Job shadowing creates opportunities
for people with disabilities    

Illinois Department of Human Services promotes Disability Mentoring Day

[OCT. 18, 2004]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois' first statewide Disability Mentoring Day, "Career Exploration for the Next Generation," was announced Friday by Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D., and Division of Rehabilitation Services Director Robert F. Kilbury, Rh.D. On Wednesday, Oct. 20, more than 50 students and others with disabilities will team up with professionals throughout the state who will serve as mentors for a day.

"Disability Mentoring Day is a wonderful opportunity for employers and professionals to share their knowledge with individuals with disabilities who have similar career interests," said Adams. "It promotes career development for persons with disabilities and heightens awareness among potential employers of the value of people with disabilities in the work force."

This is the first year that the Illinois Department of Human Services has taken a lead role in organizing Disability Mentoring Day in Illinois. Community agencies are also participating in the event, which is part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

"We're very excited to bring Disability Mentoring Day to employers, professionals and persons with disabilities throughout Illinois and appreciate the enthusiastic response we have received this year," said Kilbury, of the department's Division of Rehabilitation Services. "Our goal is to give individuals with disabilities the chance to experience the workplace firsthand and also to help employers and professionals gain increased appreciation of how the many talented workers with disabilities in Illinois can help them meet their workplace needs. Ultimately, Disability Mentoring Day will increase the ability of Illinoisans with disabilities to integrate into the work force and become full participants in our society."

sponsor of the week

As Illinois' lead agency serving individuals with disabilities, the Division of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities prepare for and find quality employment that pays a living wage and offers opportunities for advancement. The agency works closely with employers through its Corporate Business Partner initiative to match them with qualified individuals who have skills the employers need. As a division of the Department of Human Services, the agency also offers a wide range of support services to assist eligible individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.

For more information about Disability Mentoring Day, hiring people with disabilities and assistance provided by the Department of Human Services and its Division of Rehabilitation Services, call [phone] or TTY [phone].

[Illinois Department of Human Services news release]

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