The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced the launch of a new program to promote disability inclusion. The "We Hire Ability" employer recognition program celebrates Texas employers who demonstrate a commitment to hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities. As a partner in promoting disability inclusion in the workforce, the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD) is excited to promote this recognition program. 

We Hire Ability recognizes businesses that demonstrate a commitment to employing people with disabilities in integrated environments and that have a Texas-based workforce comprised of at least 10 percent people with disabilities. An integrated workplace is an environment where coworkers with and without disabilities work alongside one another. In 2018, an estimated 10% of working-age Texans reported a disability, but only 41% reported being employed. By comparison, the employment rate of their non-disabled peers was 79%. TWC and GCPD hope this program helps highlight the importance of hiring people with disabilities and closing the employment gap, particularly as we begin to move toward economic recovery following the pandemic. As TWC Employer Commissioner Aaron Demerson notes, "When businesses hire from among a talented pool of individuals with disabilities, they gain true problem solvers accustomed to developing workarounds and tackling complex obstacles. . .we want to encourage more employers to consider individuals with disabilities in their recruiting and hiring process."

To receive a We Hire Ability decal, employers may nominate themselves or be nominated by Local Workforce Development Boards (Boards), local Vocational Rehabilitation management, or a local mayoral or county committee that works in partnership with the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.

To find out how your business can benefit from hiring individuals with disabilities or to obtain information on employee accommodation, contact a Vocational Rehabilitation Business Relations Coordinator.