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The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Celebrates Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day

By Blog, News

Few things represent Texas more than the spirit of entrepreneurship. Texas Governor Greg Abbott states, “Small businesses are the very backbone of the mighty Texas economy.” In fact, Texas has the world’s 9th largest economy thanks to these business entities. Of the thousands of businesses that dot the Texas landscape, many are owned by people with disabilities.

The 88th Legislature of Texas passed Senate Bill 464, which was signed into law by Governor Abbott, declaring October 17 to be Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day. Following the passage of this bill, the Governor has issued a proclamation inviting all Texans to celebrate Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day.

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The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Invites You to Celebrate Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month

By Blog, News

In honor of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, Governor Abbott issued a formal proclamation recognizing the importance of autism awareness and acceptance. In it, Governor Abbott recognizes the unique talents and perspectives of Texans with Autism, and the invaluable contributions they make to our state. According to the CDC, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups. Because of this, Governor Abbott stresses the need for early diagnoses and intervention and further research on ASD. He also called for the celebration of the important role Texans with autism have here in Texas.

Jacquie Benestante, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Texas (AST) offered this statement: “The Autism Society of Texas is proud to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month throughout April. Every day, we work to create connections empowering everyone in the Autism community to live fully. We believe that acceptance is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. We connect families and Autistic adults to support, education, and resources across Texas. Get connected at TexasAutismSociety.org.”

The Autism Society further states, “Everyone’s story is different. The experience of Autism is not one thing. It is many things. It’s dreams, talents, relationships, victories, hurdles, and everything in between. The connection between those experiences is you. You break the mold. No matter who you are, the person you are is infinite – and you are the only you there is.”

Governor's Proclamation

TTTX Internship Acheivement Celebration

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Toyotetsu Texas, Inc. (TTTX), in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), celebrates its inaugural internship class participating in a state-wide fee-for-service contract to purchase and deliver services to pay wages and associated taxes and fees (wage services) for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) participants placed in paid work experience (PWE).

Work-based learning is defined as participation in work activities in real work settings to help individuals with disabilities learn about possible fields of interest and gain soft and hard skills through hands-on exposure. The objective of PWE is to increase work-based learning opportunities through Texas’ integrated workforce system for VR participants who are students with disabilities, thereby providing them with foundational employment skills and better preparing them for successful transition to postsecondary education and employment.

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TWC Welcomes Trevino as the New Commissioner Representing Labor

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AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Alberto “Albert” Treviño, III as the Texas Workforce Commission’s new Commissioner Representing Labor.

“I am honored to serve the interests of 14 million Texans as the Commissioner Representing Labor,” said Commissioner Treviño. “I look forward to working with staff and my fellow Commissioners to continue making Texas the best place to live and work.”

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Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez III Departs from TWC

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AUSTIN – TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez announced he will depart from the Texas Workforce Commission effective December 15, 2022. Commissioner Alvarez was appointed as Commissioner Representing Labor by Governor Abbott in February 2016, and reappointed in March 2017, to represent the interests of Texas workers.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as the Commissioner Representing Labor of the Texas Workforce Commission for two terms. I am truly humbled and honored to have been given the opportunity to serve you and this great state of Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “I truly have enjoyed the opportunity to develop impactful and innovative initiatives benefitting both our constituents and employers.”

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TWC Kicks Off Summer Earn and Learn Program, Connecting Students with Disabilities to Meaningful Employment

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The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announces the kickoff of this year’s Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program for students with disabilities aged 14-22. Through work-based learning, youth earn a paycheck while learning new skills and gaining professional experience. Employers participating in SEAL benefit from the addition of engaged and enthusiastic team members.

SEAL, a partnership between TWCWorkforce Solutions Boards and Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS), works with local employers who partner to create meaningful work opportunities. Students participating in SEAL attend work readiness training to prepare them for successful employment. During their work-based learning, students earn a paycheck while acquiring new skills and professional experiences.

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East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Employee Earns Statewide Award

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WorkQuest and its annual Artie Lee Hinds Awards Dinner recently received coverage on East Texas ABC affiliate KLTV 7, showcasing an award recipient from the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind.

Here’s a transcript from the story below. To view the video segment, CLICK HERE.

An East Texas man is showing us the value of perseverance and knowing your capabilities. Ronald Jordan was one of 6,000 people who was awarded the WorkQuest Artie Lee Hinds Employee of the Year award last week in Austin.

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Inclusive Vision UH ‘FIXIT’ Call Center Now Staffed by Blind and Low-Vision Operators

By Blog, News

Locks not working? Broken faucet? Too hot in your office or dorm room? Faculty, staff and students at the University of Houston rely on the FIXIT program to fulfill a wide range of non-emergency work requests on campus. Now, through a new partnership with WorkQuest and The Lighthouse of Houston, the UH FIXIT call center is staffed by blind and low-vision operators with 24/7 availability. Read More