HUTCHINSON — Beyond Barriers is gearing up for its 24th annual Disability Mentoring Day, set for Wednesday, an event designed to help high school students with disabilities gain hands-on career experience while connecting local employers with an often-overlooked workforce.
Anthony Frischenmeyer, program coordinator with Beyond Barriers, said the event is part of the organization’s mission to empower people with disabilities to live and work independently in their communities.
“We assist people living with disabilities to stay independent in their own homes and communities,” Frischenmeyer said. “That includes employment services, peer support, and independent living skills training.”
Each year, Disability Mentoring Day matches students — primarily juniors and seniors — with local employers who open their doors for job shadowing opportunities. The day begins with a morning reception and guest speaker at the American Legion Post in Hutchinson, followed by two to three hours of on-site experience in fields ranging from manufacturing and communications to law enforcement and retail.
Frischenmeyer said 82 students are participating this year, with employers including Superior Boiler, the Hutchinson Correctional Facility’s Wild Mustangs program, Permanent Records, and — returning for the first time since the pandemic — the City of Hutchinson.
“The city’s taking three students to observe dispatch operations,” Frischenmeyer said. “It’s exciting for them to see the inner workings of 911 and public safety.”
While students gain first-hand insight into potential careers, Frischenmeyer said employers often walk away equally impacted.
“We ask both students and mentors to fill out surveys afterward,” he said. “Some businesses come back saying they’d like to hire or offer internships to the students they hosted. Every year, at least one or two participants get a job offer because of this event.”
Beyond Barriers operates multiple offices across south-central and southwest Kansas, with additional Disability Mentoring Days planned later this month in Pratt and Dodge City. The event coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which promotes inclusive hiring and workplace accessibility across the country.
Frischenmeyer said Hutchinson’s event stands out because it emphasizes hands-on learning rather than classroom-style workshops.
“Some communities focus on resume writing or interview skills,” he said. “We focus on getting students out into the real world to see what jobs are really like — the good and the bad. Sometimes they find their passion, and sometimes they discover what they don’t want to do, and that’s just as valuable.”
Employers interested in participating in next year’s 25th anniversary event can contact Beyond Barriers at 620-663-3989 or visit beyondbarriersks.com for more information.
“We’re always looking for new employers to join us,” Frischenmeyer said. “It’s an amazing way to build connections, change perceptions, and help students discover what’s possible.”