Governor Greg Abbott has announced the launch of the 10th annual Texas HireAbility campaign, a partnership between the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The campaign aims to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and highlight their contributions in the workplace.
“Every October, we honor the nearly two million Texans with disabilities who strengthen our workforce and make our state great,” said Governor Abbott. “In Texas, we open the doors of opportunity for all people. Because when everyone has the chance to work and succeed, our state succeeds. Only in Texas can a young man have his back broken in half and rise up to become Governor of the greatest state in the nation. Through the HireAbility campaign and Disability Employee Awareness Month, we are building a Texas where every Texan can achieve their dreams.”
Throughout October, TWC and its partners will organize job fairs and disability awareness events across Texas as part of this initiative. The campaign provides employers with information on how they can benefit from hiring talented Texans with disabilities.
This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Governor Abbott recognized this milestone in a proclamation earlier this year and has designated October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Texas.
“Many of Texas’ most successful employers proudly make disability inclusion a priority in the workplace, and we want to encourage all businesses to leverage this talent pipeline,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Through initiatives like Texas HireAbility and We Hire Ability, TWC celebrates the accomplishments of people with disabilities and remains committed to providing pathways for people with disabilities to enjoy meaningful employment.”
“Texas HireAbility isn’t just about filling jobs; it’s about unlocking the immense potential and diverse skills that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Every Texan deserves the opportunity to contribute their talents, and this campaign helps break down barriers and build a stronger, more equitable workforce for all.”
“Texas’ workforce is made stronger by tapping into the skills, talents, and contributions of Texans of all abilities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “I am honored to join the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Texas HireAbility. TWC is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and enabling employers to succeed in the Texas economy, during this campaign and always.”
The We Hire Ability employer recognition program from TWC acknowledges businesses in Texas where at least 10% of employees are people with disabilities. Recognized employers receive a decal for display online or at physical locations.
The Texas HireAbility Employer Forum is scheduled for October 2, 2025 at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio. Speakers include Dr. Daniel Wendler along with representatives from companies such as Toyotetsu, Accenture, Christus Alamo Heights Hospital, and Southwest Research Institute. The event will also feature presentation of Lex Frieden Employment Awards recognizing commitment to employing Texans with disabilities.
More information about hiring events or webinars related to Texas HireAbility can be found at twc.texas.gov/texashireability.
TWC’s Vocational Rehabilitation program assists eligible Texans with disabilities in preparing for employment as well as retaining or advancing within competitive integrated work settings. In 2024 alone, over 69,000 participants were served by TWC’s program while more than 10,000 individuals achieved their employment goals.
