Disability Chamber of Commerce

Disability Chamber of Commerce RGV: Empowering the RGV Cross-Disability Community

The Disability Chamber of Commerce RGV (DCC-RGV) is pleased to commemorate five years of enhancing workforce inclusion for individuals with disabilities in the Rio Grande Valley. As a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, DCC-RGV is committed to supporting local businesses by promoting inclusive hiring practices, fostering collaborative partnerships, and advancing economic growth for the Cross-Disability Community. Established in 2019 by three mothers of individuals with disabilities, the organization is focused on improving access to education, employment, and workforce opportunities for adults with disabilities.

As the fourth cross-disability chamber of commerce in the United States, DCC-RGV has emerged as a prominent advocate for inclusive hiring practices and expanding economic opportunities for the disability community. Through its various initiatives, DCC-RGV seeks to dismantle barriers to employment and provide individuals with disabilities the necessary tools to thrive in the workforce.

One of the organization’s hallmark activities is the annual inclusive job fair, RGV H.I.R.E.S. These job fairs, conducted across Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties, facilitate connections between job seekers with disabilities and disability-friendly employers. Participants are assisted in completing job applications, engaging in job readiness workshops, and acquiring essential skills for workplace success. Such events are vital in fostering increased employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, thus empowering them to secure meaningful careers.

Moreover, DCC-RGV administers a Scholarship Program that offers financial assistance to adults with disabilities seeking higher education or transportation to employment. This program alleviates barriers to educational attainment and career advancement.

The organization also organizes an annual technology giveaway during the holiday season, distributing laptops to individuals with disabilities to ensure they have access to crucial resources in today’s technology-driven job market.

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), DCC-RGV hosts an annual Employer Conference. This month honors the contributions of workers with disabilities while raising awareness of the importance of inclusive hiring practices. For DCC-RGV, NDEAM represents a foundational aspect of its mission to promote a more inclusive workforce. The Employer Conference provides invaluable resources and networking opportunities for local businesses, emphasizing methods to implement inclusive hiring practices, create accessible work environments, and engage with the disability community to bolster economic growth.

In summary, DCC-RGV has made substantial progress over the past five years in enhancing workforce accessibility and inclusion for adults with disabilities. As the organization continues to expand, its unwavering dedication to fostering a more inclusive Rio Grande Valley remains steadfast, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, possess the opportunity to succeed and make meaningful contributions.

For more information, email info@dccrgv.org