Governor Greg Abbott has announced the recipients of the 2025 Lex Frieden Employment Awards, recognizing 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 presented through a partnership between the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and the Texas Workforce Commission. Winners will be honored at the Lex Frieden Employment Awards – HireAbility Employer Forum at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio on October 2, 2025. The event will include presentations from disability advocates, industry leaders, and experts on integrating employees with disabilities into workplaces. Attendees can earn continuing education units from the Society for Human Resource Management.
The public is invited to attend this annual event celebrating successful employment outcomes for people with disabilities in Texas.
The 2025 Lex Frieden Employment Award winners are:
– Small Employer: Mermaid Café (San Antonio)
– Medium Employer: DHL-Nike (Hutchins)
– Large Employer: City of Brownsville
– Nonprofit Employer: West Texas Counseling and Guidance (San Angelo)
– Entrepreneur: Kristen McNabb Pattison (Fort Sam Houston)
– Martha Arbuckle Award: Pharr Police Department – Mental Health Unit (Pharr)
– Governor’s Trophy: Judy Telge (Corpus Christi)
Additionally, Chairman’s Commendations have been awarded to:
– Texas Veterans Commission
– Rusty Bourland (Austin)
– Cord Shiflet (Austin)
This 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 aims to ensure full access to independent living for people with disabilities in Texas. The committee makes policy recommendations, supports local committees across the state, issues awards like these to raise awareness about disability employment issues, and promotes compliance with related laws.
