Texas Governor Greg Abbott has put the spotlight on inclusivity and diversity in the workforce by recognizing the 2025 winners of the Lex Frieden Employment Awards. The awards, which laud the efforts of Texas businesses in hiring and empowering individuals with disabilities, were announced in a press release yesterday, September 11. Highlighting these enterprises, the governor noted, "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," a sentiment mirroring the ethos of the award winners, as mentioned on the Office of the Texas Governor website.
In a statement released by the Governor's Office, as reported, Abbott commended the winners for fostering "independence, productivity, and self-determination" for Texans with disabilities. The awards, a collaboration between the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and the Texas Workforce Commission, honor small to large employers and nonprofit entities, alongside entrepreneurs and public service departments, for their dedication to inclusive employment. In specific is the recognition of the Pharr Police Department – Mental Health Unit, for their critical community support, exemplified through the Martha Arbuckle Award.
These award winners will be honored at an event at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio on October 2, 2025, which is also the location for the HireAbility Employer Forum. This event, open to public, offers a platform for sharing expertise and strategies for integrating employees with disabilities into mainstream work environments. It is not just a celebration but an educational opportunity, providing continuing education units for human resource professionals dedicated to learning more about inclusive employment.
With this initiative tied into the broader 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Texas upholds a commitment to a more inclusive future. The Governor's proclamation, which declares October as Disability Employment Awareness Month, asserts the importance of recognizing the contributions and potential of workers with disabilities. The Lex Frieden Employment Awards Winners, detailed further in the official announcement, include trailblazers such as Mermaid Café from San Antonio and activist Judy Telge from Corpus Christi, recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Trophy.
