About DMD

Disability Mentoring Day is a nationwide effort to promote career development for students with disabilities through hands-on career exploration.

What does Disability Mentoring Day in Shawnee County look like?

Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) in Shawnee County is an engaging and impactful event designed to connect local businesses with talented youth with disabilities. Here’s what you can expect:

Employment Panel: The day will feature an insightful panel of currently employed youth with disabilities. They will share their workplace experiences, provide advice, and answer questions, offering valuable perspectives on working with and hiring individuals with disabilities.

Breakout Sessions: Attendees can participate in breakout sessions focused on developing essential soft skills. These sessions will cover crucial interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping both youth and employers understand and define these skills.

Resume-Building Room: We will have a dedicated area where participants can receive professional help to create and polish their resumes. Resumes will be printed and provided on a jump drive for easy access and use beyond DMD.

Job Fair: The centerpiece of the day is the job fair, featuring over 20 local businesses. This is a fantastic opportunity for youth to meet potential employers, explore job openings, and even participate in on-the-spot interviews.

The 2024 DMD will showcase a new format with fresh business participants, emphasizing inclusivity and providing meaningful opportunities for job seekers and employers.

Background

Disability Mentoring Day began in 1999 with fewer than three dozen student participants as part of a White House effort to increase the profile of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), celebrated every October. In 2005, 9,000 youth with disabilities participated nationally and in 20 international locations. They were mentored by more than 2,000 private, nonprofit, governmental, and educational organizations.

What are the goals of

Disability Mentoring Day?

To enhance internship and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
To promote disability as a central component of diversity recruitment for a more inclusive workforce.
To dispel employers' fears about hiring people with disabilities.
To increase confidence among students and job seekers with disabilities.
To launch a year-round effort to foster mentoring opportunities.

Who participates?

Employers (private, nonprofit, government, educational), students with disabilities, and educators participate in Disability Mentoring Day.