HUTCHINSON, KS — Nearly 80 students from schools across Reno County participated in this year’s Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) in Hutchinson, hosted by Beyond Barriers on October 15. The event connected high school students with disabilities to local businesses for hands-on career exploration and mentorship.
Founded at the White House in 1999, Disability Mentoring Day has become a nationwide initiative that promotes workforce inclusion and career readiness for individuals with disabilities. The Hutchinson event was one of three DMD events hosted by Beyond Barriers this year, alongside programs in Pratt and Dodge City, bringing total participation across all sites to more than 220 students.
At the Hutchinson event, the day kicked off with a breakfast and a guest speaker at Hutchinson American Legion Lysle Rishel Post 68. Throughout the day, students shadowed professionals in a wide range of industries—experiencing firsthand what it’s like to work in healthcare, education, manufacturing, food service, retail, and more. The event concluded with a reception where participants shared reflections on the day’s experiences, received swag bags with items donated from local businesses, and even had a chance to win raffle prizes.
Cindy Daniels, Employment Coordinator for Beyond Barriers, was happy with how this year’s event turned out. “We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout and community support. Hearing the students get up one after another at the ending reception and talk about what a great day they had makes it all worth it. It really is a win/win for everyone involved.”
Kaileayah Woods shared: “I went to Permanent Records, and I got to learn how to wash records, I got to learn what to do, how to price them. Then, before I left, he offered me a job there. It was the best day I’d ever had.”
Beyond Barriers credits the success of DMD to its strong community partnerships. A steering committee of local educators, businesses, and service providers worked together to recruit students, match them with host sites, coordinate transportation, and plan event logistics.
2025 Donors Included:
Simmons Bank
Healthy Blue Kansas
ONEOK
Ambucs
United Healthcare
Fee Insurance Group
Peoples Bank & Trust (Inman)
Hutchinson Noon Lions Club
First National Bank of Hutchinson
The organization is looking ahead to next year’s Disability Mentoring Day and is seeking sponsors and business partners to continue growing the event’s reach and impact. Opportunities include serving as mentors or host sites, providing financial or in-kind support, or assisting with transportation, meals, and activities.
Businesses and organizations interested in getting involved in 2026 Disability Mentoring Day can contact Cindy Daniels at 620-663-3989 or [email protected] for more information.
