88S40756 BK-D
By: Guerra H.R. No. 69
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Valley Association for Independent Living in
McAllen received the Martha Arbuckle Award from the Governor's
Committee on People with Disabilities at its Lex Frieden Employment
Awards ceremony on October 26, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Each October, in conjunction with National
Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Governor's Committee
recognizes Texans who have dedicated themselves to empowering their
employees, coworkers, and fellow Texans with disabilities; the
awards program is named in tribute to disability rights expert Lex
Frieden, one of the chief architects of the Americans with
Disabilities Act; and
WHEREAS, The Martha Arbuckle Award recognizes an innovative
local community project and is presented in memory of Martha
Arbuckle, who was a longtime disability advocate in Austin; and
WHEREAS, The Valley Association for Independent Living
fosters job opportunities for individuals with disabilities by
collaborating with service providers, educational institutions,
commercial businesses, and supportive organizations; managed and
staffed by individuals with disabilities, VAIL helps its clients
identify career opportunities, participate in job fairs, earn
certifications, access assistive technology, and work toward
permanent employment; and
WHEREAS, Through its outstanding contributions, VAIL has
advanced the mission of building an inclusive, accessible work
environment for Texans with disabilities, and it is richly
deserving of this prestigious accolade; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby congratulate the Valley
Association for Independent Living on receiving the 2023 Martha
Arbuckle Award from the Governor's Committee on People with
Disabilities Lex Frieden Employment Awards program and extend to
all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for
continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for VAIL as an expression of high regard by the Texas House
of Representatives.