Tulsa Businesses Receive Commendations from Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Two Tulsa businesses received commendations from Governor Mary Fallin on Nov. 10 during the Governor's Disability Employment Awards at the Governor's Mansion in Oklahoma City. The ceremony was co-sponsored by Governor Fallin along with the Developmental Disabilities Services Division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment.

AirFlo Cooling Technologies in Tulsa employs one person with a hearing impairment and partners with The Major Group, a supported employment agency. The company has successfully addressed work adjustment issues and provides an interpreter whenever company meetings are held for all employees or upon request. President Greg Vogt, Vice President Ben Townsend and Human Resource Director Leanne Robison report that this young man is an important member of the AirFlo team.

Keith & Associates in Tulsa currently employs three people with disabilities, has made accommodations for one person who uses a wheelchair and provided an opportunity to another individual who is non-verbal. Two of the employees with disabilities who deliver medical supplies use company vehicles equipped with GPS systems to assist in finding locations for deliveries. Keith & Associates has demonstrated a willingness to train and provide meaningful employment to at least six individuals with disabilities.

"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.

"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."

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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Representing AirFlo Technologies: Leanne Robison, Ben Townsend, Frank Roop and Greg Vogt, receive a Governor's Commendation from OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick. 

Representing Keith & Associates: Ryan Keith, Roger Bradshaw and Sandra Keith receive a Governor's Commendation from OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick.