Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Disability Employment Awareness Month in the State of New York
Assembly Resolution No. 639 is a memorializing resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in New York State. The resolution aligns the state with the national observance and emphasizes the purpose of the month: to raise awareness about disability employment issues and to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities. It also traces the history of the observance and notes New York’s prior policy commitments supporting the hiring and inclusion of people with disabilities.
The resolution highlights the role of workers with disabilities as essential employees, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and points to their work in supermarkets, manufacturing, delivery, janitorial services, pharmacies, shelters, nursing homes, warehouses, and other critical settings. It frames these workers as vital to public health, the economy, and community life, and it encourages employers and residents to acknowledge their contributions. The measure is ceremonial in nature and does not create a new program, mandate, or funding stream.
This resolution does not amend the New York State Consolidated Laws or impose legal obligations on employers, agencies, or individuals. Its practical effect is limited to formally urging the Governor to issue a proclamation and to publicly recognize disability employment and the contributions of workers with disabilities. The bill reinforces existing state policy themes such as Employment First, supported employment, preferred source contracting, and broader inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce.
The overall sentiment surrounding the resolution is strongly supportive and celebratory. The text uses affirmative language about inclusion, community service, economic contribution, and the value of workers with disabilities, and it presents the observance as consistent with New York’s longstanding commitment to disability employment. No opposing views, negative votes, or committee objections are provided in the available record.
No specific contention is reflected in the bill text, voting history, or committee materials provided. Because the measure is a nonbinding memorializing resolution, there is little apparent policy conflict; the only implicit policy emphasis is on continued state support for disability employment, preferred source work opportunities, and inclusive hiring practices. Any disagreement would likely be limited to the symbolic value of the proclamation rather than to substantive legal changes.