University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

CSUN to Co-Host Disability Mentoring Day

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Oct. 10, 2006) -- For individuals with disabilities, employment is vital to independence, empowerment and quality of life. Cal State Northridge’s WorkAbility VI program is joining Work Training Programs, Inc. to host the local San Fernando Valley chapter of Disability Mentoring Day, on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this year’s event, "Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce," focuses on increasing opportunities for Americans with disabilities in the workforce.

"The main goal of the event is to connect employers to students with disabilities," said Jodi Johnson, associate director for the university’s Center on Disabilities. "The day allows for employers to meet potential employees that can be trained in their field and also allows students to witness workplace issues. This year, students from fields such as social sciences, engineering and political science are set to spend the day in jobs related to their majors."

Disability Mentoring Day promotes fulfilling careers and economic empowerment for the millions of students and job seekers with disabilities across the nation and internationally.

The day’s events provide public and private employers with an opportunity to recruit interns, tap a pool of potential future employees, learn more about the experience of disability, develop lasting relationships with disability community leaders, and most importantly, provides empowerment to job seekers and individuals with disabilities and disadvantages to find their place in the workforce.

To become involved in Disability Mentoring Day, as either a job seeker, or as an employer, educator or vocational counselor who is interested in becoming a workplace mentor, contact CSUN placement specialist Isabelle Martin at (818) 677-2051 or e-mail at isabelle.martin@csun.edu.

Part of Cal State Northridge’s Center on Disabilities, the WorkAbility VI program has been offering career services to students with disabilities for the past four years. The Center on Disabilities offers students a team of disability and educational specialists available on a year-round basis. In addition, students may receive training on assistive technology, access the help of peer mentors and are encouraged to participate in the wide range of cultural and social activities offered at the university. The center also sponsors national and international assistive technology training programs to expand the knowledge base of professionals and introduce newcomers to the disability field.