(DENVER) ~ # Colorado declares October Disability Employment Awareness Month

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month, recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities to the state's economy.

This year's theme, "Colorado's Next 150 Years," was selected by the state's disability community with the Colorado Association for People Supporting Employment First. It highlights Colorado's history of disability employment and its goal of building a state that includes everyone.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) will use the month to spotlight the skills and potential of workers with disabilities. According to the latest American Community Survey data, 50.7% of Coloradans with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed in August 2025, compared with 41.8% nationally.

Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera said Colorado has expanded employment opportunities through measures including ending subminimum wages, broadening Medicaid Buy-In eligibility and establishing the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office.

"Colorado has become one of the most progressive states in the nation for disability employment," Primavera said, adding that the changes will benefit future generations.

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The department also works with employers on inclusive hiring and retention. Executive Director Joe Barela said its Employers Thrive initiative includes workshops on the Americans with Disabilities Act and skills-first hiring. DVR's Business Relations Unit delivered more than 500 skills-first workshops in the past year, he said.

DVR provides employers with recruitment and training support, while offering job seekers with disabilities career counseling, workplace supports, assistive technology and training. The agency says Colorado has narrowed the disability employment gap by 16.3 percentage points since 2019. The average salary for workers with disabilities in Colorado is nearly 10% higher than the national average, according to DVR Director Kristin Corash.

CDLE and DVR will hold a Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at 10 a.m. Oct. 21, 2026, in the West Foyer of the State Capitol. The event will recognize people with disabilities, employers and others advancing inclusive recruitment, hiring, retention and promotion.

The agency will also present the first Primavera Award, honoring DVR staff who develop new employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The award recognizes Primavera's work as a disability advocate and former vocational rehabilitation counselor.

Attendees can RSVP through the event registration page. Media representatives are asked to confirm attendance at cdle_pr@state.co.us.

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