OU Facilities Management receives commendation from Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Facilities Management Department at the University of Oklahoma received a commendation from Governor Mary Fallin on November 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, the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment.

OU Facilities Management employs two individuals with disabilities through the Dale Rogers Training Center. The supervisors communicate frequently with the vocational providers and job coaches regarding the employees and provide active supports for each individual. The department provides interpreters for those who have hearing impairments. They utilize more frequent one-on-one training with employees who need assistance in certain areas. They have also assigned employees to certain areas of buildings in which they are more comfortable in order for them to excel in their job tasks. The department works closely with the Moore Norman Technology Center and is also on the Center’s advisory board.

OU Facilities Management provides annual trainings to get all employees together to review procedures and learn new tasks. They have annual holiday parties and end of the year cookouts to celebrate each year of successful operations. The manager has stated how proud they are to support individuals with disabilities and how grateful they are to have such hard working employees at OU.

“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).

Photo attached:  Sue-Anna Miller, Mark McKiddy and Sharlene Lehman 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 November 10.

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Sue-Anna Miller, Mark McKiddy and Sharlene Lehman 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 November 10.