Oklahoma City Residents and Business Receive Governor's Commendations

OKLAHOMA CITY --- Three Oklahoma City residents and the P.F. Chang’s China Bistro received 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.
Naomi Gray, Mary McQuown and Rebecca Rose were recognized in the employee category for their outstanding achievements in employment. The awards program stated this about each one:

“Naomi Gray has worked at the P.F. Chang’s in Oklahoma City for the past year through the Dale Rogers Supported Employment Program. She started out folding napkins and has done so well that they moved her into the kitchen to help with food preparation. Naomi is typically quiet and reserved, but her co-workers have noticed a big change in her demeanor since she started working there. They say she is much more talkative and seems to be happy to be one of the crew. Naomi is very well-liked because of her upbeat manner and her continually smiling face. She doesn’t hesitate to advocate for herself in something that she needs, and, thanks to her income, has been able buy a lot of the things she’s always wanted.”

“Mary McQuown’s work career started at a time when everyone else is thinking about or enjoying retirement. She started work a year ago, at 69 years old, as a silverware roller at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro in Oklahoma City. Up until a few years ago, Mary was totally blind from a childhood accident. After several surgeries on her eyes, Mary now has some limited vision with glasses. Even though she was still considered legally blind, Mary wanted to start experiencing what life was all about. She wanted to get a job in the community and become as independent as possible. The Supported Employment Program at Dale Rogers helped Mary find her job.

Every day is a challenge for Mary just to get to work. Her 90-year-old mother, with whom she lives, is no longer able to drive, so she uses public transportation and gets rides from her brother. Her current goals are to get her GED and a driver’s license. Judging from her family tree, she certainly has longevity in her favor.”

“Rebecca Rose worked at the Dale Rogers Training Center for nearly 13 years before she decided she was ready for a job in the community. Last year, she worked for a couple of companies before settling into her current job at Arby’s restaurant. She helps with the lunch rush and prepares food Monday through Friday of each week.

Rebecca has become very independent in her life. She moved into a group home and every day gets up and ready for work all on her own. She takes the bus to and from work and is also able to visit her mother who is in an assisted living center. Rebecca has made many new friends on the job and enjoys hearing the praises of her boss. She also enjoys the employee discount on the food.”

The P.F. Chang’s China Bistro on North Memorial Road was honored in the business category for hiring persons with disabilities and helping them to succeed. The awards programs stated this:

“Before P.F. Chang’s even opened in Oklahoma City, they were approached by the Dale Rogers Training Center about hiring individuals with disabilities. Management was interested and eventually hired three people through the supported employment program. All of these employees have now been working a year in their positions. Everyone who works at the restaurant understands they are part of a team and management ensures they are all treated equally and with respect. The managers have worked closely with Dale Rogers’ staff to find jobs and make accommodations so that each employee is successful. They even take time out of their busy schedule to open up the restaurant for job sampling by other potential employees. From the very beginning, everyone at P.F. Chang’s has gone above and beyond to make supported employment work within the business.”

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.