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New Year, New Career: Specialized Employment Services for Workers with Disabilities

a man stands next to a poster that reads "Building Dreams - Job Fair"

The new year is a great time to embark on a new career path. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and ARIZONA@WORK have specialized programs to meet the unique needs of job seekers, including services for workers with disabilities.

The DES VR program believes in the importance of including workers with disabilities in our workforce and offers customized employment readiness activities to accommodate these job seekers. The VR team provides an array of supportive services including coaching, equipment to support accommodation needs and even customized job fairs where job seekers can meet with potential employers in an accommodating environment.

people setting up booths before a job fair

In October 2023, the team hosted its 12th annual Building a D.R.E.A.M (Disability & Rehabilitation Employment Awareness Month) job fairs in Tucson and Phoenix, where over 70 employers attended to fill open positions. Nearly 1,000 job seekers with disabilities attended and connected with potential employers.

Prior to the event, a pre-DREAM job fair was held to help job seekers with disabilities prepare for the Building a D.R.E.A.M job fair. It offered guidance, tools, and support, including mock interviews and resume reviews. Over 400 job seekers and 40 employers attended the Phoenix event, and 550 job seekers met with 30 employers in Tucson.

crowds of people at a job fair

The VR Employer Liaison team is gearing up to provide more employment opportunities for people with disabilities in 2024. In addition to another DREAM Job Fair in March, they are assisting in organizing a sensory-friendly Autism job fair, which promises to create a safe and inclusive environment for individuals with Autism, enabling them to interact with diverse employers and explore job opportunities.

By organizing these job fairs, the team aims to enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

Here’s a look at some of the specialized job fairs to come for workers with disabilities in 2024:

  • DREAM Pre-Employment Fair: Gateway Community College, March 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • DREAM Job Fair: Gateway Community College, March 28, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Autism job fair: Rio Salado College, April 9, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about how VR can help you find employment in 2024, visit the Vocational Rehabilitation Services website.

January 10, 2024
Fabian Estrada
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