Alabama State Rep. Margie Wilcox was presented with the Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) Public Service Award in Montgomery on Thursday.
The event recognizes the contributions and successes of people with disabilities, as well as businesses that provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve through competitive, integrated employment.
During the 2024 regular session, Wilcox (R-Mobile) sponsored legislation to remove sales taxes from the purchase of hearing aids. For many Alabamians, hearing aids help overcome hearing challenges, improve performance in school and on the job, and enhance overall quality of life.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, who presented the awards, spoke about the role that individuals like Wilcox play in helping their fellow citizens.
“Their grassroots efforts are vital in raising awareness of the tremendous potential of those with disabilities in our workforce,” Ivey said. “Last week, I signed a proclamation declaring October as National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month in Alabama. Already, nearly 39 percent of Alabamians with disabilities are realizing their dreams of holding a job to provide for themselves and their families.”
Wilcox expressed her gratitude towards the committee for the recognition.
“I am honored to receive this award today, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it,” she said. “I believe we should all be pulling in the right direction to help the disability community get into the workforce and enjoy a wonderful life in the state of Alabama.”
Her efforts were also praised by the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw.
“That conversation led to improved programs and services,” Burdeshaw said. “It led to additional cooperation between state agencies so that we could serve the community better. Her advocacy throughout the years is noticed. We appreciate you, particularly, for your work in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.”
The awards ceremony was sponsored by the ADRS.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
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