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SAPULPA --- Todd Morgan, a resident of Sapulpa, and B & B Theaters Cinema 8 both received commendations 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.
Morgan was recognized in the employee category for his outstanding achievements in employment. B & B Theaters was recognized in the business category for hiring persons with disabilities. The awards program stated this about each:
“All of Todd Morgan’s life, he was told that he would not be able to live or work on his own. When he graduated from high school, he had three goals: to get a job, a driver’s license and a home. Todd accomplished one of his goals two years ago when he got a job at the Cinema 8 Theaters in Sapulpa. He must have made quite an impression on his employer because he was one of only 25 people who was hired out of 300 who interviewed. Todd works all different shifts and positions at the theater, eager to learn everything he can about the business. Since getting his job, with the encouragement of the Show Supported Employment Program, Todd has been working on his other goals. He saved his money, took private driving instruction and was able to get his driver’s license. He then saved more money and made a down payment on a car. The last of his goals was achieved this year when he was awarded the Community Care House for 2005. Todd has proven to everyone that you can never place limits on what a person can accomplish if he sets his mind and heart to something.”
“B & B Theaters Cinema 8 in Sapulpa showed a commitment to supported employment from the day they broke ground to build the theater. Management interviewed more than 300 people for 25 jobs at the theater and was impressed by a young man participating in the Supported Employment Program. This employee wanted very much to learn every position, but particularly wanted to work in the box office taking money and printing show tickets. Managers worked very closely with him and now he not only works in the box office, but in just about every other job at the theater. When this employee was awarded the Community Care House, the manager pledged to contribute to the 500 sweat hours that the young man needed to put into his home. The manager has also participated in the filming of a United Way video, praising the attributes of the Supported Employment Program.”
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.
