The MCDD recently hosted an intern from Project SEARCH at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Project SEARCH at Kennedy Krieger Institute is a 10-month transition program for individuals 18 through 24 years of age that provides hands-on job training through integrated worksite rotations, career exploration, innovative adaptations and mentoring from experienced staff. Its goal is for interns to use their internships skills to gain competitive employment.
As a Project SEARCH intern with the MCDD, Alhassan Sheku worked with Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law) staff attorney, Annie Carver, Esq., and legal advocate, Tyler Cochran, JD, as well as the Resource Finder program coordinator, Kristine Nellenbach, MS.
Alhassan learned about maintaining professionalism in the workplace. He enjoyed meeting and working with new people and was always eager to begin his shift. Alhassan worked on office management, including organizing the MCDD’s trainee office, cataloging files, and updating contact lists. He developed his understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act, learning how the law protects the civil rights of people with disabilities. Alhassan excelled with typing lists and was always ready to utilize internet search engines to locate information.
Alhassan helped organize Kennedy Krieger’s Resource Center by cataloging every brochure and pamphlet into an Excel spreadsheet. He also labeled each physical resource with a sticker that lists the contact information for the Resource Finder. Alhassan joined in the MCDD team meetings and participated in the cultural and linguistic competency activities in which MCDD members conducted self-assessments to manage the dynamics of diversity.
“Every day, Alhassan brought a positive attitude and a willingness to work and learn into the office with him,” says Tyler Cochran, JD, Project HEAL legal advocate. “We are so thankful for all of his hard work!”
The MCDD is excited about its collaboration with Project SEARCH at Kennedy Krieger Institute and intends to stay involved for many years to come. The program is one of 14 Project SEARCH sites across Maryland.