Brock wants to help students with disabilities connect with mentors in the local business community.

The University is inviting students to register for the Dolphin Disabilities Mentoring Day (DMD) — an initiative that pairs students with Niagara businesspeople for a day of hands-on learning.

The pairs will spend Oct. 24 together, allowing the mentee to see the competencies and requirements of the mentor’s role as well as the accommodation processes offered by the mentor’s organization.

The Niagara event, which was founded and continues to be run by Dolphin Digital Technologies Inc., counts Brock as one of its sponsors and also includes participants from across the region. It is one of many DMD events taking place at various venues across the country on the same day.

For Employer Development Manager Lisa Kuiper, the event is an opportunity to make connections and showcase the contribution people with disabilities can bring to a work environment.

“Mentors learn about the skills and attributes of their mentee and get a better understanding of the benefits of accessibility and inclusivity in the workplace,” she said.

Kuiper also discussed further benefits the day offers for student participants.

“Although the DMD is not a recruitment event, it does establish a connection to the workplace and the mentees are provided an opportunity to highlight their skills,” she said. “There have even been some instances when the talent matches a current or near future job opportunity in the mentor’s workplace.”

In addition to their DMD experience, Kuiper hopes all Brock participants will also take part in the University’s Corporate Mentorship Program and the Bridge to Success initiative, which provide career advice and assistance to students with disabilities as they navigate the employment process.

Any students interested in participating in DMD or learning about other mentorship initiatives for students with disabilities are invited to contact Lisa Kuiper at lkuiper@brocku.ca or x3376.