BEYOND BARRIERS
Beyond Barriers is calling on local businesses and community organizations to join forces for Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), an annual event that promotes career development for students and job seekers with disabilities.
The Hutchinson event will take place Wednesday, October 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., connecting 75 students from all Reno County schools with meaningful, hands-on career exploration opportunities. Founded at the White House in 1999, Disability Mentoring Day has grown into a national initiative with programs in all 50 states and several foreign countries.
This year, Beyond Barriers and its community partners are hosting Disability Mentoring Day events not only in Hutchinson, but also in Pratt and Dodge City, with more than 220 participants expected across all locations.
The day’s objectives include:
• Increasing internship and employment opportunities for people with disabilities
• Dispelling myths and fears about hiring individuals with disabilities
• Promoting disability inclusion as a central part of workforce diversity
• Serving as a catalyst for year-round mentoring and career-readiness efforts
Local businesses can participate by serving as mentors, providing job shadowing opportunities, offering financial support, or assisting with event logistics such as transportation, breakfast, and the closing reception.
“I love all aspects of my job, but my favorite part of my job is helping put together our Disability Mentoring Day,” said Cindy Daniels, Employment Coordinator with Beyond Barriers. “We pair up high school students with employers where they can work for a day. We have even had students offered jobs in the summer! This day shows not only students but employers that living with a disability doesn’t, nor should it, stop people from working.”
The success of DMD in Reno County relies on a collaborative effort. A community partner steering committee helps recruit students, connect them with local employers, coordinate transportation, and organize event activities.
Businesses and organizations interested in participating or sponsoring are encouraged to contact Cindy Daniels at 620-663-3989 or [email protected] for more information.