Library: News Releases
STILLWATER --- Russell Rainwater of Stillwater received a commendation from Gov. Brad Henry Nov. 8 at the 20th Annual Governor’s Disability Employment Awards ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City.
Rainwater was recognized in the employee category for his outstanding achievements in employment. The awards program stated this about Rainwater:
“Russell Rainwater is a huge OSU fan. He loves everything OSU -- orange and black, the Pokes, you name it and he probably owns it. It came as no surprise to anyone that knew Russell that he wanted more than anything to live in Stillwater and work at OSU. With some help from his DDSD caseworker and The Sheltered Workshop of Payne County Supported Employment Program, his wishes were made reality. They helped Russell find a job as a kitchen assistant at the OSU Pistol Pete’s Pizza where he has worked for three years. Russell also lives in a group home in Stillwater and is able to pay for all his personal expenses, thanks to his job. This includes buying his tickets to all the OSU sporting events that he would never miss. Russell is enthusiastic about working. He loves his job and because of it he is able to live a full and independent life.”
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.
###
**NOTE TO EDITOR: High-resolution photos of the recipients are available upon request.
