Certification

Certified Disability Inclusive Mentoring badgeEvery year, we offer NDMC Members a chance to participate in our Disability Mentoring Certification process. The certification process takes 4 months, during which time participating members are guided through a deep learning process around how to run a mentoring program that is inclusive to youth, volunteers, and staff with disabilities.

Upon completion, individuals are provided with documentation of their certification, and organizations participating in the process have the certification listed on their profile in The Mentoring Connector (the only national database of youth mentoring programs). Additionally, organizations that have completed their Disability Mentoring Certification see a greater reach and visibility in search results on The Mentoring Connector.

To complete the certification, participating individuals must complete the following:

  • Complete a curriculum of take-at-your-own-pace online courses
  • Attend two webinars focused on implementation of key learning gains
  • Create an Inclusion Action Plan for your mentoring program

Since 2021, 114 individuals and 55 organizations have completed their certification across 34 states, Canada, and the Bahamas. In 2022, the NDMC expanded the Disability Mentoring Certification program to include a 201 Level Track: Senior Certified Professionals for continued learning and a deeper dive into disability inclusion policies and practices for certified professionals.

Sign up for a future cohort

We offer the Disability Mentoring Certification multiple times a year. If interested in participating in a future cohort, sign up today and you will get notified with updates.

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Group of professionals in a classroom setting, participating in a disability inclusion learning cohort

“I learned so much. Each lesson confronted ideas that I have long held. I thought that I basically had an understanding of most of the issues presented in the lessons. However, there was so much for me to learn. “

“It was incredibly helpful to delve into topics that my undergrad/grad education had essentially glossed over. I feel that the knowledge that I’ve gained will make me a better clinician.”

“This [training program] provided fundamental knowledge. It helped us to think about ableism in our organization and expanding the idea of “what is disability?” In particular […] we found that the information around the ADA and reasonable accommodations gave us tangible steps for how we could approach awareness around disability, inclusion, and ableism at our organization.”

“I personally found the entire training to be well worth my time and so informative. I will take this learning with me forever. Thank you for offering this incredible training!​”