SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — More than 50 physically and mentally disabled people in the Syracuse area were mentored for the day by over 30 businesses on Wednesday (Oct. 23) through the Disability Mentoring Day event.
Pascale’s restaurant at Drumlins Country Club in Syracuse hosted a breakfast for both the mentees and mentors. The breakfast facilitated casual introductions, and afterwards, the mentorships began at the respective organizations.
Jeffrey Tamburo founded the event back in 2001.
“It’s really about introducing people to each other so that they have that exposure,” said Tamburo. “So businesses recognize that people who happen to have disabilities have a lot that they can offer and can be great employees.”
The day-long shadowing took place at multiple organizations in the area including the Syracuse Mets, Dunkin’ Donuts and the United Way of Central New York.
Jennifer Schiebler, who works for United Way of CNY, was shadowed by Jenna Cerul, 18.
Schiebler showed Cerul basic tasks she would usually do at work, such as creating donation packages and sorting brochures to be mailed out.
Conrad Struzik, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express Syracuse Airport, who was one of the mentors at the event, said the day-long shadowing gives disabled people more confidence.
“I’ve had people with various physical challenges work in all aspects,” said Struzik. “Work in the laundry room, work in cleaning rooms, work cleaning public spaces or in the breakfast area, so it’s always possible.”
Next year’s Disability Mentoring Day is scheduled for Oct. 15.
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Pascale, a restaurant and banquet area at Drumlins Country Club in Syracuse, was the location for the start of the Disability Mentoring Day.
© 2019 Andrew Rubino -
Jennifer Schiebler, a United Way of Central New York worker, was shadowed by Jenna Cerul, 18, later in the day.
© 2019 Andrew Rubino
