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 of "Colorado's Next 150 Years," was chosen by the Colorado disability community in conjunction with the Colorado Association for People Supporting Employment First (APSE), to honor the state's rich history in disability employment and commitment to a Colorado for All.

During Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) will bring attention to the untapped talent across the disability community. The most recent data from the American Community Survey (ACS) shows that the employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities ages 18-64 in Colorado reached 50.7% in August 2025, compared to the national figure of 41.8%.

"When I began my career in vocational rehabilitation, the landscape for disability employment looked a lot different than it does today," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. "There was a significant lack of opportunity, purpose, dignity and financial independence for people with disabilities. Through the elimination of Sub-Minimum Wage, expansion of Medicaid Buy-In eligibility, and launch of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, Colorado has become one of the most progressive states in the nation for disability employment. This is the kind of systemic change that doesn't just benefit today's Coloradans with disabilities - it sets the standard for what's possible everywhere, and will benefit our future generations. I could not be more proud of what we've built."

"Businesses should have the resources and support to hire and keep the talent they need," said CDLE Executive Director Joe Barela. "Through our Employers Thrive initiative, CDLE has held a laser focus on proactive measures, like increasing Certified ADA Coordinator workshops and skills-first hiring training available through DVR's Business Relations Unit, who provided over 500 skills-first workshops in the last year. With the first disability-focused community assessment launching through the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, we will continue to build a Colorado for All."

To help address the barriers people with disabilities face, DVR supports employers to hire and keep the talent they need by expanding their recruitment and training efforts to reach workers with disabilities, while also providing individuals with disabilities one-on-one career counseling, job supports, assistive technology and training to live independently and prosper. Learn more about DVR Services.

"Colorado has an opportunity to look forward to our next 50, 100, even 150 years," said Kristin Corash, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Director at CDLE. "The Polis-Primavera administration laid the groundwork for the disability community to design the future they would like to see. Colorado's average salary for people with disabilities is nearly 10% higher than the national average. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we have closed the employment gap for people with disabilities by 16.3 percentage points since 2019 increasing their ability to live the life they want and prosper. We are proud to continue this great work by increasing our partnerships and helping more people with disabilities than ever find and keep good jobs."

CDLE and DVR will present the Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration on October 21, 2026 at 10 a.m. in the West Foyer of the State Capitol Building. The celebration will recognize people with disabilities, along with employers, partners and individuals who make exemplary efforts in the intentional recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of individuals with disabilities.

New this year, DVR will be honoring Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera's legacy as a lifelong disability advocate and former Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor by issuing the first ever Primavera Award. The Primavera Award will recognize DVR staff who chart new paths forward for people with disabilities interested in gainful employment.

Attendees can R.S.V.P. here. Members of the media are asked to R.S.V.P. by confirming their attendance with [email protected].

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