Press Release: Division Of Vocational Rehabilitation Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month with Proclamation and Ceremony

(DENVER) - To highlight the contributions of Coloradans with disabilities to the state's economy, Governor Jared Polis has issued a proclamation declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month. Celebrated nationwide every year, this year's theme is "Access to Good Jobs for All," chosen by the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the US Department of Labor to highlight the commitment to expand prosperity for people with disabilities by increasing the number of inclusive workplaces.

During Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) will present the Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration. This awards ceremony, taking place on October 16, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the West Foyer of the Capitol Building, will recognize employers and individuals who make exemplary efforts in the intentional recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of individuals with disabilities. The ceremony will also honor DVR staff whose bold actions have significantly impacted the people and partners they serve. Tom Knost of Continuum of Colorado will also be recognized for his efforts in advancing customized employment and supporting DVR's goal to increase competitive, integrated employment for all no matter the type or severity of their disability.

The Governor's proclamation is meant to bring attention to the untapped talent available in the disability community. Despite comprising a large portion of Colorado's adult population, people with disabilities who want to work face many barriers to employment.

"DVR is serving more Coloradans with disabilities than in any of the past 10 years, and caseload on the Medicaid buy-in for Working Adults with Disabilities has more than doubled since 2020" said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. "DVR has seen a 20% rise in applications since 2023, demonstrating even more people with disabilities want to work. These are programs that are changing lives, and with the establishment of the new Disability Opportunity Office within CDLE, Colorado will streamline its collaboration and coordination efforts across our state agencies to enhance the support available to individuals with disabilities across our state. The Polis-Primavera administration is committed to creating a Colorado for All, including people with disabilities."

"Coloradans with disabilities are an untapped talent pool who bring unique perspectives, skills, and problem-solving abilities that drive innovation and boost morale. Hiring people with disabilities strengthens businesses and their bottom line" said CDLE Executive Director Joe Barela. "We've proved that at CDLE with our Disability Hiring Preference pilot program. Since its inception, we have successfully hired 42 individuals with disabilities through the program, and we're now working with other state agencies to expand the pilot and broaden the State's workforce to include more highly qualified individuals."

"Employers want to have a robust, diverse workforce, and we want to help local businesses hire and retain talented workers with disabilities, by providing the support and resources employers need," said Kristin Corash, DVR Director at CDLE. "We want Coloradans with disabilities to thrive, and we are committed to closing the prosperity gap by increasing employment opportunities, raising earnings, and reducing poverty for people with disabilities. Colorado has one of the highest employment rates for people with disabilities, we are making progress."

The most recent data available (2022) from the American Community Survey (ACS) estimates 35.1% of people age 16 and over with disabilities in Colorado are employed whereas 71.8% of Coloradans without a disability were employed, a gap of 36.7 percentage points. The good news is, this is down from a gap of 41 percentage points in 2017.

To help address the barriers people with disabilities face, DVR supports employers to create inclusive workplaces, and provide people with disabilities one-on-one career counseling, job supports, assistive technology, and training to live independently and prosper. Learn more about DVR Services.

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