VR Nevada

Today is Juneteeth National Independence Day, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. On this day, enslaved Black people in Texas learned they were free. The Emancipation Proclamation freed everyone in 1863, but many didn’t know they were free until the Civil War ended two years later.

Today we celebrate people with autism who are advocating for themselves and others with this type of neurodiversity. We join them in proudly celebrating who they are.

Nevada employers are increasingly recognizing the abilities of people on the autism spectrum, and how they use their unique gifts and talents to help companies achieve success. If you’re a business owner, we can help you with recruiting, onboarding and training. https://vrnevada.nv.gov/employers

Employ NV is thrilled to announce their new collaboration with UNLV Lifelong Learning - working together to open doors to career pathways for our community!
EmployNV Career Coach, Shay, will be providing info:

📅 Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 3pm-4pm
📍 4350 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89119

Want personalized guidance after the session? Schedule a 1:1 with Shay here: 🔗 bit.ly/Shay-UNLV

Mental Health Month 💚

When we break our silence and speak our truths, we create space for healing—not only for ourselves, but for others who may be carrying similar struggles in silence.

Every story shared can inspire connection, understanding, and hope. This Mental Health Month, let's continue fostering conversations that remind us we're not alone and that seeking support is a sign of strength.

💚

Parents of children with disabilities: did you know that it’s mandatory for your child’s IEP to include a plan to help your child transition from high school to employment, higher education and/or independent living?

The perfect time for starting to plan for life after high school is around age 14 or 15. If your child’s IEP does NOT include such a plan, contact the school principal and ask for one to be initiated.

Our organization works closely with Nevada schools to help put together plans that match each child’s interests. Your student’s guidance counselor doesn’t have to do it alone—we are here to help! Learn more at https://vrnevada.nv.gov/students-parents/

☀️ Free Summer Camps for Nevada Students with Disabilities!

Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation's FREE Pre-ETS Summer Camps help students ages 14–21 with disabilities explore careers, build workplace skills, gain confidence, and prepare for future success.

Our own Zia Zenou recently spoke with KRXI FOX 11 News, Reno about the impact these camps have on students as they gain valuable experiences and develop skills that support their transition to education and employment.

With camps offered across Nevada, participants can learn, connect, and discover new possibilities in a supportive environment.

Thank you to Fox 11 Reno for helping us share this opportunity with families across the state!

https://foxreno.com/news/mornings-on-fox-11-and-arc-reno/free-summer-camps

Free summer camps Students with disabilities can explore career paths, build workplace skills and gain hands-on experience through free pre-employment summer camps offered across

Employnet is hiring! Pay ranges from $15-$17 hourly for these open positions:
Forklift
Warehouse
Light Industrial
Manufacturing Assemblers

Learn more at tinyurl.com/yzwqggmz and don’t miss the upcoming hiring event for a guaranteed interview!

📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
📍 EmployNV Career Hub, 2827 Las Vegas Blvd N., North Las Vegas, NV 89030

We recently gathered at the Frontier Plaza office in Carson City for a special ceremony honoring Rehabilitation Counselor Irene Franco, who was recognized as the DETR Employee of the Quarter.

This distinguished recognition is awarded each quarter following a review of employee nominations from across the field by a selection panel. Irene’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving Nevadans made her a standout choice for this honor.

This is an important distinction within DETR, and the Vocational Rehabilitation team is incredibly proud of Irene and the exceptional work she does every day. Her efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve.

Congratulations, Irene, on this well-deserved recognition!

Pictured (left to right): Laura Breighner, Jake Merrill, Kristina Fourseth, Irene Franco, Theresa Jones, Mechelle Merrill, Claire Canton, Michael Johnson, and Lisa McCulloch.

Detr Nevada

Zia Zeniou of VR Nevada was interviewed this morning at the Reno ARC about no-cost pre-employment summer camps around the state. Pre-employment camps are designed to support youth with disabilities in progressing from high school to post-secondary education and/or employment. These camps provide an interactive environment where students can explore new career paths, learn about educational opportunities, and develop a variety of essential skills to prepare them for employment. To learn more and register, visit https://vrnevada.nv.gov/students-parents/

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the recent Spirit Airlines layoffs - EmployNV is here to help! Their team is ready to provide guidance, resources, and support.

📅 Wednesday, May 27, 2026 10am-2pm
📍 EmployNV Career Hub, 3405 S. Marlyand Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89169

Find out more at detr.nv.gov/Page/Employment_Security_Division_Rapid_Response