The Texas Workforce Commission and the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities are promoting the 11th annual Texas HireAbility campaign to encourage hiring of people with disabilities.
Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation designating October 2026 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Texas. Throughout the month, the commission and partners will host job fairs and awareness events across the state.
"October is our month to honor the nearly two million Texans with disabilities in our workforce," Abbott said. "Texas is open to all who want to work and succeed."
The Texas HireAbility Employer Forum will be held Oct. 21 at Collin College in McKinney. Presenters include representatives from Clean Logic, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, City of Fort Worth, and CVS. The event also features the Lex Frieden Employment Awards, which recognize businesses and individuals supporting employment of Texans with disabilities.
The We Hire Ability program recognizes Texas businesses with a workforce at least 10% comprised of employees with disabilities. Those employers receive a decal for use in online media and physical locations.
According to the commission, more than 700,000 Texans with disabilities hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Last year, the Vocational Rehabilitation program served more than 71,000 participants and helped more than 10,000 Texans with disabilities achieve employment goals.