Nearly 100 Pratt Area Students Gain Career Experience Through Disability Mentoring Day

Nearly 100 high school students from the Pratt area participated in this year’s Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), hosted by Beyond Barriers and the SCKSEC on October 29. 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 Hutchinson and Dodge City, bringing total participation across all sites to more than 220 students.

At the Pratt event, the day kicked off with a light breakfast at the First United Methodist Church. 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, and even had a chance to win raffle prizes.   

Students had the following insights to share:  "The job shadowing was pretty cool. I learned how to be a cop." -Kyle Dotts

"DMD day was fun and I got to learn multiple things about what I'm interested in and I had the opportunity to win prizes." - Markus Lear

"It was interesting!" -Shylo Overmyer

"Honestly, I learned a lot and everyone knew what they were saying and doing." - Kayden Schmidtberger

"I liked going to Dillons to make cupcakes!" - Daniel Rhone

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: The People’s Bank, Walmart, Casey’s, Donut Palace, Dillons   2025 Mentors Included: 54 Express, Southwest Truck Parts/Welding/54 Pickup, Bolen’s Office Supply, Bomgaars, BTI, Casey’s, Century Business Technologies, Dillons, Eck Electric, EMS, Gatlin Pharmacy, Grand Plains, Hair Etc., John Patton Photography, Liberty Middle School PE Teacher/Coach, Lisa’s Western Wear, Main Street Animal Clinic, Maurices, Napa, Pratt Law Enforcement Center (ride a long), Pratt County Sheriffs Dept, (1 ride a long, 1 detention center), Pratt Lilypad Childcare, Pratt Public Library, Signature Style, Southwest Elementary, Stanions, Taylor Printing, Tractor Supply, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Younie Lawnscapes, Vanslyke Body Shop.

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 the Pratt office at 620.672.9600. (Photo courtesy of Pratt Public Library)