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CUSHING -- Matthew Elliott and the Wal-Mart #360 of Cushing were presented with commendations from Gov. Brad Henry on Nov. 8 at the 20th Annual Governor’s Disability Employment Awards ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City.
Elliott was recognized in the employee category for his outstanding achievements in employment. Wal-Mart was recognized in the business category for hiring persons with disabilities. The awards program stated this about each:
“Matthew Elliott has worked for the past year and a half as a dishwasher at the Pizza Hut in Cushing. He has proven himself to be a valuable and dependable employee. He has received several pay raises since he began and is now able to fully support himself financially. He rides his bike for transportation, shops for his clothing and pays for his groceries and rent. Before going to work, Matthew was very shy and spent a lot of his time by himself watching TV. Through the Central Tech Supported Employment Program, he now has a job and support when he needs it. Having a job has helped him to achieve independence and self-confidence. He now has many friends he enjoys hanging out with and will greet each new person he meets with a confident smile and handshake.”
“The Wal-Mart store in Cushing currently employs two people through the Supported Employment Program at the Central Technology Center. The management at this Wal-Mart believes that each and every person who works in the store should be treated fairly and has the opportunity to succeed. This is evident by the fact that one of these employees has been with the store for 13 years. Managers work closely with the Central Tech employment staff in training supported employees. They believe it is important to get to know the person and not just their disabilities. Managers are always open to giving employees the chance to try different positions and make advances as they are ready. This Wal-Mart strives to make their community a better place. Employees are proud of their jobs and work hard to provide excellent customer care and a service to their community.”
The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards are held each year to honor outstanding persons with disabilities who are working successfully in their communities. The awards also recognize businesses that hire persons with disabilities and help them to succeed.
The awards are co-sponsored by state organizations that support people with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. They are the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division; the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment and the Office of Handicapped Concerns.
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**NOTE TO EDITOR: High-resolution photos of the recipients are available upon request.
