October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is the perfect moment for Oregon businesses to look at how you’re supporting employees of all abilities — and how disability-friendly practices can strengthen your workforce year-round.

Disability touches every organization, whether you recognize it or not. More than one in four adults in the U.S. have a disability, and many are not apparent. That means your workplace is likely already benefiting from the creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving strengths employees with disabilities bring.

Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is here to help businesses tap into this talent. VR partners directly with businesses to understand your workforce needs, connect you to qualified candidates, and provide a range of no‑cost services — from onboarding support to consultations on disability-related topics. If you want to strengthen your hiring pipeline and build an environment where all employees can thrive, VR is a resource available to you.

Here are four practical steps any business can take to support all abilities in the workplace:

1. Focus on ability, avoid assumptions. Reframe the conversation to recognize the strengths employees with disabilities bring.
2. Attend VR’s no-cost, virtual Lunch and Learn sessions. Hear real stories, learn best practices, and gain insights from people with lived experience. Sign up to get invitations to Lunch and Learn sessions.
3. See what’s working for Oregon businesses. Local employers are already strengthening their teams by hiring people with disabilities in partnership with VR. Watch these videos to hear their experiences and success stories.
4. Explore additional resources. VR’s website offers tools to help businesses confidently hire, onboard, and support employees with disabilities.

NDEAM and beyond

As you celebrate NDEAM, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your workplace:

• How does your organization recognize and support the talents of people with disabilities?
• Are there small changes you could make to create greater accessibility and opportunity?
• What steps could you take now to strengthen your commitment to hiring and supporting people of all abilities?

Every business, no matter its size or industry, can play a part in building a workforce where everyone can contribute and thrive.

Whether you're just getting started, or looking to deepen your commitment, these steps can help you build a stronger, more resilient workplace — during NDEAM and every month of the year.

Visit VR Services for Business to get started.