Texas Launched 11th Annual HireAbility Campaign

The statewide initiative promotes employment opportunities for Texans with disabilities.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Job Fairs

Isometric editorial illustration showing professional portfolio folders on a table, representing the statewide employment initiative for Texans with disabilities.
The Texas Workforce Commission has launched its 11th annual HireAbility campaign, aiming to increase employment opportunities and awareness for workers with disabilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe local businesses in your area prioritize hiring people with disabilities?

The Texas Workforce Commission has launched its 11th annual Texas HireAbility campaign to boost disability employment awareness. Governor Greg Abbott also designated October 2026 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Texas.

Why it matters

The campaign aims to highlight the economic contributions of workers with disabilities while connecting employers with a highly educated talent pool. It underscores the ongoing state effort to integrate more individuals with disabilities into the workforce.

The Texas Workforce Commission successfully helped 10,000 Texans with disabilities reach their employment goals last year out of 71,000 total participants served. Additionally, there are 700,000 Texans with disabilities who possess a bachelor's degree or higher.

The players

Texas Workforce Commission

This state agency oversees workforce development, unemployment benefits, and vocational training services for residents.

Greg Abbott

He is the current Governor of Texas who officially designated October 2026 as Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The details

TWC partners with local agencies to host disability awareness events and job fairs across the state. The agency also offers Vocational Rehabilitation Services to assist eligible individuals in maintaining long-term employment.

Timeline

  1. October 2026 marks Disability Employment Awareness Month in Texas.

  2. The Texas HireAbility Employer Forum takes place on October 21, 2026.

Market Landscape

This initiative follows the mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act by creating a supportive framework for inclusive hiring. It represents a shift toward localized workforce development that helps businesses leverage the skills of qualified residents with disabilities.

Businesses that employ a workforce composed of at least 10% people with disabilities can qualify for recognition through the We Hire Ability program. Job seekers can access TWC resources to receive training and support for their employment goals.

The takeaway

Employers are encouraged to recognize the significant talent pool of educated professionals with disabilities across the state. Utilizing TWC services can help companies build more inclusive and productive teams.

What happens next

The Texas HireAbility Employer Forum is scheduled to take place at Collin College in McKinney on October 21, 2026.

Further reading

Find more information on local job opportunities in the Texas Job Fairs section.

More information

Visit the Texas HireAbility portal to find a hiring event in your area.

Live Poll

Do you believe local businesses in your area prioritize hiring people with disabilities?