Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a resource for Oregon businesses regarding disability in the workplace. We provide inclusion guidance, recruitment support and disability awareness training.
Connect with us
Our services
Recruitment
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.
Training and consultation
VR provides disability awareness training on a variety of topics such as:
- Identifying and eliminating unconscious bias
- Cultivating an inclusive culture
- Why words matter, let's talk disability
- 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.
Preparing youth for work
Businesses can strengthen their connection in the community by providing work-based learning experiences for youth with disabilities. Just ask us how.
Learning opportunities
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:
- Etiquette
- Successful hiring strategies
- Accommodations at work
- Tax credits
- Disability resources available to Oregon businesses
Our vision and values
Every Oregonian with a disability who desires to work is given the opportunity and the means.
Guided by a clear vision and grounded by strong core values, VR is committed to continuing leadership in Oregon, providing employment services and solutions to meet the needs of its customers: businesses and people with disabilities.
Employer feedback
"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.
Employer success stories
Myths and facts
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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 Network
A 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 Administration
A 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 Policy
Strategies, effective practices, information and technical assistance for public and private employers and government agencies.