HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nearly 80 students from schools across Reno County took part in this year’s Disability Mentoring Day in Hutchinson on Oct. 15, an event hosted by Beyond Barriers that connected high school students with disabilities to local businesses for hands-on career exploration and mentorship.
Disability Mentoring Day, founded at the White House in 1999, has grown into a nationwide initiative that promotes workforce inclusion and career readiness for individuals with disabilities. The Hutchinson event was one of three hosted by Beyond Barriers this year, along with programs in Pratt and Dodge City, bringing total participation across all three sites to more than 220 students.
In Hutchinson, the day began with breakfast and a guest speaker at Hutchinson American Legion Lysle Rishel Post 68. Students then shadowed professionals in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, food service and retail, getting a firsthand look at what it takes to work in those industries. The event concluded with a reception where participants shared reflections on their experiences, received swag bags filled with items donated by local businesses and had a chance to win raffle prizes.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout and community support,” said Cindy Daniels, employment coordinator for Beyond Barriers. “Hearing the students get up one after another at the ending reception and talk about what a great day they had makes it all worth it. It really is a win-win for everyone involved.”
Student participant Kaileayah Woods said the experience opened doors she did not expect. “I went to Permanent Records, and I got to learn how to wash records, I got to learn what to do, how to price them,” Woods said. “Then, before I left, he offered me a job there. It was the best day I’d ever had.”
Beyond Barriers credits strong community partnerships for the success of Disability Mentoring Day. A steering committee of local educators, businesses and service providers worked together to recruit students, match them with host sites, coordinate transportation and manage event logistics.
Major donors for the 2025 event included Simmons Bank, Healthy Blue Kansas, ONEOK, Ambucs, United Healthcare, Fee Insurance Group, Peoples Bank & Trust in Inman, Hutchinson Noon Lions Club and First National Bank of Hutchinson.
The organization is already planning for next year’s Disability Mentoring Day and is seeking sponsors and business partners to continue growing the event’s reach. Opportunities include serving as mentors or host sites, providing financial or in-kind support, and assisting with transportation, meals and activities.
Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the 2026 Disability Mentoring Day can contact Daniels at 620-663-3989 or [email protected] for more information.