Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the recipients of the 2025 Lex Frieden Employment Awards, recognizing Texas employers 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 presented through a partnership between the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and the Texas Workforce Commission. Honorees 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 are available online at https://bit.ly/TXHireAbility2025.

The forum will include presentations from disability advocates, industry leaders, and experts on the Americans with Disabilities Act who will discuss ways to integrate employees with disabilities into workplaces. Attendees can earn Society for Human Resource Management Continuing Education Units. The public is invited to attend this annual event focused on employment success for people with disabilities.

The 2025 award winners include Mermaid Café in 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 of Fort Sam Houston (Entrepreneur), Pharr Police Department – Mental Health Unit in Pharr (Martha Arbuckle Award), and Judy Telge of Corpus Christi (Governor’s Trophy). Additional commendations go to Texas Veterans Commission, Rusty Bourland of Austin, and Cord Shiflet of Austin.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which highlights contributions made by workers with disabilities across the country and encourages inclusive employment practices.

The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities works to ensure that people with disabilities have access to independent lives marked by productivity and self-determination. The committee advises on policy changes related to disability issues, supports local committees statewide, gives out awards like these to raise awareness about disability inclusion, and promotes adherence to laws protecting people with disabilities.