In July of last year, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation transferred from the Colorado Department of Human Services to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. At CDLE, we are always working to strengthen and diversify the state’s workforce, and that includes opening doors for Coloradans who may face obstacles to finding meaningful employment.
Unfortunately, people with disabilities have historically been underrepresented in the workforce.
While Colorado ranks in the top 10 for workforce participation rate for workers with disabilities in the country, there is still more we can do to unlock this untapped potential. That’s why this merger has provided us with an excellent opportunity. We now have the chance to rethink, retool and redesign all of our job-seeker services for workers with disabilities and to help connect employers to some of the state’s most valuable yet underused workforce.
It also allows us to engage with DVR staff, clients, employers and vendors to address the challenges and highlight the incredible successes that have already taken place in communities across the state.
DVR not only provides resources to job-seekers, it also assists businesses looking to recruit, train, hire and retain capable employees. DVR offers a number of valuable benefits for both the employee and the employer, including providing on-the-job training, offering technical assistance on available tax credits and conducting free disability awareness training.
In addition to working with local employers, DVR relies on local vendors to provide services or products that will help DVR clients on their path to employment. Vendors can provide everything from uniforms and hardhats to medical services or specialized equipment and can make a big difference in the lives of people in their communities.
DVR has been very fortunate to partner with wonderful employers and vendors right here in Durango and across Colorado. Employers like Sodexo and Puppy Love Kennel and vendors like the Axis Health System have broken down barriers to employment and helped countless people with disabilities find jobs.
Our Durango DVR office was able to partner with Mercy Regional Medical Center to attain gainful employment for our client, Kashmir Johnson.
Johnson has a bachelor’s degree from Fort Lewis College, and though she has hearing loss, has excellent credentials and experience. DVR was able to work with Mercy to provide reasonable accommodations that allow Johnson to use her skill sets.
“DVR is a wonderful tool to be utilized for the attainment of gainful employment,” said Johnson. “Mercy Family Medicine saw a woman with real potential, determination and someone who has overcome a lot and does not give up. With the few accommodations needed, Mercy Family Medicine set me up to be successful at my job and in turn gained a valuable employee.”
When local employers and vendors team up with their DVR office to bring people with disabilities into the talent pipeline, we can ensure that all Coloradans reach their employment potential.
We look forward to working with local businesses and partners toward this greater goal and to harnessing the untapped potential in your community. If you are interested in partnering with DVR as a vendor or employer, please contact your local DVR office at 247-3161.
Ellen Golombek is executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Reach her at ellen.golombek@state.co.us.
