This October, Goodwill Central Texas celebrates the talents, contributions, and achievements of people with disabilities while recognizing the importance of creating meaningful employment opportunities for everyone.
Every person deserves the opportunity to find meaningful work, develop their skills, and build a future they can be proud of. Yet for many individuals with disabilities, barriers to employment can make that journey more challenging.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual observance recognizing the contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of building inclusive workplaces. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” reminds us that a strong workforce is one where everyone’s abilities, perspectives, and potential are recognized.
In 2025, 22.8% of Americans with disabilities were employed, reflecting historically high levels of workforce participation. However, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 8.3%, approximately twice the rate for those without disabilities.
These numbers highlight both the progress that’s been made and the work that remains.
At Goodwill Central Texas, we’re committed to helping close that gap by connecting individuals with disabilities to the training, resources, and support they need to succeed in the workplace.
Creating Pathways to Meaningful Employment
Finding a job is just one part of building a successful career. For individuals with disabilities, having access to personalized training, workplace accommodations, and ongoing support can make all the difference.
Goodwill Central Texas’ Disability Services programs provide individualized, hands-on assistance designed to help people identify their strengths, develop workplace skills, overcome employment barriers, and achieve greater independence.
Our teams work directly with individuals and employers to support every stage of the employment journey, from career exploration and job placement to onsite coaching and long-term success.
Through our partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission–Vocational Rehabilitation (TWC-VR), we provide a range of employment services to eligible individuals with disabilities throughout Central Texas, including:
- Career Planning Assessments: Evaluating an individual’s strengths, abilities, interests, and career potential to identify appropriate employment opportunities.
- Job Placement: Connecting job seekers with employment opportunities that align with their skills and goals.
- Work Experience: Providing opportunities to develop practical skills and gain experience in real workplace environments.
- Job Skills Training and Coaching: Offering hands-on instruction and workplace support to help individuals build confidence, learn job responsibilities, and succeed in their roles.
- Supported Employment: Providing individualized assistance to help people with disabilities obtain and maintain meaningful, long-term employment.
By tailoring services to each person’s needs and goals, we help create opportunities for lasting success.
Project SEARCH: Building Skills Through Real-World Experience
For students with disabilities, the transition from school to employment can be a significant milestone. Project SEARCH helps make that transition possible through immersive, hands-on workplace experiences.
This internationally recognized employment model gives students the opportunity to develop transferable job skills, build confidence, and prepare for competitive employment.
In partnership with TWC-VR, eight local school districts, and host businesses including Ascension Seton Hospitals, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Project SEARCH participants gain valuable experience in professional settings.
Through structured training and real-world responsibilities, students develop the workplace skills, independence, and confidence needed to take the next step toward employment.
STEP: Helping Travis County Residents Move Forward
For some individuals with disabilities, financial barriers and limited access to training can make finding employment even more difficult.
Goodwill Central Texas’ Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP), funded through a Travis County grant, helps eligible residents access the resources and support they need to pursue meaningful work.
Designed for Travis County residents with documented disabilities who meet program income guidelines, STEP offers individualized assistance to help participants:
- Build essential workplace skills.
- Access career training and internships.
- Overcome financial barriers to employment.
- Prepare for meaningful, sustainable careers.
By addressing each participant’s unique challenges and goals, STEP helps create pathways toward greater economic independence and long-term career success.
Goodwill Commercial Services: Creating Opportunities for Long-Term Success
Meaningful employment provides more than a paycheck. It can also create opportunities for personal growth, greater independence, and a stronger connection to the community.
Goodwill Central Texas Commercial Services helps make those opportunities possible by providing stable employment for individuals with disabilities through federal and state contracts at locations throughout the Austin area.
These positions allow employees to earn sustainable wages, strengthen their workplace skills, and establish long-term employment while delivering essential services to community partners.
By creating supportive work environments where individuals can contribute their talents and develop professionally, Goodwill Central Texas Commercial Services demonstrates the value of an inclusive workforce.
Building a More Inclusive Central Texas Workforce
A more inclusive workforce benefits everyone. When individuals with disabilities have access to meaningful employment opportunities, employers gain valuable talent, communities grow stronger, and more people can achieve greater financial independence.
But creating these opportunities takes more than programs and partnerships. It takes dedicated people who believe in the potential of every individual.
Every day, Goodwill Central Texas’ Disability Services Team works alongside job seekers, students, employers, and community partners to remove barriers and create opportunities. Whether they’re helping someone prepare for their first job interview, advocating for workplace accommodations, or providing ongoing support after placement, their work makes a lasting difference.
This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the skills, talents, and contributions of individuals with disabilities and recognize the people and partnerships helping make meaningful employment possible.
At Goodwill Central Texas, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to work, grow, and thrive. Together, we’re helping build a community where more people can do just that.
Learn more about Goodwill Central Texas’ workforce advancement programs.
