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October 17, 2007
DMD's Best Outcomes
Today is National Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) under the leadership of The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).
As a national and international effort, it's the one day out of the year when individuals with disabilities (students as well as job seekers) are invited to public and private workplaces so they can explore their career options and meet business men and women who volunteer for this one-on-one job shadowing initiative.
Visiting an unfamiliar place where you know you'll be the focus of attention can be rather daunting for a high school or college student with a disability. But it's probably just as taxing for the business people involved because some of their assumptions about people with disabilities may prove to be shortsighted. As a result, they may learn just as much as their mentorees.
Students may not yet be tuned into what is expected at staff meetings or performance appraisals, but hiring managers can be just as unfamiliar with the realities of living and working with a disability -- and how those realities mold individuals into attractive job candidates.
Today's mentoring process could involve more than 13,000 students and job-seekers with disabilities, over 300 local coordinators, and thousands of large and small employers in communities around the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and 24 countries, including Brazil, Costa Rica, and Germany.
I hope the public and private business volunteers, as the result of today's interactions with these future job holders, have one or more of the following thoughts:
- "Disability does not define the person I met. It doesn’t define her dignity. She talked about her challenges –- but only when needed."
- "He was quite independent – a strong person who knew what he wanted to accomplish in life."
- "She showed her disability is not the central core of her life; she has the time, inclination and skill to effectively reach out to others."
- "He apparently has learned how to plug away on one or more special needs he has and still not become all wrapped up in himself."
- "She has the motivation to volunteer to work on projects which are important to her."
- "He knew how to calmly deal with unexpected situations."
- "She adapted well to the day’s agenda."
- "He was eager to be included."
The best result of DMD, of course, is that we'll see many of these newly formed relationships go beyond October 17, 2007, and result in eventual employment.
But first impressions can pave the way.
What other first impressions do you hope employers have about the new acquaintances they mentor during DMD?
Add your comments to this posting
Posted by Jim at October 17, 2007 11:01 AM
Comments
What other first impressions do you hope employers have about the new acquaintances they mentor during DMD?
The first impressions of realizing that the hiring process is about ABILITY not disability, the first impression of the amazing capacity for life and problem solving of the person they have just met, the potential asset this person represents to the company.
Looking at every person as a potential asset rather than seeking to eliminate them for something that is not understood or feared.
A first impression of a human being who would not only be a good employee but a great friend.
Posted by: bmayse at October 18, 2007 01:26 PM