In July 2025, Vertex Systems attended the Project SEARCH Conference in Austin, Texas, an event that brought together leaders in workforce development and disability services. This national conference focused on preparing young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for competitive employment through hands-on internships and job training. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the IDD community, Here’s a recap of our experience at the event.
About the Conference
Project SEARCH is a national initiative focused on preparing young adults with IDDfor competitive employment through immersive internships and on-site job training. The conference brought together key stakeholders in the field, including educators, VR counselors, employers, nonprofit leaders, hospitals, and disability service providers. Its goal was to promote inclusive workforce development and create pathways for individuals with IDD to secure meaningful employment.
For Vertex Systems, attending Project SEARCH was an opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers that service people with disabilities. These conversations will be key as we continue our work supporting the IDD community with our technology solutions.
Key Learnings from the Conference
Building Relationships with State Leaders
We had the opportunity to meet with state VR directors, special education leads, and transition coordinators from over a dozen states. These interactions highlighted the varying needs of IDD organizations and gave us valuable insights into how Vertex can tailor its offerings to support those needs.
Inspiring Success Stories
One of the standout aspects of the conference was hearing powerful stories from counselors who worked with individuals they once believed might never be job-ready. Over time, many of these individuals went on to become managers and even VPs at companies. This reinforced the importance of providing opportunities and support for people with IDD, showing how transformative these programs can be.
Collaborating on Inclusive Workforce Development
The event provided a strategic platform for collaboration with various stakeholders in the workforce development space. Discussions centered around finding effective ways to create more inclusive hiring practices and ensuring that people with disabilities have access to long-term career opportunities.
Keynote Speaker: Susie Rutkowski
We were honored to hear from Susie Rutkowski, the Co-Founder of Project SEARCH and Program Specialist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Rutkowski shared her insights into the transformative power of Project SEARCH and how it has impacted countless young adults with disabilities. Her perspective reinforced the conference’s theme of workforce inclusion, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to continue pushing for systemic change.
Networking and Fun Attractions
In addition to the sessions, attendees had the chance to explore Austin landmarks, including guided walks along Lady Bird Lake and group outings to local spots such as The Salt Lick. These opportunities allowed us to unwind while continuing valuable conversations with fellow attendees.
Another memorable part of the event was the “Project SEARCH Success Stories” showcase, where former interns turned employees shared their journeys from internship to full-time positions. The inspiring stories highlighted the life-changing impact that Project SEARCH has had on both the individuals involved and the companies that hired them.
Moving Forward Post Project SEARCH
After leaving the conference, we’re energized and excited to continue the momentum we’ve gained. Our immediate next steps include scheduling follow-up calls with agencies who expressed interest in Vertex’s services during the event. These conversations will be instrumental in moving forward with potential partnerships and furthering our commitment to the IDD community.
Empower Your Organization with Vertex Solutions
The Project SEARCH conference was a pivotal experience for Vertex Systems, as we had the chance to engage with thought leaders, gain valuable industry insights, and network with key stakeholders. We’re looking forward to the next steps in our journey, and we’re excited about the opportunities to expand our impact within the IDD space.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you to everyone we met at Project SEARCH for the inspiring conversations and meaningful connections!