Many disabled members of the community are able and looking for work, but have a hard time finding jobs.
The New Mexico Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, or DVR, hopes to help solve and bring attention to that problem during National Disability Employment awareness month.
James VonBehren is one of many people whose disabilities prevented him from doing the job they were trained to do.
“I’ve been an electrician for 27 years, and due to my disabilities I can no longer work in that field,” Behren said. “So, I have chosen another field which I enjoy doing, which is helping the homeless and low income people. I do that through the community of hope, and St. Luke’s.”
The New Mexico DVR helped James find and start his new career in Social Work. He came to the Annual Disability Career Fair with community of hope to help people in the same situation he used to be in.
DVR Program Manager Shirley Gonzalez says the Career fair helps people with disabilities applying for jobs because many times they lack self- confidence.
“They understand employers will know people with disabilities are walking through the job fair,” said Gonzalez. “So, they know it is for them. So, It makes it more comfortable and relaxing for them to come and look for work.”
Store Manager of Dillard’s at Mesilla Valley Mall, Sasha Villarreal, says the only factor they look at while hiring is if the applicant can do a good job. They are not concerned about whether or not a person has a disability.
“We don’t look at that, We don’t ask,” Villareal said.” “We have certain criteria that we want you to meet of course because we are a sales driven retailer. But those are the things we ask for not the personal or anything else.”
About 20 different employers took part in the Career Fair, along with groups offering other services for the disabled.
