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VR Services to Businesses

Diversify your workforce with qualified employees

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a resource for Oregon businesses regarding disability in the workplace. We help businesses recruit, train, retain and promote employees with disabilities, all at no cost.

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"Working with the Vocational Rehabilitation program was a great investment in our business. This program has continued to pay dividends by connecting our business with a great employee who has made a true impact."

Cameron Curtis, Owner, Curtis Homes

"We have worked with Oregon VR for placement and assisting in the training of at least three new employees. VR was very helpful and supporting of both our organization's needs and the new employees' needs."

Mattison Schilling, Employment Representative, Blount, Inc.

Our services

Email us at vr.employmentteam@odhsoha.oregon.gov to request any of our services.

​VR helps businesses with hiring needs connect to skilled talent. Some of the many ways include virtual meet and greets, job fairs and hiring events.​

​VR provides training on disability in the workplace. Topics include:

  • Identifying and eliminating unconscious bias
  • Cultivating an inclusive culture
  • Disability fundamentals
  • Reasonable accommodation

VR can provide tips, tools and information on how to promote inclusion in the workplace. We can also refer you to other subject matter experts if needed.​​

Businesses can strengthen their connection in the community by providing work-based learning experiences for youth with disabilities. Just ask us how.​​

VR offers sessions throughout the year on topics related to disability in the workplace. Opportunities are offered both virtually and in-person. Join us to learn from subject matter experts on topics such as:

  • Myths and misconceptions about disability in the workplace
  • Successful hiring strategies
  • Accommodations at work
  • Tax credits
  • Disability resources available to Oregon businesses
​ ​ View upcoming events​

Upcoming events

Oregon business are invited to join VR and Oregon Commission for the Blind for our Lunch and Learn for Business series, a space to share and learn strategies for recruiting, onboarding and retaining employees with disabilities. We invite human resource professionals, hiring managers and other business professionals who are committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.

Events are held from noon to 1 p.m. Pacific the third Tuesday of the month.








Myths and facts

Myth Fact
Hiring employees with disabilities increases workers compensation insurance rates.Insurance rates are based solely on the relative hazards of the operation and the organization's accident experience, not on whether workers have disabilities.
It is expensive to accommodate workers with disabilities.Most workers with disabilities don't need special accommodations. For those who do, the cost is often much lower than employers think. Studies by the Job Accommodation Network have shown that 15% of accommodations cost nothing, 51% cost between $1 and $500, 12% cost between $501 and $1,000, and 22% cost more than $1,000.
People with disabilities can't meet performance standards. A 1990 DuPont survey of over 800 employees with disabilities found that 90% rated average or better in job performance, compared to 95% for employees without disabilities. An earlier DuPont study of 2,745 employees with disabilities found that 92% rated average or better in job performance, compared to 90% of employees without disabilities. 
Employees with disabilities miss more work than employees without disabilities.Studies show that employees with disabilities are not absent any more than employees without disabilities.
People with disabilities have problems getting to work.People with disabilities use many ways to get to work, just like other employees. They may drive, walk, use a car pool or cab, or take public transportation. 
Employees with disabilities are more likely to have accidents on the job than employees without disabilities.In a 1990 DuPont study, the safety records of both groups were identical.

Resources for businesses

Northwest ADA Center Information, training and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act for businesses, governments and people with disabilities in Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and Washington.

The Job Accommodation NetworkA leading source of free, expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN)Resources to help employers recruit, hire, retain and promote people with disabilities.

U.S. Small Business AdministrationA variety of resources on hiring people with disabilities. As an employer, you can take advantage of programs that encourage recruitment and hiring of people with disabilities. This also makes you eligible for tax credits that help cover the cost of workplace accommodations.

Best Practices for Finding Qualified Workers (PDF)Ideas to get started hiring employees with disabilities.

Tips on Interacting with People with Disabilities (PDF)A publication of the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association.

Access Technologies, Inc.A statewide non-profit and leader in ergonomic and assistive technology. ATI provides equipment and training to people with significant combined hearing and vision loss so they can stay connected to work colleagues, friends and family.

Office of Disability Employment PolicyStrategies, effective practices, information and technical assistance for public and private employers and government agencies.