Disability Mentoring Day
Disability Mentoring Day is around the Corner!
This year’s Disability Mentoring Day is Wednesday, October 20th. Although it may seem early to plan an event, we encourage you to tap into NBDC services so
that we can provide you with ideas for the day or National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Since 1945, special events celebrating the abilities of people with disabilities were celebrated during the first week of October and were known as "National Employ the Handicapped Week". Today, this nationally recognized tribute to the employment of people with disabilities is known as the "National Disability Employment Awareness Month".
Disability Mentoring Day
(a program of the American Association for People with Disabilities - AAPD) is a nationwide effort to promote career development for people with disabilities through hands-on career exploration. During this day, individuals with disabilities, also known as mentees, are matched with workplace mentors according to mentee career interests. The program originated in 1999 with a few dozen students as part of a White House effort to increase the profile of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In 2005, 9,000 youth with disabilities participated nationally in 20 international locations. They were mentored by more than 2,000 private, non-profit, governmental, and educational organizations. Over the years, the program has grown to include both high school and college students, as well as adult job seekers with disabilities.
Let us help you recognize this day in an effort to enhance internship and employment opportunities for students and job seekers with disabilities, to promote diversity in the workplace, dispel fears, change attitudes, and increase confidence of students and job seekers as they enter the workforce.
Whether or not you have previously organized a Disability Mentoring Day or NDEAM event, NBDC can help you plan one now. To consider utilizing videos from the NBDC's collection, disseminating print materials, scheduling a disability training session, or planning an agenda for Disability Mentoring Day or National Disability Employment Awareness Month, please do not hesitate to contact NBDC Services at 516.465.1519 or lfrancis@abilitiesonline.org.
