Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), which launches the third Wednesday of each October, is a national mentoring program for young professionals across the U.S. and abroad. Coordinated by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), DMD promotes career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through “hands-on career exploration,” connecting mentees with full-time employment and internships. What was founded in 1999 in conjunction with NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) has grown to become an extensive, year-round program. DMD Coordinators volunteer their time to manage the “logistical requirements for local and regional programs.” Students with disabilities (mentees) are connected with workplace mentors based on their expressed career interests. The mentees get experience about entering the workforce, while employers gain greater awareness that “people with disabilities represent an overlooked talent pool.” Employers from all types of private, nonprofit, and government organizations participate, along with students and educators. To advance the program, AAPD provides a number of resources. A Disability Mentoring Day Toolkit offers tips on events, job shadowing, media outreach and more. For additional details about these and other resources, visit the webpages on Disability Mentoring Day from the AAPD and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
DMD Virtual Events
NLRB Virtual Program: Disability Mentoring Day, October 18, 2023 fron 11 am to 3 pm ET: In commemoration of NDEAM, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) invites people seeking jobs, students, and career advisors to join in their inaugural DMD event. Their program aims to promote professional development by exploring career possibilities within the agency. It will also provide workshops on resume building, federal job application processes, interviewing techniques, and more. For additional information, or to register, visit the webpage for NLRB Disability Mentoring Day.
Advancing Access and Equity: FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) NDEAM Hybrid Disability Mentoring Day, October 18, 2023 from 12 pm to 6 pm ET: This panel discussion will promote career development for people with disabilities who are FEMA staff members as well as individuals from outside the agency. Participants will learn “what it’s like to work at the agency.” Those interested in becoming a mentee can email James Dean at [email protected], including “2023 FEMA Disability Mentoring Day” in the subject line. Also indicate if participation will be virtual or in person in Washington, DC. For details, visit the webpage on the FEMA National Disability Employment Awareness Month Hybrid Disability Mentoring Day.
