56 Dodge City Area Students Gain Career Experience Through Disability Mentoring Day
- Oct 28, 2025
- 2 min read
56 high school students from the Dodge City area participated in this year’s Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), 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.
The Dodge City opening reception was at the City of Dodge City Council Chambers. Donors and partner organizations present included Cargill, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (GILA program), the State of Kansas Pre-Ets Program, Ford County LHEAT, Arrowhead West, United Health Care, Sunflower Health Plan and students from Dodge City High School’s SKACD (Southwest Kansas Area Cooperative District) program.
Presenters included Melissa McCoy, Assistant Manager for the City of Dodge City, Jill McNemer (blind/low vision advocate), and Brenda Cecil Martinez from Dodge City Transportation. The event concluded with a reception where students were able to win door prizes! Phil Handsaker, Service Coordinator for Beyond Barriers, was happy with how this year’s event turned out.
“The community’s response exceeded our expectations. Hearing students speak so enthusiastically about their experiences at the end of the day reminded us why we do this work. It’s a meaningful win for students, mentors, and the entire community.”
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.
The organization is already 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 Phil Handsaker at 620-371-7021 or phandsaker@beyondbarriersks.com for more information.
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