CDLE's
Disability
Hiring
Preference
Pilot Program
What is the Disability Hiring Preference?
Beginning March 1, 2022, new applicants with disabilities who apply for a job at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), may be eligible to receive preference in the application process. This preference is similar to the Veterans’ Preference currently in place.
The new pilot, implemented as a result of the passage of Sunset Employment First Advisory Partnership (SB21-095), recognizes that the skills and talents of people with disabilities are often overlooked, resulting in high rates of unemployment, even in state government. That's why the Disability Hiring Preference Pilot Program seeks to create more equitable hiring practices inclusive to people with disabilities.
This page offers information for those who want to apply for the preference, including:
Resources for job seekers with disabilities
What steps you need to take to qualify for the preference
What documentation is needed to qualify for the preference
News and updates related to the preference
And more
About the Disability Hiring Preference
On June 30, 2021, Governor Jared Polis signed SB21-095, extending the Employment First Advisory Partnership (EFAP) and creating a hiring preference pilot program for qualified applicants with disabilities, developed by the Governor’s office, the Attorney General’s office, the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA), CDLE, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The pilot will be housed in CDLE; if successful, it will be adopted in other state government agencies.
Eligibility Documents
Learn about your options to show your eligibility and review a sample eligibility letter.
Support at CDLE: Disability Affinity Group
The Disability Affinity Space provides a welcoming and supportive place for new and current CDLE employees with disabilities. The group also provides recommendations on how to make CDLE a more welcoming place for staff with disabilities.
Resources
We've collected a variety of resources to help you apply for state government, understand how working effects your disability benefits and more.