Madison Students 'Unleash Their Power’ At Special Mentoring Day

MADISON, NJ - Students from Madison High School went to Novartis to participate in the company’s East Hanover campus for its 12th annual Disability Mentoring Day last month.

“Disability Mentoring Day is about inspiring students to design their future,” said President of Novartis Pharmaceuticals. “Joshua Leonard’s perseverance and creativity inspired the students. His work helps students focus on their strengths so that they can imagine the education and work possibilities available to them after high school.”

Local colleges, companies, and a disability a non-profit with strong inclusion policies presented information on the resources and support they provide to students with disabilities so that the students can learn about the choices and opportunities available to them after high school.

The keynote speaker, character designer, animator, and illustrator Joshua Leonard, introduced the students to "Team Supreme," his unique team of super heroes whose disabilities become their superpowers. He shared his personal story about how throughout his life, he persevered when faced with adversity and challenges. The students were captivated as they contributed to the design of a superhero and witnessed his creative process.

“You can do anything you can imagine," Leonard said. "Nobody can be you. Find your own superpower and be yourself.”

National Disability Mentoring Day is sponsored nationally by the American Association of People with Disabilities.

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