishment her family credits to the training and support she received through the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU).
October was Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the Bucks IU is highlighting the success of individuals like Geraldine whose achievements demonstrate the power of inclusive hiring and workforce preparation. Through its Transition and SEQUEL programs, the Bucks IU provides specialized education, training, and real-world experience for people with disabilities ages 16 and older - helping them build confidence, skills, and independence that lead to meaningful employment.
“Bucks IU Transition and SEQUEL Programs strive to provide employment experiences and skills training that support each individual’s desire for employment,” said Lorie McCrory, Bucks IU Supervisor of Adult Program and Services. “We love hearing how often employers tell us that these individuals end up being their superstar employees.”
The Bucks IU’s partnerships with area businesses have created inclusive workplaces across Bucks County. At Doylestown Country Club, for example, students from the Bucks IU have gained valuable experience in food service and hospitality. One student has been hired to work full-time in their kitchen after having been an intern.
“Working at Doylestown Country Club offers students an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, develop professional skills, and build confidence,” said Helen Korch, HR Director at the club. “We offer this opportunity in support of their personal and professional growth—to help them gain independence and prepare for future careers.”
Korch added that hiring individuals with disabilities has strengthened the workplace culture: “Their presence has fostered a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and mutual respect among staff.”
For students ages 16–21, enrollment in Bucks IU’s Transition programs begins with referrals from local school districts or the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Adults over 22 can continue their workforce development journey through the service agency’s SEQUEL program, which offers employment readiness, training, and ongoing support.
One specialized Transition program pathway, Project SEARCH Bucks, is part of a global network of more than 750 similar initiatives. Hosted at the County of Bucks Administrative Offices and Justice Center, it’s a nine-month internship program that gives individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to complete three workplace rotations, explore career interests, and gain feedback on job performance.
Shiela Gonzales said the program made all the difference for her daughter Geraldine. “The training Project SEARCH provided was directly related to Geraldine having the appropriate job skills for her current employment,” she said. “More companies and businesses should open their doors to offering these individuals employment opportunities. These individuals want to work, are more capable than people think and are very dedicated; they aren’t just there to collect a paycheck.”
Through these Bucks IU Transition and SEQUEL programs, the organization continues to champion inclusive employment and to demonstrate how collaboration between educators, families, and local employers can create lasting opportunities for individuals of all abilities
The Bucks IU supports improvements and advancements in student learning by providing exceptional educational programs, innovative professional development, and advanced business/technology services. We serve people from age birth through adults, students in public and private schools along with their staff and administrators, and the community of Bucks County. The Bucks IU is also the liaison between local schools and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information, go to www.BucksIU.org or call 215-348-2940.
