RESNA SIG-11 Mentor Program

SIG-11 (Computer Applications) is initiating a Mentor Program to promote the professional growth of individuals new to the field of computer applications served individuals with disabilities, as well as to provide a new mechanism for peer networking for newcomers to RESNA and SIG-11. Through the SIG-11 Mentor Program, it is our hope that individuals new to the field will receive support from seasoned rehabilitation professionals and develop a stronger presence in the RESNA community.

Here are some commonly asked questions about the SIG-11 Mentor Program.

Who is a SIG-11 Mentor?

A SIG-11 Mentor is an experienced professional or peer who forms an active helping relationship with a SIG-11 Mentee. The Mentor is also a person who helps through encouragement, and whose inspiration and advice provides a sincere belief in the abilities of the Mentee to succeed. The Mentor provides professional and technical instruction. In addition, the Mentor is someone who may facilitate introductions to additional people who can help by promoting networking. A Mentor is someone who provides constructive feedback and may serve as a career role model.

The SIG-11 Mentor is someone who is willing to share their professional experiences related to the use of computer applications and people with disabilities. In addition, the Mentor is a peer who can convey the benefits of RESNA membership to the Mentee.

Who is a SIG-11 Mentee?

A SIG-11 Mentee is an individual who forms a partnership with a Mentor over a period of time (one year), working to reach specific professional or personal development goals. For example, one personal goal a Mentee may establish could be to understand the needs of individuals with disabilities who require switches to access assistive devices.

What does a SIG-11 Mentee do?

A Mentee should know their goals and development needs, as well as their strengths. Both the Mentor and Mentee can benefit personally and professionally from a good relationship and can speak to each other in an open and constructively honest forum!

Who can qualify for the SIG-11 Mentor Program?

Any SIG-11 member who is an active member of RESNA may qualify to serve as a Mentor. Individuals who are new to RESNA or SIG-11 are eligible to participate as a SIG-11 Mentee.

How much time will mentoring take away from a Mentor's schedule?

By signing up to become a SIG-11 Mentor, the Mentor is committed to exchange regular e-mails with his or her SIG-11 Mentee. It is estimated that the Mentor will spend an average of 30 minutes per week, but this may vary depending on the pair.

The Mentor should be flexible, take the initiative, and be responsive! Most important, if a Mentor does not have the time to offer a full response shortly after receiving an e-mail message, telephone call, etc., they should send a short message informing the Mentee they will be in contact as soon as they have the opportunity.

What is the duration of the SIG-11 Mentor Program?

The Mentor / Mentee relationship will last for one year.

How do the Mentor and Mentee communicate?

The relationship between the Mentor and the Mentee is based upon trust and mutual consideration for each other's time and talents or potential. The two may engage in small talk until a relevant topic for discussion emerges. Both individuals can benefit personally and professionally from a good relationship and can speak to each other in an open and constructively honest forum!

Communication between partners is not just limited to e-mail! Telephone, meetings in person, and "snail mail" are other communication options. The choice is up to the partners!

What are the SIG-11 Mentor Guidelines?

SIG-11 would like to make sure that the Mentor program is a successful partnership for both the Mentor and the Mentee. These guidelines are intended to help the Mentor venture into a successful relationship with the SIG-11 Mentee:

Build trust and respect by being honest and using personal experience to guide through constructive dialogue.

Listen actively to understand. Talk through the situation. Ask clarifying questions.

Guide towards solutions and support choices.

Provide career coaching actively by sharing learning from personal experiences.

Let the Mentee be responsible for setting his/her goals.

Provide objective feedback aimed at developing the Mentee's capabilities.

Offer professional advice when necessary.

Be respectful of the Mentee's trust and maintain confidentiality in all matters disclosed during the Mentoring sessions.

What are the SIG-11 Mentee Guidelines?

SIG-11 would like to make sure that the Mentor program is a successful partnership for both the Mentee and the Mentor. These guidelines are intended to help the Mentee venture into a successful partnership:

Will build trust and respect by being open and honest with his or her Mentor.

Listens actively to the Mentor in order to understand. Talk through the situation.

Will take responsibility by setting his or her goals.

Asks questions, receives feedback and takes it objectively.

Seriously considers the advice given by the Mentor and/or others they network with.

Is considerate of the Mentor's time.

Is respectful of the Mentor's trust and maintain confidentiality in all matters disclosed during the Mentoring sessions.

If you are interested in becoming a SIG-11 Mentor or Mentee, please fill out and send in the information requested below.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact Jamie Prioli at jprioli@njpanda.org or 609/292-9742.

SIG-11 Mentor Program Application

If you would like to participate in the SIG-11 Mentor Program, please send the information requested to Jamie Prioli at jprioli@gmail.com or 732/920-3954 (fax).

Are you interested in being a:

Mentor

Mentee

Both

Contact Information:

First Name:

Last Name:

Facility:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Phone Number:

E-mail Address:

Background Information:

Job Title:

Employer:

Years in the rehabilitation field?

Describe your current job duties (75 words or less):

Provide a brief resume (75 words or less):

Why do you want to be a SIG-11 Mentor / SIG-11 Mentee? (75 words or less)

How much time can you devote to the program per week?

What goals would you like to achieve? (75 words or less)