- By Barbara Davis -
DMD is a wonderful experience, both for those who have never worked, and for those who have worked but are facing a career change due to disability. The two hour mentoring event allows the opportunity to learn about a job, to develop self-esteem, learn new skills and to discover something new about oneself. It is also an opportunity to develop contacts and references in the business world. Some individuals who have participated in DMD have found jobs, either directly or indirectly, as a result of participation in DMD.
On top of all that, it is just plain fun.
Students with disabilities who shadow mentors in a group setting seem to enjoy interacting with the other students. They have a chance to make friends with someone who is interested in the same career and form a bond with someone who isn’t going to say, “You can’t do that,” to them. During the lunch portion they share stories and perspectives, and sometimes phone numbers. They share jokes. Everyone that I have spoken with over the years has had glowing reports of their experiences with DMD. Some have gone on to shadow a mentor a second time, in a different field. This has enabled them to compare two careers that might be of interest in order to determine which career suits best.
Some students may shadow a mentor alone and then compare their experience with others who have also shadowed alone. Either way, the friendships, business contacts and new skills have made for a positive and rewarding experience.
If you would like to know the fun of participating in DMD, call Larry Hosey at 502-589-6620. You can also visit www.calky.org to learn more about DMD.
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