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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.
Providing accommodations for people with disabilities is expensive.
The majority of workers with disabilities do not need accommodations to perform their jobs, and for those who do, the cost is usually minimal. According to the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a service from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, 58% of accommodations cost absolutely nothing to make, while the rest typically cost only $500. Moreover, tax incentives are available to help employers cover the costs of accommodations, as well as modifications required to make their businesses accessible to persons with disabilities.
The ADA forces employers to hire unqualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants who are unqualified for a job cannot claim discrimination under the ADA. Under the ADA, to be protected from discrimination in hiring, an individual with a disability must be qualified, which means he or she must meet all requirements for a job and be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
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. 
The ADA places a financial burden on small businesses that cannot afford to make accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Businesses with fewer than 15 employees are not covered by the employment provisions of the ADA. Moreover, a covered employer does not have to provide a reasonable accommodation that would cause an "undue hardship." Undue hardship is defined as an action requiring significant difficulty or expense when considered in light of factors such as an organization's size, financial resources and the nature and structure of its operation.

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.