This week, more than 90 students with disabilities will participate in a series of career building exercises offered by New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in honor of Disability Mentoring Day. The series will place on Oct. 18 at locations across the state.
In New Castle, workforce experts and industry representatives will talk to local students about how to dress for success, advocate for themselves under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and increase their employment potential.
At other locations, student will shadow different professionals to get a sense of their work and job environment.
“For students with disabilities, Disability Mentoring Day is another invaluable experience as they make the transition from school to the world of work or higher education,” Gov. John Carney said. “Students get to experience what is expected of them in a workplace and how to advocate for themselves and their needs. Employers get the opportunity to meet young people with incredible talents and enthusiasm and a passion to embrace their dreams.”
The University of Delaware’s Center for Disabilities Studies coordinates the Disability Mentoring Day in the state. The Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Department of Education also participate.
“Because employment is a social determinant of health, the experience that students with disabilities receive during Disability Mentoring Day is an important one,” Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker said. “Increasing the number of workplace experiences that any student has, gives that young person a greater chance of being hired by an employer who will harness their talents and skills. But that experience is especially crucial to students with disabilities because employment is the pathway to financial security, independence and inclusion in society.”
