TOMS RIVER, NJ – Since 2022, the annual Disability Employment Awareness Job and Resource Fair has connected Ocean County residents with disabilities to valuable resources, support services, and meaningful employment opportunities.
Event Set for October 6 at Ocean County College
This year’s event will take place on October 6 at Ocean County College’s Jon and Judith Larson Center (Building 8), from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“The event aims to create a more direct path to employment for our residents living with disabilities, while promoting inclusivity across the County,” said Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, liaison to Ocean County Human Services and the Ocean County Commission for Individuals with Disabilities. “The Job Fair is made possible through the collaboration of several Ocean County departments, community partners and leading County employers.”
On-Site Interviews and a Recognition Ceremony
At the event, job seekers will have an opportunity to connect directly with potential employers, submit resumes and even complete in-person interviews. The event also includes a presentation and brief ceremony at 12 p.m., recognizing employers who hired individuals with disabilities and employees with disabilities who have excelled in their careers.
Resources from Local, County, and State Providers
Attendees can also gather information on support services, disability resources and programs available through local, county, and state providers.
“Having access to multiple organizations in one location saves time and effort for families navigating these systems,” Ellenbogen said. “The Disability Employment Awareness Job and Resource Fair is unique because local employers attending are actively looking to fill vacant roles, which means individuals could leave the event with real next steps towards meaningful employment.”
A Partnership Among County and State Organizations
The event is a partnership between the Ocean County Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, the Ocean County Workforce Development Board, the Office of Access and Disability Services at Ocean County College, the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and the Ocean County Library.
“We have seen annual growth in attendance of the Job Fair, and it showcases the positive work that gets done when our County departments come together towards a shared goal,” Ellenbogen said.
Connecting with the Ocean County Career Center
The Job Fair pairs well with individuals already involved with the Ocean County Career Center, which provides job search support and career counseling to residents.
October Proclaimed Disability Employment Awareness Month
In addition to the Job Fair, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners plan to recognize employees living with disabilities by proclaiming October 2026 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Ocean County, during the Ocean County Board of Commissioners meeting on September 30 at 4 p.m. in Room 119, 101 Hooper Ave., Toms River.
