Discover a World of Opportunity

Getting started in the right direction can be challenging. MentorAbility is an exciting career development initiative for young people with disabilities.  Employer mentors provide a variety of career guidance, exploration and internship opportunities to give job seekers the insights, experiences and connections they need to get ahead.   

It’s all about encouraging people to realize their dreams and enabling employers to help grow the talent that their businesses need to succeed in today’s competitive world.

Who Can Participate?

Young Adults:  People with disabilities in high school, college or unemployed who want to work.

Employers:  Business leaders committed to employing a diverse workforce – who want to inspire talented, motivated young people to realize their full potential.

­­Why Get Involved?

Young Adults:  Getting a job is hard work and finding the right career can be an intimidating process.  When you are not sure where you’re going in life, MentorAbility can give you the better ideas, tools and confidence you need to discover your passion and gifts.

Employers:  Finding talented, motivated new employees has become the biggest issue challenging businesses today.  Accessing non-traditional workforces including people with disabilities can help solve this problem.  MentorAbility helps your managers and staff to increase their comfort level and capacity to support new employees and also better serve customers with disabilities – a valuable emerging market.

Our Goals

• To encourage young people with disabilities to stay in school and to ultimately obtain a meaningful and rewarding career.

• To help businesses hire more new employees with disabilities, and to get excited about working with and inspiring young people to get an education and become employed.

Program Components

MentorAbility recruits young adults with disabilities who have a genuine desire to work.  These motivated participants may attend high school or college, or they may be unemployed and affiliated with organizations representing job seekers with disabilities.  MentorAbility gives these participants a variety of innovative career development opportunities including:

• Individual Mentoring:  Each participant is matched with a volunteer mentor.  Orientation, training, support services and special projects are provided to both mentors and young adult participants – to facilitate effective match ups and productive career exploration opportunities.

• Speakers & Workshops:  Working professionals from area businesses are invited to provide special topic and career awareness training for young adult participants – to increase job finding capabilities, work ethics and employment retention.

• Site Visits:  Participants meet with area employers to explore the wealth of employment opportunities in their community.  Businesses also host site visits, tours and job shadowing opportunities to give participants greater insight towards various careers.

• Internships:  MentorAbility connects participants with internship opportunities including part time, seasonal and full time employment.  This practical work experience is an essential part in moving ahead on one’s career path.

Join MentorAbility today!