[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 139 (Friday, August 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E793-E794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING HOMETOWN HERO HOLLIS OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 25, 2023

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 
Hometown Hero of the week, Hollis Owens. Hollis is the founder and 
Executive Director of To Be Like Me, a nonprofit organization that 
offers North Texas school field trips hosted by individuals with

[[Page E794]]

disabilities, called LEADers. Prior to founding To Be Like Me, Hollis 
graduated from UT Southwestern Medical School and spent 20 years as a 
physical therapist primarily working with children. Her work allowed 
her to learn more about the barriers facing people with disabilities 
which ultimately lead her to founding the nonprofit. During To Be Like 
Me's field trips, LEADers provide disability awareness education to 
students and teachers. Students rotate through five interactive 
experiences where LEADers discuss what it's like to have a disability 
in different environments and the tools they use daily to help them 
adapt. These experiences also teach students about mental health and 
medical devices and assistive technologies used by people living with 
disabilities. About 50 LEADers work for To Be Like Me, providing them 
with meaningful employment and advocacy opportunities. I thank Hollis 
for providing a program that fosters more compassion and empathy for 
North Texans living with disabilities.

                          ____________________