By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Over 30 high school students from Saline and Dickinson Counties, participated in this year's annual "Disability Mentoring Day."
On Wednesday, October 15 students with disabilities had the privilege to go on job tours around the Salina area. Those tours included sites such as, Martinelli’s, Crestwood, Schwan’s, City of Salina Fire Department, Salina Regional Health Center, Old Navy and the USD 305 Kitchen.
Throughout this event, the students had an opportunity to learn about different employers in the community and expectations for jobs in different industries.
This event was planned by members of the Saline County Transition Council. Disability Mentoring Day occurs nationwide in October, which is also during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Various organizations partnered together to make this event happen. Those organizations included, Independent Connection Inc., OCCK Inc., Vocational Rehabilitation – Pre-ETS, USD 305/Central Kansas Cooperative in Education, and other passionate community members as well.
"I enjoyed the experience, and I learned teamwork and communication skills," a commented student.
"I want to work for the fire department, and I am glad I learned how it all happens," a student said.
Youth Outreach Navigator for Independent Connection, Amanda Mong said this event helps students learn more about what job best suits them.
"I talked to alot of the students, and they are identifying jobs that they want to learn more about and what the next steps should be," she said.
Elyse Pfizenmaier from Independent Connection stated she saw all of the students were engaged.
"We went to the fire station with them and all of our students were really engaged and asking questions" she said. "It was just a good experience for them and the fire station were really active, engaging and super kind."
The Saline County Transition Council is dedicated to supporting youth and young adults with disabilities as they plan for life after high school. It is under the Kansas Youth Transition Network.
For more information, visit https://www.kansasyouthtransition.org/