HAZARD, Ky. (Oct. 19, 2004) – Area teens with disabilities will explore job opportunities on Wednesday, Oct. 20, during Disability Mentoring Day at several businesses.

National Disability Mentoring Day is a partnership between the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the U.S. Department of Labor. Locally, the event is sponsored by the Kentucky Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CCSHCN), Hazard City Schools, Leslie County Schools, Perry County Schools, DJ Inc./Nypro, Inc. and the Kentucky Department for Vocational Rehabilitation. Hazard Mayor Bill Gorman has signed a proclamation declaring Wednesday Disability Mentoring Day in the city.

Participating businesses include DJ/Nypro, Hazard Herald, Hazard Community College, Mountain Imaging, Hazard Community Technical College, Wal-Mart, Maggard Funeral Home, New Beginnings Daycare, Area Office Supply, Perry County Sheriff's Office, Bee’s Beauty Shop, Appalachian Animal Clinic, Maggard Florist, East Kentucky Veteran's Center, Cingular Wireless, Appalachian Scrapbooking, Forseam Landscaping, Andy’s Honda Shop, Leslie Resources, ARH Hospital, Perry County Library, Perry County Central, Perry County Clerk Haven King, Starland Daycare, Leslie County Sheriff's Office, Hyden City Hall, Stinett Head Start, Kentucky Farm Bureau of Hyden, Sports Connections and Edmond Collett, attorney.