Warner Hardware Receives Commendation from Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Warner Hardware received a commendation 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.

Warner Hardware currently employs one individual with disabilities and provides flexibility in the woman's work schedule and provides special accommodations to ensure her safety. Recently, this employee asked store owners Jerry and Beth Stretch for additional hours to work and the request was approved. The most significant thing they have done to help this employee succeed is to provide a supportive and respectful environment for her to work, which makes her feel comfortable in her job.

Warner Hardware has participated in supported employment through Options, Inc. for the past nine years, during which time they have hired three people. This company is very supportive of people with disabilities and has shown a genuine care and concern for the people they employ. Warner Hardware has shown that they are open to meeting the needs of its employees and have shown an equal commitment to everyone who works there.

"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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Jerry and Beth Stretch, owners of Warner Hardware, receive a Governor's Commendation from OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick. The awards were presented during the Governor's Disability Employment Awards of Excellence at the Governor's Mansion on Nov. 10, 2011.