Finding qualified talent is only part of the hiring process. Employers also need effective ways to identify skills, understand a candidate’s capabilities and build workplaces where employees can succeed.
The 2026 TWC-VRS NDEAM Business Symposium, hosted by Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Services in partnership with Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, will bring Houston-Galveston business partners together to learn from organizations that have experience recruiting, hiring and working with people with disabilities.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
- Time: 8:30–11:45 a.m.
- Location: West End Multi-Service Center, 170 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77007
- Cost: Free for Houston-Galveston business partners
Professional development and continuing education units (CEUs) are also being pursued for symposium participants.
Hear From Employers and Workforce Leaders
The symposium will feature organizations that have worked with TWC-VR to connect qualified candidates with employment opportunities.
NASA will share how it recruits, hires and retains employees with disabilities in specialized STEM fields, including the use of hiring authorities and accommodation programs.
Modern HealthCare Integrations will discuss its experience with the Paid Work Experience program, including how the program allows employers to evaluate talent firsthand while supporting organizational culture and business outcomes.
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) will highlight its partnership with TWC-VR to connect qualified candidates with public service positions and give managers an opportunity to see candidates’ skills in a work setting.
The Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center will also provide insight into the specialized training that prepares legally blind individuals with technology and career development skills for employment.
A Different Way to Evaluate Talent
One of the themes running through the symposium is the opportunity for employers to see what candidates can do, rather than making hiring decisions based only on an application or résumé.
Programs such as Paid Work Experience can give businesses a chance to work with candidates directly and better understand how their skills fit the workplace. The symposium will provide an opportunity to hear how other organizations have approached these partnerships and what they have learned along the way.
For businesses considering ways to expand their recruiting strategies, these firsthand examples can offer practical ideas for connecting with qualified candidates with disabilities.
Connect With TWC-VR and Workforce Solutions
The NDEAM Business Symposium is designed for employers and business partners interested in learning more about available workforce partnerships and approaches to disability-inclusive hiring.
Registration is now open. Business partners can reserve a seat for the October 1 event and learn directly from organizations already using these strategies in their workplaces.
Register for the 2026 TWC-VRS NDEAM Business Symposium
Explore in-demand careers and connect with top employers at upcoming Workforce Solutions hiring events. Register today to secure your spot and access career-building resources.
