The Department of Rehabilitation hosted its job fair at the Brookhurst Community Center in Anaheim on Sept. 26, 2024. This event featured 28 employers, offering attendees a valuable opportunity to explore new job prospects and network with industry professionals. This fair, while open to all, aimed to assist individuals with disabilities by providing tailored resources and support.

The Department of Rehabilitation organizes three to four job fairs each year, each one typically showcasing between 50 and 70 employers eager to connect with potential hires. These events draw in over 100 job seekers who are actively looking for new employment opportunities and hoping to advance their careers. This particular event coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which begins in October. 

 Laura Robles-Duarte, a business specialist for the DOR, has been able to connect with a variety of employers through numerous networking events and job fairs, as well as through collaborations with community partners. These partnerships have helped attract employers to this job fair, creating valuable opportunities for local residents and allowing community members to engage directly with potential employers and explore various career paths.

The department helps assist these individuals for these job fairs by providing how to dress professionally, how to make a resume and provide practice interviews before attending these fairs.

“We want people to use these skills that they learn at the DOR (Department Of Rehabilitation) in hopes that when time comes they will be ready, ” said Myla Algra, an intern for the DOR. 

“We assist individuals with physical or mental impairment find employment, with education any type of vocational training that is necessary,” said Phoung Phu Ngyuyen a counselor at the DOR. The department as well offers certifications or licenses to be able to become employed. Once employed they offer assistance to maintain employment 

Many companies offered various programs and positions for attendees. Disney representatives, Onewell healthcare, G&M oil offered on the spot positions such as a cashier, service technician, station manager, and so forth. 

“This is my first time at a job fair-as a deaf person there are many challenges I come across but I am able to connect with many employers who can work with me,” said Blanca Huante’s Interpreter. 

Job Corps, an education and job training program in Long Beach which provides hands-on experience in different career paths. Such as working in transportation, construction, hospitality, in the healthcare system and many more to offer. 

“We provide an opportunity to get into the labor market at Job Corps, everything is covered by the department of labor in the form of a scholarship,” said Rodrigo Garay. The scholarship would help those who may not be able to afford to jump in a chance to experience training, residential, free meals, equipment and tools.

For individuals with disabilities seeking job opportunities, we invite you to visit their website. DOR provides a calendar of future events and other valuable programs designed to assist in achieving your employment goals. For additional information or questions contact [email protected] or at 1-916-558-5755. 

“Great resources for the community and valuable information that I am sure to share with my clients” said Jasmine Trujillo who is an employment specialist, she dedicates to helping clients find suitable job opportunities. “A great opportunity for people who have disabilities to get into the work industry if they have not yet.”