Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Sharing our experiences

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

Next week will see the launching of the National Disability Mentoring Day for students with disabilities. This is being done in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

This may sound like just one more day, month or week reminding Americans of some important social need or responsibility. These days, months and weeks come and go and are soon forgotten. In the case of mentoring, this is something we all are doing or should be doing almost every day at home, school or work. It's just the decent thing to do as we spread our knowledge and talents, helping others help themselves.

Every person can be, or is, a mentor in everyday life. If practiced at work you are making an invaluable investment in today and the organization's future work force. This doesn't have to be a structured company function, but if you want to have it built into a program just call (202) 457-0046 or visit the following website: www.disability.gov.

Because mentoring should be just part of our everyday lives I hadn't given it the thought it deserves as a school or company function.

What have excited me are the ideas, promoted by the President's Committee's Job Accommodation Network (JAN), which has the toll-free phone number (800) 526-7234. Believe me, JAN is loaded with ways and means to help businesses develop wise use of human resources. Here are but a few successful examples:

Do you want to learn more job accommodation ideas? Visit their website at www.pcepd.gov or write:

July 2000

President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

1331 F Street NW

Washington, DC 20004-1107

In the meantime, just continue doing what you know is right and help those who need your help. You, your school or company will profit from the returns your actions will trigger.