Governor Greg Abbott has announced the recipients of the 2025 Lex Frieden Employment Awards, which recognize organizations and individuals for their efforts to hire and support people with disabilities in Texas.
“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. Honorees will be recognized at an event called the Lex Frieden Employment Awards – HireAbility Employer Forum at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio on October 2, 2025. The forum will include presentations from disability advocates, business leaders, and experts on workplace inclusion under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Attendees can also earn continuing education credits from the Society for Human Resource Management. Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/TXHireAbility2025.
This year’s awardees represent various sectors across Texas:
– Small Employer: Mermaid Café in San Antonio
– Medium Employer: DHL-Nike in Hutchins
– Large Employer: City of Brownsville
– Nonprofit Employer: West Texas Counseling and Guidance in San Angelo
– Entrepreneur: Kristen McNabb Pattison from Fort Sam Houston
– Martha Arbuckle Award: Pharr Police Department – Mental Health Unit in Pharr
– Governor’s Trophy: Judy Telge from Corpus Christi
Additional Chairman’s Commendations were awarded to the 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—a campaign highlighting contributions of workers with disabilities and encouraging inclusive employment practices nationwide.
The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities works toward ensuring equal access for people with disabilities throughout Texas by recommending policy changes, supporting local committees focused on disability issues, issuing awareness awards like these, and promoting compliance with relevant laws.
