Putnam County Highlights Disability Mentoring Day

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- More than two dozen county departments will welcome individuals with disabilities as they take part in Putnam County Disability Mentoring Day at Cornerstone Park on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m.

People with disabilities will be welcomed to take part in Putnam County's Disability Mentoring Day.
Photo Credit: *artbeyondsight.org*

by Alesha Hanson

10/08/2014 6:30 a.m.

Coordinated for the third year by Tina Cornish-Lauria, executive director of CAREERS for People with Disabilities, the annual event is much-anticipated by county staff and clients from participating agencies.

“Disability Mentoring Day allows students and job seekers with a disability to spend part of their day visiting a government agency to not only target career skills for improvement but to also explore possible career paths,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell.

"October is National Disability Employment Awareness month, with organizations around the country hosting events on Oct.15 with the national theme, “Expect. Empower. Employ.” The goals of Disability Mentoring Day are fourfold:

To enhance internship and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
To dispel employers’ fears about hiring people with disabilities
To promote disability as a central component of diversity recruitment for a more inclusive workforce and,
To increase confidence among students and job seekers with disabilities.

County agencies participating in the program include the Office of Emergency Management (IT Dept.), Consumer Affairs, County Clerk, County Executive, Health, Finance, Highways, Industrial Development, Law, Personnel, Purchasing, Sheriff, Tourism, and Youth Bureau.

Participants include individuals from CAREERS for People with Disabilities, Carmel High School and PARC.

To participate, call Tina Cornish-Lauria at CAREERS, 845-225-8007.

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