Governor Greg Abbott has announced the recipients of the 2025 Lex Frieden Employment Awards, which recognize 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 organized 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 Americans with Disabilities Act experts about ways to integrate employees with disabilities into workplaces. Attendees can earn continuing education units from the Society for Human Resource Management.
This year’s awardees 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 (Martha Arbuckle Award), and Judy Telge of Corpus Christi (Governor’s Trophy). The Chairman’s Commendations go to Texas Veterans Commission; Rusty Bourland of Austin; and Cord Shiflet of Austin.
The announcement comes as National Disability Employment Awareness Month marks its 80th anniversary this October. The campaign highlights contributions made by workers with disabilities and encourages inclusive employment practices nationwide.
The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities works toward ensuring people with disabilities have access to independent lives through policy recommendations, program support, public awareness awards, and promoting compliance with disability-related laws.
