The University of Texas MD Anderson Receives Lex Frieden Employment Award from Office of Governor Rick Perry
Each year during the month of October (National Disability Employment Awareness Month), through the office of the Governor Rick Perry, a local committee in Texas hosts the Annual Employment Awards Ceremony, and the winners in each of several categories are introduced to an appreciative audience. Award categories include large, medium, and small employers, as well as non-profit employers, the Entrepreneurship Award, Martha Arbuckle Award and the Governor’s Trophy. This year, the Texas Diversity Council is honored that The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston) will be receiving a Lex Frieden Employment Award in the “Non-Profit Employer” category, which serves to recognize employers in Texas who have fostered a diverse and accessible workplace and who have developed innovative ways to integrate people with disabilities into the workplace. UT MD Anderson is a member of the Texas Diversity Council with Dr. Harry Gibbs, Chief Diversity Officer, serving as Chairman of the Board. The 2012 Lex Frieden Employment Awards will be held on Wednesday, October 24, at 11:30am at the Hilton Hobby Airport Hotel.
Non-Profit Employer University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston) MD Anderson's goals include becoming the "Employer of Choice" for people with disabilities. Their commitment to equal opportunity hiring practices is demonstrated in their EEO policy statement. MD Anderson worked closely with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation with its Master Plan, and went above and beyond in the upgrades and renovations of restrooms and other accessible elements (drinking fountains, telephones and other items such as interior ramps and automatic doors at double leaf doors, etc.). A new initiative by the organization development team is to expand the organization's mentoring initiative. The range of positions at MD Anderson held by employees with disabilities, range from faculty members to clerical workers, including positions in-between, and both direct and indirect patient care employees. MD Anderson encourages employees to disclose both visible and invisible disabilities. MD Anderson's PeopleFirst Employee Resource Group (ERG), formed to promote a more inclusive work environment for individuals who live with disabilities and to educate all employees about individuals with disabilities in the workplace through education and advocacy, has a membership of 150 employees. Human Resources is collaborating with the ERG to assist with advocating for employees with disabilities to self-identify without fear.
For more information on this award and other winners visit: http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/awards/employment_awards/
