Broken Arrow Residents Receive Commendation from Governor Fallin

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Two Broken Arrow residents received commendations from Governor Mary Fallin on Nov. 10 during the Governor's Disability Employment Awards at the Governor's Mansion in Oklahoma City.

If you make the mistake of telling Lance Lane that something is hard, or he won't be able to do it because of limitations, Lane will respond with, "Bring it, Cletus" and sets his mind to figuring out how to accomplish the task. When he became discouraged with going on interviews and not getting call-backs, Lane started his own business, "The Cowboy Candy Company," where he checks, fills, cleans and maintains vending machines in seven locations every week. He also works for Magna Community Living Services, Inc. as a courier, shredder and housekeeper. his hard work has paid off and has allowed him to be able to afford his own horse, for which he pays boarding and cares for by himself. Instad of having an "I can't" attitude, Lane has an "I will" attitude. He never complains about having to work and is always looking for additional duties. If a fellow worker needs help, he is the first to volunteer. Lane is able to accomplish anything he sets his mind to and is an inspiration to everyone he meets.

When Brian van der Hagen of Broken Arrow came to Gatesway Foundation, he was lost, confused, desperate for a job and isolated from his family. With the help of his job coach, he went to work at Aberdeen Dynamics in Tulsa, paying off his bills and repairing his relationships with family members. Within six months, he had earned a cost of living raise and a week's vacation, which he took with his family. In addition to often working six days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day, he also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics. Van der Hagen is a fantastic role model and inspiration who shows that a person can get over his anger, learn to forgive and appreciate the importance of working a living a life with meaning.

"Employees and businesses like these place Oklahoma at the forefront as leaders for employing people with disabilities," said Howard Hendrick, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. "Our honorees are exceptional examples of how the love and support of friends, family, co-workers, staff and the community can be impacted forever by a successful vocational opportunity and placement."

"Oklahoma is committed to assisting people with developmental disabilities find competitive jobs and become working taxpayers," said Hendrick. "Today, 60 percent of individuals with developmental disabilities served by the OKDHS Developmental Disabilities Services Division participate in supported employment services."

The Governor's Disability Employment Awards are co-sponsored by Governor Fallin along with the Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment.

Editors Note: To see Oklahoma's ranking as compared to other states in regard to the number of persons with developmental disabilities in competitive jobs (supported employment) go to www.statedata.info (link opens in new window).

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Lance Lane receives a Governor's Commendation from OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick.

Brian van der Hagen receives a Governor's Commendation from OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick.