By Mary Leaver, Editor

The 2010 Governor's Disability Employment Awards recognized both outstanding employees and the state's leaders in providing employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. Representatives of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services were in attendance at the Oct. 6 event at the Governor's Mansion.

“For the past three years, Oklahoma has led the nation in assisting people with developmental disabilities to find competitive jobs and become working taxpayers," OKDHS Director Hendrick said. “Today, 60 percent of individuals with developmental disabilities served by the OKDHS Developmental Disabilities Services Division participate in supported employment services.”

Fourteen individuals were recognized and 12 Oklahoma businesses were thanked for employing individuals with developmental disabilities. Two members of state media also received special awards for helping to positively influence public perception of people with developmental disabilities.

The awards are sponsored by DDSD, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment.

For more information on the award recipients, visit the OKDHS News Releases (Link opens in new window) page.