Goal-Setting and Hands-On Career Exploration 2004 Testimonials
“I was a little weary of shadowing in an industrial plant, but I learned a lot through DMD and really enjoyed the experience. I wouldn’t mind working at Scroll Technologies one day.” a mentee in Arkansas. Note: after this experience, he was offered a full-time paid summer job at this company.
Removal of Attitudinal Barriers “I didn’t see someone in a wheelchair. I saw someone who likes to do what I do. In a workplace, it’s all about compatibility that makes a team.” Mentor Arkadelphia, AR.
“Without DMD, most would not have the opportunity to explore their dream career. Some have changed that goal after DMD participation, but that’s okay, as they now have time to refocus, to reach out, explore and find that new goal.” Local Coordinator Madison County, FL.
In Toledo, OH a student who was mentored at Sylvania Vet was inspired to apply to attend a vet assistant program at a local college.
In Ft. Myers, a student who has a desire to learn about the criminal justice system had the opportunity to sit in court room and have a judge mentor him. Then three judges took him out to lunch and introduced him to others in criminal justice.
New Internship and Job Opportunities
Louisville, KY: four mentees were offered year-long internships at Norton Health Care, where they had spent DMD.
Salt Lake City, UT: one young man with severe disabilities has an opportunity for an internship in a call center as a customer service representative.
“I felt this was a very worthwhile experience – as a result, I got several job leads plus the opportunity to do a long-term mentorship, and have also had a couple of job interviews.” Mentee St. Paul, MN.
Cavalier, ND: a mentee was offered the opportunity for continuous shadowing until he graduates in June, and then move into a full-time job.
“John Mannheimer, an adult with CP and a Learning Disability, went to the Duval County Health Department for his mentoring experience. His mentor was a graphic artist. He got to see how she creates brochures, makes changes on the computer, prints out copies and laminates pages. John was fascinated with all the machines and loved learning how to operate them. He had a wonderful experience and they loved having [him] there. A relationship between John and the Department of Health has developed and John now goes there to volunteer once a week, printing, folding, copying and laminating brochures and flyers” Jeanne Struhar, LC Duval County.
Transitioning to year-round programming/Mentee Development Whiteville, NC: IGA Foods has started, in conjunction with the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, a year-round mentoring program, as a result of DMD.
“MOPD will work to encourage the ongoing communications between participating mentees and mentors. We would like to see this become a year-round relationship that results in internships and eventually gainful employment for the mentees.” Joe Albritton Local Coordinator in Chicago, IL Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD).
Yakima, WA: DMD local coordinator has started monthly mentoring days for mentees; the days start off with a half day of career development programming and the afternoons focus on one-on-one ongoing mentoring.
Richmond, VA: Virginia Mentoring Works! Used DMD as the kick-off for its year-round mentoring program.
Princeton, WV: DMD activities included the participation of business representative from nearly one dozen area businesses. Mentees met with business leader and completed forms for follow-up scheduling of mentoring assignments, which will last for a minimum of six months.
Other exciting moments
West Hollywood, CA: mentees spoke a few weeks after DMD at the City’s Disabilities Advisory Board meeting, which was televised live on their cable station, in recognition of Disabilities Awareness Month. They spoke highly of the program, expressed tremendous gratitude for what they were able to learn and referred to the experience as life changing.
New York City: as the national kick-off city for DMD2004, Mayor Michael Bloomberg was the honorary chair and hosted a mentee.
Washington, DC: some mentees met with Secretary Colin Powell at the U.S. State Department, while other mentees heard comments from U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao.