Recently, Governor Greg Abbott made a significant move toward enhancing the advocacy and infrastructure for people with disabilities in Texas. In his latest appointments to the Governor’s Committee on People With Disabilities, Abbott has chosen five individuals—two new faces and three familiar—to serve on this influential panel.
The new appointee, Billy Blanchard from Victoria, will bring his experience as a vocational rehab counselor for the Texas Workforce Commission to the committee. Adding to the breadth of the committee's expertise, Blanchard has been actively involved in sports for people with disabilities and has previously served on the board for the Brain Injury Association of Texas. Kori Allen, who has already been serving since 2020, was reappointed and is no stranger to advocacy work, holding a position as the ADA & capital programs coordinator for Coppell and stints in organizations like the Little People of America and the North Texas Disability Chamber, according to a state news release by the Office of the Texas Governor.
Among the reappointed, Evelyn Cano, of Pharr, stands out as a co-founder of the Disability Chamber of Commerce Rio Grande Valley and an active disability rights advocate. Cano's involvement in various disability-related boards and her experience as a Texas certified bilingual educator promises to continue to add valuable insight to the committee's discussions. Emma Faye Rudkin, another returning member, infuses the panel with a perspective focused on the deaf community through her nonprofit work and television hosting.
Rounding out the appointments, Benjamin Willis of Lumberton continues his assignment to the committee, bringing a unique angle through his education in engineering at Texas A&M University. Willis is deeply invested in creating assistive technology for individuals with disabilities and has volunteered extensively with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
As these professionals embark on their terms, which are set to conclude on February 1, 2026, the Governor's Committee on People With Disabilities aims to escalate its mission by issuing awards to promote greater awareness, advocating for policy changes, and reinforcing the compliance with disability-related laws throughout the state. This committee is essentially the groundwork from which much of Texas' legislative and societal progress for people with disabilities will unfurl over the next several years.
