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SAVE THE DATE: DMD Annual Conference Retreat
April 29-30, 2008, Little Rock, AK

Andrew Imparato,
AAPD President and CEO

"Economic empowerment is at the heart of civil rights for people with disabilities. By building relationships between mentees and mentors working in fields that interest them and building a year-round career exploration program, Disability Mentoring Day helps to create a pipeline of qualified workers and gives people with disabilities greater direction and motivation."

See the complete DMD Final Report from 2007. MS Word Text

DMD Highlights & Testimonials - A sampling of outcomes from DMD

"I found the Darden Managers to be 100% committed to the project. Their message each step of the way was ‘no problem-this is what we're about. If you ever have other events, don't hesitate to ask," as mentioned in Mr. Ed Larsen's report, NJ.
"…DMD 2006 was the most rewarding and successful DMD event we have hosted to date. The teamwork displayed by Forest Service employees, the WV Division of Rehabilitation staff, volunteers, local businesses and agencies, the school systems, and everyone involved was exceptional." (Melody Akers Cochran, LC, Princeton, West Virginia)
"I like the fact that I know that I am autistic and they… said positive things about me." (mentee, Oakland County, MI)
One student stated, "It showed me different choices I can choose from for a career. I learned a lot about other people and how they live their lives." (Mentee, Watertown, NY)
"Disability Mentoring Day gave me self-confidence I needed to get a job." (Justin Kuttler, OH)
"I believe Disability Mentoring Day helps to create a partnership with individuals with disabilities and their communities. Through this partnership, individuals are able to achieve their personal and professional dreams, develop relationships with employers and showcase their work skills. This partnership helps to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the competitive workforce." (Tim Jago, Community Support Manager of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries)
"It was a pleasure to host Mrs. Hernandez. She was very nice and cordial and personable! She was very interested in the office job and consequently told me her story. She helped me out that morning and followed instructions very well. I even had her on the computer! At the end of the day she took an application with her… a very blessed and productive day for all. (Leon County, FL)
"His mom says he still talks about this day, everyday, and how fantastic it was. She says that is all he ever talks about. He received a call from Capitol Records and was given leads to begin recording his music which he has started to pursue." (Brevard County, FL)
"I just wanted to touch base with you and let you know that I've enjoyed all of my experience through Disability Mentoring Day. Both of my experiences were valuable, education(ing), and motivating. It gave me assurance of my direction into graduate school." (University of Tennessee student (mentee))
"The student came today and I believe she enjoyed herself. She has a delightful personality and my patience loved her! The interpreters were here, as well as they did a great job." (Mentor, TN)
Mentoring Disability Day is wonderful and as each year goes by it gets better. Next Year will out of this world (Rosa Esquilin, Puerto Rico)
"We were able to have tours at various employers with a lunch to follow." (Janet Hannah, Voc Rehab Services, LC, Catawba County, NC)
Says Mikki, Mentee out of NY, "I loved taking pictures." It's okay to have a disability."
"I really enjoy being a part of DMD and appreciate AAPD for making this a national event. This is great for our community and hope it will grow here in Nevada like it seems to have grown in other States."
"The most important thing I learned is that there is a job out there for me." (Andrew (mentee) about his experiences with the Human Resource Solutions training program at Development Workshop, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID)

One teacher said, "This was the best mentoring day experience we have had," and a mentor remarked, "I think I learned just as much from my mentees as they did from me." (Reported by Alie Mainella of Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, WI)
Members of the United States Coast Guard were appreciated for their participation as mentors on DMD in Honolulu.

New Internship and Job Opportunities

"Several youth[s] were given opportunities by their mentor to either hold employment at their business or continue volunteering with their mentor:
Summer employment at Ohio Street School and Doggie Doo; and

Further volunteering in North Country Children's Clinic and Classic Photography," as reported by Christa Norma, Watertown, NY.

"We were very pleased with the service we received from Darden Restaurant, particularly Red Lobster. They sponsored our kickoff and did a spectacular job. The Olive Garden on Turkey Creek provided a "…great meal and we appreciate it."…Mentees had the following opportunities:
One of the mentees has obtained employment at the Zuma Fun Center; and

One mentee is being considered for a position at Sun Trust. –Nicole Craig, LC, Knoxville Area Employment Consortium

Some of Alaska's outcomes include:
Internship at the Municipality of Anchorage;

One mentee will start work April 2007; and

One mentee gained employment with another company as a result of the TV coverage.

Here are a few of Florida's outcomes:
The Hyatt Grand Cypress hosted seven culinary arts students from a center school. The students participated in an activity with the chefs. In addition, Smokey Bones would like to develop an ongoing partnership with a school that had ESE students participate during DMD. (Orange & Osceola Counties)
One mentee learned to use the fax machine and was thrilled that it would become a skill for her to document on her resume. One mentee shadowed a law enforcement officer and will be speaking with his peers about the importance of following the law. (Volusia & Flagler Counties)
A student that shadowed at a Senior Citizens center was asked to volunteer for the year. (Wakulla County)

Three students have gained employment from Home Depot Career Days as of November 30th. (Palm Beach County, FL)

Other exciting moments

Mentees participated at Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich's Office.
"I went and mentored today and it was AWESOME! I really had a good time and learned a lot. Thanks for the opportunity to do this." – University of Tennessee student
Mentee Amy, stated, "I learned a lot about journalism, more than I ever knew. I was glad that I got to have the chance to go out and interview different people on Main Street and know what they thought about the questions we asked. We got many different answers, more than I thought we would."
We were told that "our local program had the highest number of participants in Illinois," which included the Will County area.
"Over the years we've gone from most of the committees NOT having all areas represented to MOST of them having all areas represented."--KS
One of the mentors at Turtle Back Zoo of West Orange, NJ, said, "This may have been the best day of my career. It certainly was the most rewarding one I've had here."
Mentees Lisa commented, "I am interested in working in nursing field, so this was a good learning experience for me," while Heidi stated, "I did not know you had to cut off the puppies' tail. It was interesting watching the vet clean teeth and pull his tooth." Additionally, Jaimie, "I saw dead people! I saw how they did their makeup and hair." Reported by Laura Pforter, JM Murray Center, Cortland, NY.
Arkadelphia, Arkansas: (far right) Student Mentee James Michau poses with Today's THV news team (from left) Craig O'Neal, Andy Pearson and Ann Jansen at the news desk. James rehearsed a promo for news anchorwoman Dawn Scott. Scott returned to the Today's THV news team in December.

For information about DMD 2008, Contact Us.