The University of Houston-Victoria is partnering with the Disability Coalition of the Golden Crescent to educate employers about disability services as part of the university’s April 10 Spring Career Fair.  

The fair will be from 10 a.m. to noon in the Multi-Purpose Room of UHV University Center, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. The event, organized by UHV Career Services, is free and open to the public. Businesses pay a nominal fee to participate. Job seekers are advised to bring plenty of copies of their resume and to dress professionally.  

The Employer Symposium will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. All local employers are invited to attend the free event, regardless of whether they have a table at the career fair. The symposium will feature speakers discussing various employer incentive programs as well as providing information about hiring job seekers with disabilities and providing accommodations.  

Billy Blanchard

Billy Blanchard, president of the coalition and the disabilities and mental health services coordinator for Head Start, said many accommodations are inexpensive for employers to make, and there are services available to help fund other needs. Representatives from disability-related organizations will be on hand at the symposium to educate employers about the benefits associated with hiring employees with disabilities.  

“Employers are a big part of the successful job placement of individuals with disabilities,” Blanchard said “We’ve also found that companies that make accommodations for their employees with disabilities tend to have employees who are more loyal. These employees see that their employers are committed to them as well.”  

UHV Career Services recently became more involved with the Disability Coalition of the Golden Crescent, said Amy Hatmaker, UHV Career Services coordinator.  

Amy Hatmaker

“More and more of our students request disability services, so it is important that Career Services be involved,” she said. “We’re happy to help employers gain information and expand their workforce in any way we can. Career Services is here for the students, but of course we like helping the employers as well.

Before the Employer Symposium, the career fair will include a variety of companies interested in hiring full-time employees and interns. Some companies attending include INVISTA, the City of Victoria, Dillards, the Victoria Office of the Attorney General and Warm Springs Specialty Hospital of Victoria.  

“This year, we have a lot of new companies attending the career fair,” Hatmaker said. “There will be something there for a variety of majors.”  

Businesses interested in participating in the Career Fair must reserve a spot by April 8. The $35 registration fee includes tables, electricity, Wi-Fi, refreshments and lunch for two recruiters. To register for the career fair or for more information about the symposium, contact Hatmaker at 361-570-4378 or hatmakera@uhv.edu.