Students get a lesson in careers for disabled

Thomas Armento was so exicted after learning about the inner workings of the Somerset Patriots that he raised his hand and asked, "Where can I get an application?"

The South Brunswick 19-year-old was one of 15 special-needs students from the New Road School at Somerset -- and 800 -- statewide, who participated in National Disability Mentoring Day yesterday.

The event is sponsored by Allies Inc., a nonprofit that serves New Jersey residents with special needs, and gives students a chance to explore careers by pairing them with employers in the community.

"This is an opportunity for students to get out in the working world and see how real businesses operate," said Mike Cestero, DMD coordinator. "I think it's important for them to see that there are several different options out there, but it's also important for employers to consider hiring workers with disabilities."

Laurie Foster, structured learning experience supervisor for the school in Franklin Township, said this was the second year her students have participated in the program.

"I think it's a great program that allows the students to learn about the businesses around them and get a feel for what they want to do in the future," she said. "We don't expect them to pick a career out of what we're doing today, but we do want to show them what's available."

The Somerset students toured the TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, the ShopRite of Somerset and Fletcher Thompson Architect Engineering in Somerset to get a behind-the-scenes look at the businesses and potential job opportunities.

Joann Eltringham, associate director of interior design for Fletcher Thompson, guided students through the firm, which specializes in creating buildings for hospitals, schools, and medical offices.

Students were shown a life-size mockup of a hospital room outfitted with environmentally friendly materials and complete with a bed and nursing station....