Governor Greg Abbott has announced the recipients of the 2025 Lex Frieden Employment Awards, recognizing organizations and individuals for their efforts in hiring and supporting people with disabilities.
“In life, we are not defined by the challenges that we face but by how we respond to those challenges,” said Governor Abbott. “When a life-changing accident over 40 years ago left me paralyzed, I made the decision to not let my life be defined by the enormous challenge that I faced. Texas businesses do just that by empowering their employees, co-workers, and fellow Texans with disabilities. I applaud those who encourage independence, productivity, and self-determination and congratulate the winners of this year’s Lex Frieden Employment Awards for their work to hire and support Texans with disabilities. Working together, we will create a brighter, more inclusive future for all Texans in our great state.”
The awards are given through a partnership between the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and the Texas Workforce Commission. Winners will be recognized at the Lex Frieden Employment Awards – HireAbility Employer Forum at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio on October 2, 2025. Tickets for the event can be purchased at https://bit.ly/TXHireAbility2025.
The forum will include presentations from disability advocates, industry leaders, and experts on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Attendees can earn Society for Human Resource Management Continuing Education Units during these sessions. The event is open to the public as an annual celebration of successful employment practices for people with disabilities.
This year’s award recipients include Mermaid Café of San Antonio (Small Employer), DHL-Nike in Hutchins (Medium Employer), City of Brownsville (Large Employer), West Texas Counseling and Guidance in San Angelo (Nonprofit Employer), Kristen McNabb Pattison from Fort Sam Houston (Entrepreneur), Pharr Police Department – Mental Health Unit in Pharr (Martha Arbuckle Award), and Judy Telge from Corpus Christi (Governor’s Trophy). Further details about each winner can be found online.
In addition to these awards, Chairman’s Commendations were given to Texas Veterans Commission as well as Rusty Bourland and Cord Shiflet of Austin.
The announcement coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month’s 80th anniversary this October—a campaign promoting inclusive employment practices across the nation.
A proclamation from Governor Abbott has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Texas.
The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities works toward ensuring equal access and opportunities for people with disabilities throughout Texas. The committee advises on policy changes related to disability issues, supports local committees statewide, presents awards to raise awareness about disability inclusion in employment settings, and promotes compliance with relevant laws.
