Disability Mentoring Day

On October 15^th, we welcomed 38 students with disabilities from Saline and Dickinson counties for a day of job site tours, career exploration, and skill-building opportunities. The focus of the event was to connect students with local businesses, giving them the opportunity to explore different career paths, gain hands-on experience, and learn what it takes to thrive in a workplace with a disability. This event would not have been possible without the participation and collaboration of our sponsors, Saline County Transition Council members, volunteers, guest speakers, employers, and of course, the students. Disability Mentoring Day is an activity of the Saline County Transition Council.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success!

Disability Mentoring Day is more than a day of job shadowing—it’s a day of inspiration, learning, and real-world connection!

Job Site Tours included:

Martinelli’s, Crestwood, Schwan’s, City of Salina Fire Department, Salina Regional Health Center, Old Navy, and USD 305 Kitchen.

Event Partners included:

Independent Connection Inc., OCCK Inc., Vocational Rehabilitation – Pre-ETS, USD 305/Central Kansas Cooperative in Education, and passionate community members.

2025 Event Sponsors included:

• United Healthcare
• Healthy Blue
• Edward Jones
• Independent Connection Inc.
• OCCK Inc.
• Panera
• Chick-fil-A (Salina)

A Salina Post article about the event can view here: https://salinapost.com/posts/84f90fb6-e84d-48b5-b50b-16944cec5a91

Disability Mentoring Day happens around the nation in the month of October, which is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month.