Oregon Employment Department Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month - 10/23/26
For immediate release: October 23, 2026
Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov
Oregon Employment Department celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October by highlighting how people with disabilities contribute to Oregon’s workforce and how employers can draw from this talented pool of individuals.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the skills and contributions people with disabilities bring to workplaces, communities, and the economy.
WorkSource Oregon — a statewide partnership that includes OED’s Workforce Operations division — provides services to help job seekers with disabilities find jobs that match their skills and interests. WorkSource Oregon can also support employers in matching skilled people with disabilities with their specific job openings.
Job seekers, including those with disabilities, can meet one-on-one with staff to identify employment goals and develop a plan for their job search. Staff can help with resumes, applications, and interviews and connect job seekers with employers and job opportunities. Customers can also explore career options, training, and other resources that can help them prepare for and succeed in a new job.
“Oregon’s workforce is stronger when people have opportunities to use their skills, build careers, and contribute to their communities,” said OED Director Andrew R. Stolfi. “We’re honored to help job seekers with disabilities connect with opportunities to thrive in the workplace, and with partner agencies for added support.”
WorkSource Oregon partners include the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation program, the Oregon Commission for the Blind, and other workforce partners that provide individuals with disabilities with specialized employment services and supports. Vocational Rehabilitation helps remove possible barriers to employment, and the Oregon Commission for the Blind provides job search assistance, skills training, and workplace support for eligible Oregonians who are blind.
These WSO partnerships help job seekers identify career goals, build skills, and connect with employment opportunities. They also allow customers to access different types of support through Oregon’s broader workforce system as they move toward employment.
WorkSource Oregon also works with businesses that want to recruit and retain workers with disabilities. Staff can help employers reach potential candidates and connect with workforce resources. These partnerships can help businesses expand their talent pool while creating more opportunities for job seekers.
“Every job seeker brings different skills, experiences, and goals to their job search,” said Workforce Operations Director Jim Pfarrer. “We help job seekers with disabilities explore career opportunities, prepare for employment and connect with employers. We also work with our partners to make sure people can access the services and support they need to succeed.”
WorkSource Oregon staff can help employers who want to use National Disability Employment Awareness Month as an opportunity to explore how they can improve their recruitment, hiring and retention practices to expand opportunities for workers with disabilities. Disability can be apparent or non-apparent, and every worker brings different strengths, experiences, and perspectives to the workplace.
Job seekers and businesses can learn more about free WorkSource Oregon services and find their nearest WorkSource Oregon center at WorkSourceOregon.org.
People who need an accommodation or help accessing WorkSource Oregon services can also contact their local WorkSource Oregon center for help.
About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon
The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.
Need help?
WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1680. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to EmployerServices@oregon.gov.
WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a EmployerServices@oregon.gov.
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