Disability Employment Awareness Month - Past Posters

2023 Poster - "A Unique Vision by Victor Vera"

Everyone has a place and can contribute to the workplace by sharing their individual talents and vision. Employers who appreciate and harness the exceptional and valuable contributions of people with disabilities reap the benefits. People with disabilities help companies thrive by bringing exceptional vision and creativity to the workplace.

A Unique Vision by Victor Vera depicts a large blue eye with a white pupil and an iris made in gradient rainbow hues. Along the top lid, the eyelashes are represented by people of all different abilities, shapes, and sizes. A Unique Vision represents the way some people with disabilities see the world, demonstrating how their 'unique vision' can be invaluable and enhance the workplace. Victor says "The world is a more colorful place with people of all abilities in it."

Victor Vera is an artist with autism. In high school, Victor's teachers encouraged him to take courses which led to earning a certificate of Visual Communications at a community college. He is employed as a marketing assistant at Hugs Café in McKinney and in the hospitality industry with Marriott Hotels in Allen.

Today, Victor creates and sells commissioned artwork of pets, houses, and contemporary pieces. His work has been featured in the Plano Art Association Member Exhibition several years in a row. He says he has been fortunate to find employers who support employees with disabilities and who have helped him develop and grow in the workplace.

2022 Poster - "Raising the Bar" by Eva M. Storey

As a small business owner with a rare disability that others may not always physically see, it is both a challenge and a blessing to empower others with similar disabilities who are among the workforce. My day-to-day operations involve servicing communication access and advocacy for those who have a language barrier, predominately the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. People with disabilities must maneuver around many hurdles in society’s working system to balance the scales of diversity. Collaboration between companies and organizations to promote ‘inclusion for al’ is vital and fulfilling to our economy.

Raising The Bar’ illustrates an expression of hardworking individuals in the disability community who are proud to be part of the workforce. Members of the disability community who have an auditory disability – Deaf or Hard of Hearing – have always inspired me. The show of hands in ‘Raising The Bar’ reflects the voices of these individuals, whether in various forms of Sign Language or other foreign languages.

2021 Poster - "In Our Hands" by Kathyna Hatla

The inspiration for my painting, “In Our Hands” came from the dynamics involved in a healthy coral reef such as the Flower Gardens we have in the Gulf. Just like in our lives, it takes the interaction of many diverse and living things—in a multitude of colors, shapes, sizes and functions—to make the whole community successful and thrive.

In the same way, every single one of us needs a special niche where we can contribute our unique skills and natural talents. And in return, through give and take, have our needs met in order to reach a balance. The vitality of any environment or community relies on this equilibrium.

I am a 64 year-old resident of Bryan, Texas, and a middle school science teacher, a mother, and a grandmother. In 1999, I suddenly contracted Transverse Myelitis, which resulted in paralysis from the waist down, chronic pain and limited use of both hands. I am a user of a wheelchair but that does not diminish my worth as a person, nor do I let that be a defining factor of who I am.

Small obstacles never get in the way of fulfilling my personal and employment goals. With help from Texas Workforce Solutions—Vocational Rehabilitation Services, I returned to work as a science teacher and have continued my passion as a painter. Painting allows me to express myself through art, where my creativity has no limitations. I hope to be a role model and inspiration to my students and others by illustrating that even in the face of extreme adversity and challenges, dreams can still be accomplished.

2020 Poster - "We See Things Differently" by Dinah Rodriguez

The 2020 DEAM poster art was created by Dinah Rodriguez of McAllen. Her piece—We See Things Differently—is a dynamic, abstract piece that serves to highlight the importance of including different perspectives. While legally blind, Dinah is a talented artist who practices in multiple mediums. She publishes her artwork to different sites where she sells them on rugs, mugs, and more! She created a children's book and three coloring books, all of which can be found online and in bookstores in McAllen. Art, says Dinah, has helped her find peace and happiness since a very young age.

Dinah notes that Texas Workforce Commission—Vocational Rehabilitation Services were instrumental in helping her develop independence, both as an artist and as a legally blind person. With their encouragement, she entered the 2020 DEAM poster competition and says she is delighted to have been selected as the winner. She hopes that others with a disability see that ". . .being different doesn't mean we can't provide for ourselves! We love what we are gifted to do, and there is no stopping us from succeeding."

2019 Poster - "Colors" by Maegan Bacigalupo

The 2019 DEAM poster art was created by Maegan Bacigalupo. Her piece Colors is influenced by her experience as a woman on the Autism spectrum; difficulties with social interaction and relationships led to personal reflection for Maegan, which in turn inspired her to create this piece. Colors was created using pastels on a cardboard canvas, which has a unique, eye-catching shape.

Maegan notes, "the screen on the head represents how we intake the world around us through improved and more widespread communication technology. The person and screen are in black and white because what really defines us as individuals are the ideas we take in and incorporate into ourselves, and how we choose to present ourselves. Colors serves as a reminder that if we keep our minds open to new and fresh ideas in the workplace together we will make the world a better place."

With career counseling and employment assistance from Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Maegan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Arts and Application from Lubbock Christian University. Today, she is successfully employed at the Science Spectrum in Lubbock.

2018 Poster - "Inclusion in the Industry" by Ashley Sattler

“Inclusion in the Industry” is Ashley’s personal reminder that a healthy and productive workforce is made up of people of all different abilities. She acknowledges that she has Autism, and faces struggles every day. However, she says “No one should be prevented from bringing their talents to the table…and I hope this will not stop me from finding a place in the workforce. Inclusion does matter, especially for people like me. I do not let my disability stop me from pursuing what I love most: creating art. It is not just my passion, it is my life.”

2017 - “Arise, Shine!” by Nancy June Wood

Artist Statement

Nancy June Wood dedicates “Arise, Shine!” to awareness of mental illness. Dr. Wood has a severe hearing loss and experienced mental illness during a difficult period in her life. Her art embodies the theme “Inclusion Drives Innovation” for 2017’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

At the age of 36, Dr. Wood found herself alone, destitute, unemployed, and on the verge of homelessness with no family or friends to turn to. “After treatment I started over and built a new life full of joy and positive relationships. Making art is a constant inspiration in my life. As I reflected on what the future might bring, I thought of Andrew Wyeth’s famous painting Christine’s World. I redrew the figure in photoshop … added some digital photos of skies … and made edits in color and texture. After viewing the completed image, I began to feel more optimistic (and) from that point on, every time I viewed the image I felt confident and empowered. I hope it will have the same effect on other viewers.”

Visual Description

The title, National Disability Employment Awareness Month October 2017 appears across the top of the poster in dark blue and gold lettering. The left side of the poster features the artwork, a woman who is sitting on a surface reflecting clouds of many colors. She is wearing a dress and her right arm is extended. The background reflects the sun and clouds in shades of gold, purple and pink.

Below the artwork reads #TXHireAbility and website: www.TxHireAbility.texasworkforce.org. There is a photo of Dr. Wood as well as her website: http://nancyjwood.com. At the bottom of the poster are five sponsor logos: Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Texas Hire Ability, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Workforce Solutions, and Apple Specialty Advertising.

2016 - “Butterfly” by Denise Tidwell

Artist's Statement

Ms. Denise Tidwell has loved art since early childhood. She has memories of sketching, designing doll clothes and decorating gingerbread cookies with her mother, who recognized and encouraged Denise’s creativity. After thirty years of teaching special education and deaf education to children, Denise chose to pursue her second career as an artist. Today she fancies painting acrylic portraits of family pets.

The pastel drawing was created for her love of children and butterflies. The young girl in the portrait is signing “butterfly” in American Sign Language. Butterflies are known as a symbol of transformation. Denise, who is Deaf, says, “We, the People with Disabilities, have gone through many stages of growing pains, adapting to a non-disabled world, and experiencing the miraculous success. Born with severe hearing loss, I can relate to a butterfly’s metamorphosis.”

Denise works as Events Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center in Corpus Christi and loves teaching children.

Visual Description of Poster

At the top of the poster, just above the artist's painting, the text reads October 2016 National Disability Employment Awareness Month in white lettering and just below is the theme, #InclusionWorks in yellow lettering. The left side of the poster includes the artist's artwork, a beautiful young girl with multi-colored butterflies in her hair. The girl’s hands are interlocked with fingers extended and shaping the ford butterfly in ASL. The main background color is navy blue. Photo of the artist, Denise Tidwell is placed next to the text.

For logos are posted at the bottom: Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Apple Specialty Advertising, Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Website addresses are included.

2015 - “The True Essence of Strength and Freedom” by Astrid Wienken

Artist's Statement

My name is Astrid Wienken. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2003. Two years ago, I collapsed. I was paralyzed; I couldn’t walk or move my right arm or hand. An MRI showed various lesions, some as big as tumors. I still experience body and muscle fatigue every day. My right hand and leg are still weak and in pain, and my memory is not as sharp as it was, but the option of giving up didn’t exist then and never will. I’ve always seen myself as a strong and independent woman. Since I could no longer use my right hand, I focused on teaching my left hand to paint. Being able to pursue my artistic passion after all that I went through – and continue to go through – is to me the greatest gift of all. Painting is my therapy, my outlet, my inner savior, and I want to share it with others. With MS, it is a common thing to feel isolated; being able to share my art with others diminishes that feeling. I love horses, as they stand for freedom, power and strength. Being able to express myself through paintings is my savior. I even heard family and friends say that they actually love my left-handed paintings better than anything I had ever done with my right hand. In that statement alone, to me, comes peace and happiness. Always Believe in Yourself, Stand Tall and You Will Prevail.

Three logos are posted at the bottom: The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Apple Specialty Advertising, and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Website addresses are included.

Visual Description of Poster

At the top of the poster, just above the artist's painting, the text says National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2015 in white lettering on a blue background. Just below is the artist's artwork, a beautiful blonde horse with a white mane blowing in the wind, running and turning to the left as if to leap outside the frame. Behind the horse are deep green trees and sprinkles of yellow wildflowers. Below the artwork is the 2015 NDEAM theme in yellow lettering: “My disability is one part of who I am;” below that is the Artist’s Statement next to a headshot photo of the artist, Astrid Wienken.

2014 - "Night and Day" by Grant Manier

Description of Poster

At the top of the poster, just above the artist's painting, the text says October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2014 in blue lettering on a white background, and small logos for the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. To the side of that is the NDEAM theme in red lettering: "Expect. Employ. Empower." Just below is the artist's artwork, composed of tiny pieces of various colored paper glued to the canvas to create the image of a dark blue sky with stars on the left; then a dark gray crescent moon with one closed eye; then a bright gold sun streaming out into a red background; and on the right side a light blue sky. A photo of the artist, Grant Manier, is next to his Artist's Statement. At the bottom of the poster is the logo for Apple Specialty Advertising.

Artist's Statement

My name is Grant Manier. I'm an Eco-artist, and I have autism. At an early age I developed a passion for paper. By my early teens, I began recycling and collecting paper as an affordable way to create eco-art. I recycle thousands of torn or cut pieces of paper; I'm a Paint-by-Paper Artist. I use paper to help soothe my anxieties and fears. I wish to teach the world about the amazing gifts that people with disabilities have inside of them. Having autism has not stopped me; it has given me the opportunity to inspire others to believe in themselves, even if their behavior seems "out-of-sync or quirky" to others. Being an Eco-artist allows me to teach the importance and creativity behind environmental responsibility. I present at schools, conferences and events. Having a job is an overall sense of satisfaction and pride.

"It's not what we can't do......It's what we can do that makes the difference."

Grant Manier
Spring, Texas
www.GrantsEcoArt.com

Three poster credits are included: The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Apple Specialty Advertising, and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Logos and website addresses are included.

2013 - "Cowboy Sunset" by John Bramblitt

Description of Poster

At the top of the poster, just above the artist's painting, the text says National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2013 in white lettering on a dark blue background. Just below is the artist's painting of a cowboy sitting atop his horse, glancing toward a vivid, brightly colored sunset across dark hills. Vivid red, orange, blue, and yellow dominate the sunset; the colors are incorporated into the horse and cowboy image. The dark blue background of the poster fades gradually into a deep orange near the bottom of the poster. A photo of the artist, John Bramblitt, is next to his Artist's Statement. Below the photo and statement is the national theme: Because We Are Equal to the Task. At the bottom of the poster are the logos for the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Apple Specialty Advertising, and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.

Artist's Statement

John Bramblitt is an artist living in Denton, Texas, and is the author of Shouting in the Dark, his story of losing his sight and his pursuit of art, which received the 2013 Barbara Jordan Media Award. John lost his eyesight due to complications from epilepsy and has been completely blind since 2001. His painting technique centers around touch to replace what the eyes accomplish for sighted artists. John draws using raised lines that can be felt and mixes color using textures to differentiate each color. In addition to his studio work, John has taught workshops to thousands of children and adults all over the country; his workshops are always free and all-inclusive. He currently works as a consultant for museums in developing workshops that are designed to include everyone, no matter their ability or disability. John feels that art is what helped him get his life back after he lost his sight and that everyone, with a disability or not, should have access to art and all of the benefits that it brings to a person's life.

2012 - "In the Pink" by Beverly Fuqua

Description of Poster

The 2012 NDEAM theme, "A Strong Workforce Is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?", is in dark green and pink lettering along the top of the poster. At the bottom of the poster, the text says National Disability Employment Awareness Month, October 2012.

Below the title is the featured colored pencil drawing of five pink flamingos standing in shallow water near the edge of a pond, with trees and grass along the shore. The flamingos are in various positions, some looking up, some with their heads down near the water.

To the side of the artwork is a small photo of the artist, Beverly Fuqua, with her service dog Otis, a black Labrador. The Artist's Statement is above the photo:

Beverly Fuqua hopes to continue creating and teaching art until she can no longer hold a pencil, pastel or brush.

Artist's Statement

Ms. Fuqua has a rare genetic disorder, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which led to her having to use a wheelchair by the late 1990s. Still, she looked upon this as a blessing from God - a development in her life that would allow her more opportunity to focus on her art. She made time to use her talent to teach fine art to children with disabilities, helping them to build self-esteem and confidence through their own artwork. She continues to teach summer workshops, to help raise funds for service animals, and to raise public awareness of mobility issues, accessible parking, and, with her partner Otis, make people aware of the role of service animals in providing independence, safety and confidence in their partners.

Ms. Fuqua has a particular passion for painting animals and sees deeply metaphorical messages in their poses. This image, which won the 2012 NDEAM Poster Art Competition, is titled In the Pink and features five pink flamingos wading in shallow water with a forest in the background. Flamingos, she says, tend to always flock together. "Apart, each can be vulnerable, but as a flock, each becomes safer and stronger. By working together, they are all safer."

The background of the poster is white with dark green and pink lettering. Total poster size is 18 inches by 24 inches.

Three poster credits are included: The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Apple Specialty Advertising, and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Logos and website addresses are included.

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2011 - "Me and My Bike" by Patricia Hiebeler

Description of Poster

Title of Artwork: Me and My Bike

The 2011 NDEAM theme, Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities, is visible at the top left. At the top right the text says National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2011.

Below the title is the featured watercolor painting of a little boy standing on a box, trying to get up on a red bicycle that is much too large for him. The bicycle has a flat front tire and is facing a downhill ride towards a locked gate. Sunlight shines through the tall trees in the woods around him, casting shadows on the ground.

Below the artwork is an up-close headshot photo of the artist, Patricia Hiebeler, with her Artist's Statement to the right side of the photo: "My name is Patricia and I have had documented mental illness for almost half of my 53 years. A lot has happened since that beginning. My mental health is currently stable, my recovery from breast cancer has begun and I have passed a state certification examination to become a Certified Peer Specialist. "Me and My Bike" is symbolic of my own struggle with mental illness. At first glance, my painting appears to be simply a little boy playing on a summer day. But the reality of the story, like that of some disabilities, might be invisible at first glance. The obstacles the little boy faces are getting on a bike which is much too big for him, headed down hill with a flat tire towards a locked gate - NOW the picture comes into focus and the true story appears."

The background of the poster fades from a dark rust color at the top to a light green at the bottom. Total poster size is 18 inches by 24 inches.

2010 - "Otis-se" (to rhyme with Matisse, the artist) by Beverly Fuqua

Description of poster

Total poster size - 18 inches by 24 inches.

At the top of the poster is the 2010 NDEAM theme in bold letters: Talent Has No Boundaries: Workforce Diversity Includes Workers with Disabilities

Below the title, at a slight tilt to the left, is the artwork, a detailed colored pencil drawing of the artist's service dog, Otis, a black lab, sitting down and looking atthe viewer. Otis is holding a red paintbrush with a tip of green paint sideways in his mouth. Behind Otis is a corner of a painted wall and curtain with various pastel colors and flowers. Just below the artwork is the title of the piece - "Otis-se(to rhyme with Matisse)" - and the statement "The dog in the picture is Otis, Ms. Fuqua's service animal from PAWS with a Cause."

The background of the poster is a subtle reddish-brown curtain that matches Otis's eyes and the red paintbrush. Superimposed on the bottom left edge of the artwork is a photograph of the artist, Beverly
Fuqua, in her wheelchair with Otis at her side.

At the bottom of the poster, large white letters say October 2010 National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Below that is the State Seal of Texas with "Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities," the logo of Apple Specialty, the company that provided the poster design, and the logo for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, which printed copies of the poster for distribution.

2009 - "From a Rock and a Hard Place" by Andrea D. La Vigne

Description of poster

This is a close-up view of a rocky limestone cliff, with solid rock base and a cracked rock wall rising from it. The light and shadows show the rocky surfaces as various shades of violet, blue, dark orange, and red, with tiny bits of gray and beige. A crack in the base is filled with a few sprigs of green grass and two blooming bluebonnets. The flowers, just to the left of center of the picture, are vivid blue with light green tips.

Artist's Statement

In my paintings, I often focus on things that others might overlook. This particular image of bluebonnets from a larger photograph kept pulling me in until I had to paint it. The small, inconspicuous flowers - caught in that time and place, blooming so beautifully from a crack in the rock - speak volumes about the human condition. It seems like a perfect metaphor for anyone, but especially for people with disabilities, fighting to succeed in their endeavors.

I have always felt a strong pull to draw and paint; I grew up surrounded by my grandfather's paintings and, as a child, I saved for weeks to buy an oil painting set and a few canvas boards. When I was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young adult, I returned to visual art, first as a means of communicating those things and feelings which I couldn't easily put into words, but ultimately because my creative drive could not be stifled.

I would like to take this opportunity to dedicate this honor to my mother, Patricia La Vigne.

2008 - "The Riders" by Bobby Benefield

Description of Poster

The background of this poster is sandy western tan. The words National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2008 flow across the top of the poster. Underneath and to the right is the national slogan, America's People; America's Talent; America's Strength!

Artist's Statement

Over the course of my life, I have had many wonderful opportunities to observe and gain understanding of how people respond when faced with challenges. These experiences and insights provide me with the desire and passion to be a visual artist.

For a person with a hearing loss, visual communication is the strongest means of survival. A person's facial expression, gestures, body language and their unique movements are the highlights of visual communication. Visual art is a universal language that communicates without the need to hear or understand spoken words.
I enjoy the freedom of allowing the art making process to transform creatively. I am interested in conveying a sense of freedom, self-worth, values, boldness, and pride. Exquisitely and delicately, I enjoy the idea of allowing my work to reflect the true beauty and sensitivity of the human spirit.

To the left is a large representation of the artwork.
You see two cowboys on horseback from the back. They are facing the bleachers dotted with spectators. They are rodeo competitors and we see their competition numbers 325 and 324 on their backs. Both have black hats on and lassos at the ready. Cowboy number 325 wears a red shirt with jeans and rider number 324 wears a purple shirt with jeans.

They appear to be ready for the gate to swing open and the competition to begin. The chestnut horses are alert and ready.

The seats in the bleachers are separated into sections. The seats in the section to the right are aqua blue. There are a few people seated here and there. The seats in the section to the left are burnt orange. There is a small group of people in that section.

At the bottom of the poster are sponsor logos:
Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
EDS: Expertise. Answers. Results.
Printed in Partnership with: The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
Pinnacle: www.pinacle1.com
Design donated by: Apple Specialty Advertising

2007 - "First Day of Spring" by Cassandra Langdon

Description of Poster

The background of the poster is white with a bold purple frame around the artwork and a sandy tan curving line that runs from a pathway that is part of the artwork down to the bottom of the poster. Across the top of the poster, letters in purple read "First Day of Spring." The artwork takes up the top half of the poster. Below the artwork, purple letters read "National Disability Employment Awareness Month, October 2007." Just below the artwork to the left is a color photo of the artist, Cassandra Langdon, with her website address, www.mafeartproductions.com, and her email, mafeartproductions@hotmail.com.

Description of the artwork

The artwork depicts a vibrantly multi-colored scene of a small village, with an Alamo-type mission, a small store that has a sign that reads "Pickled Peppers," and a few other small wooden and stucco buildings that look like residences. Trees, flowers, vines and cacti are blooming all around. Near the mission is a stone wall with two men standing on top playing drums and a horn. On the lawn around the mission and the buildings are several dogs and cats, a cow in a tuxedo standing upright and holding hands with a sheep, several multi-colored frogs, turtles, birds, and flamingos. Near the mission is a gardener on his knees, and on the lawn a man in a top hat and coat dances with a woman in a long skirt. A sandy tan pathway runs from a gateway near the mission to the foreground of the picture, and the pathway curves from the edge of the artwork all the way down to the bottom of the poster.

Artist's Statement

With warmth in the air and sun in the sky, the first day of spring in Texas is filled with the notion of new beginnings. Cassie Langdon illustrates this optimism using acrylics and watercolors in her "First Day of Spring."

The piece depicts the celebration of spring and all of its possibilities across the many scenes of Texas. She began painting in 1990 after a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the vibrant colors and architecture led to a desire to recreate its liveliness with paint.
When Cassie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago, she took a year off from painting, only to realize her brushes would prove to be the best medicine. She hopes that her art brings smiles to the faces of all who see it and that they will find something different each time they come back to her paintings. Cassie dedicates "First Day of Spring" to Steve, her husband (and painting partner) of two years, her two daughters, Diane and Katy Dillingham, and George Dillingham.

At the bottom of the poster are sponsor logos:
Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
Printed in Partnership with: The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
Design donated by: Apple Specialty Advertising

2006 - "Church" by John Bramblitt

Description of Poster

The background of the poster is a deep sky blue. Across the top of the poster, letters in white read "Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce," and along the left side of the poster, white letters read "Expertise in Expression and Energy." Top center is the artwork and a black-and-white photo of the artist, John Bramblitt, standing in front of the artwork. The caption underneath the photo provides a link to John Bramblitt's website: www.bramblitt.net.

Description of the artwork

A small white church with a tall reddish steeple sits surrounded by curls of green on the ground and along the right side. Behind and above the church is a sky with layers of dark blue, light blue, and white clouds. The church has a narrow entrance with two small windows, one on each of the two floors beneath the steeple. Along the side of the church are three tall narrow windows.

Artist's Statement

Colors create emotion and energy, according to John, who finds art expression very liberating. After going blind, John decided to boldly pick up painting primarily in oils, even though he had not painted before. He says, "When I run my hands over an object and feel the textures, my mind is filled with the colors of paints that have a similar texture."

Teaching elementary age students to use a tactile painting method he developed, John finds great interest and excitement in young people. He successfully challenges conceptions of blindness and feels that painting gives us a meaningful opportunity to connect to one another.

Next year John plans to pursue a Ph.D. in English with a concentration in creative writing with an ultimate goal of teaching at the college level. Soon he'll complete his master's degree at the University of North Texas. John fondly shares his best memory of his grandmother, Ruth, singing at this small church in Addison. The church was torn down years ago. The art is dedicated to the loving memory of Ruth Bramblitt - a true Texas lady.

At the bottom of the poster are sponsor logos:
Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
Printed in Partnership with: The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
Design donated by: Apple Specialty Advertising

2005 - "On a Safari to Explore Ability" by Chace George

Description of the Poster

The background of this poster is black. The poster is accentuated with large green jungle type leaves at the top and grasses at the bottom. In the middle on the left is the following description of the artist:

Classification: Passionate artist
Dedicated manager
Buoyant teenager
Loving son
Former St. Jude's patient

Method(s) of Survival:
Uses pencil/charcoal to sketch real-life animals, plays the guitar, manages recycling site part-time all which help him to cope with a brain injury resulting from radiation treatments for Leukemia.

Apparent Abilities: Anything
Apparent Limitations: None

To the right of these words is Chace's pencil drawing done in black and white of the head of a tiger. Just below the tiger is a photo of Chace holding his artwork

Presented by: The Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
Printing in partnership with: The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
Design donated by: Apple Specialty Advertising

2004 - "Invitation to Wonder" by Jean Riley

Description of Poster

This poster has a black background, along the left side, printed lengthwise is: National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Under this are the words "You're Hired! Success knows no limitations! To the right of these words is Jeans artwork, an abstract landscape done in green, yellow, pink, orange and brown. Next to the artwork, is a picture of Jean holding her painting.

Below the pictures are the following words:

IN 1967, JEAN RILEY BEGAN PAINTING. THIS ARTWORK WAS CREATED USING MELTED CRAYOLA AND INK. HER CREATIVITY, INTELLIGENCE, AND ENERGY ABOUND. A TALENTED ADVOCATE WHO IS INVOLVED IN FAITH-BASED ACTIVITIES, JEAN'S HUMAN SPIRIT AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION PAVE A PATH OF INDEPENDENCE FOR OTHERS TO MODEL. RECENTLY, JEAN RECEIVED THE GREAT WOMEN OF TEXAS AWARD FROM THE FORT WORTH BUSINESS PRESS, AND THE ARLINGTON ARTS ADVOCATE NEWSLETTER NAMED HER OUTSTANDING
ARTIST. AS A PERSON WITH CEREBRAL PALSY, JEAN USES A WHEELCHAIR AND
SPEECH-TO-SPEECH RELAY SERVICES.

Presented by: The Governors Committee on People with Disabilities
Printing Donated by: DSPR, Inc.
Poster Design Donated by: Apple Specialty Advertising

2003 - Photograph of the Peak of Mount Everest taken by Sandra Murgia

Description of Poster

At the top of the poster, across the sky above Everest are the words:
The Texas Governors Committee on People with Disabilities congratulates Team Everest.

Below the picture of the peak of Everest is a group photo shot of Team Everest, to the right of the group photo are the words: America Works Best When All Americans Work.

Below the picture is www.teameverest03.com, a project of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities.
Treker Sandra Murgia: Photographer, Advocate, Parent, Retired U.S . Navy, Desert Storm Veteran with a disability, Mount Everest Base Camp Trekker.

Challenge Trek Team : Web Developer, Teacher, Farmer, Ski Instructor, Counselor, Doctor, Filmmaker, Journalist, Expedition Business Owner,

Presented by The Texas Governors Committee on People with Disabilities
Printing donated by: R&G lawn service and The Texas School for the Deaf

2002 - "New Freedom for the 21st Century" by Jennifer Ramirez

Description of Poster

The background of this poster is white. Jennifer's painting is of a large tree. There is a figure of a female partially hidden behind the tree. Behind the woman in the background are more plants. This painting is tall and takes up most of the height of the poster.

Artist's Statement

Jennifer Ramirez, who signs her works Nena, is an art major at the University of Texas. "As a child, my art was a way of dealing with hard times," she says. "Now, art has become my passion." Jennifer says this painting represents the fears, hopes, dreams and determination
that she has experienced. Jennifer, who has learning disabilities and some hearing loss, will travel to England in the fall of 2002 for a year-long exchange program. She is the first student with a disability selected by UT for the Study Abroad program. "I am still learning and expanding my talent," she says. "I plan on continuing as an artist until I am gray."

Presented by: The Texas Governors Committee on People with Disabilities and VSA, www.vsatx.org, Promoting the creative power in people with disabilities.
Printing Courtesy of Glenn E. Lyons and Associates, Inc.

2001 - "Shoe" by Suzanne Edmiston Worrell

Description of poster

At the top of this poster are the words: National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Underneath are the words: Win with Ability. Suzanne's painting of a large almost black oxford type shoe is painted on a dark reddish brown background. The painting is centered on the poster. Along the left side of the painting the poster has the words, "Put your best shoe forward".

Artist's Statement

In the late 80's and early 90's, Suzanne had her first painting and art classes at the University of Texas in Austin. Later, she graduated from UT with a BA in studio art. Currently, Suzanne is completing a certificate in multi-media from Austin Community College. Suzanne loves to work in the styles of realism, surrealism, and expressionism. Her favorite artists are Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, and Jan Vermeer. Suzanne's most recent diagnosis is paranoid schizophrenia.

Presented by: The Texas Governors Committee on People with Disabilities
Printing courtesy of: Dynamic Orthotics & Prosthetics, LLC

2000 - "The Glory of Spring" by Edna Marie Moore

Description of poster

Edna's painting is a Texas landscape of rolling hills, a large oak tree and bluebonnets. There is a rutted dirt road in the center of the painting leading off into the hills. The bluebonnets are abundant along the sides of the road and remain in the center of the rutted road. A large oak tree is to the left of the road.

Printed above the painting are the words: Ability you can bank on. The poster background is white. The artists biography is printed below the painting

Celebrating the accomplishments of
Edna Marie Moore (1930-1989)
Artist • Person with a Disability • Volunteer • Employee

Barred from attending public school due to her disability, Moore obtained a GED by educating herself using the schoolbooks of siblings. Sheltered by her family, Moore coped with a childhood disability, learned to drive about the age of 35, and dealt with breast cancer as an adult. Told that employment was not a possibility, Moore later worked as an accomplished self-employed artist and then for a government agency serving Texans with disabilities.

A small picture of Edna is to the left of her biography. In the picture, Edna is presenting this painting in October 1981 to Governor Clements as a gift for the State of Texas.

Presented by: The Texas Governors Committee on People with Disabilities
Printing courtesy of: The City of Laredo