Anadarko resident receives commendation from Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Mary Stout of Anadarko 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.

Stout enrolled at the Kiowa Vocational Technology Center in March 2008.  Over the next two years, she excelled in her studies and completed the requirements for her Business and Computer Technology Certification as well as the requirements for four other positions. In August 2010, just months after completing her education, Stout was hired at Swanson Services in Lawton, as an administrative assistant. Since becoming employed she has obtained her driver’s license and is saving for a car so she can begin to drive herself to work each day.  In addition to her work she is actively involved in Oklahoma People First and she is a volunteer with OK-AIM. 

Mary’s self-confidence has increased tremendously and she is very well respected in her workplace. Not only did she take the initiative to study for and obtain her driver’s license, her self-advocacy has also increased. Despite setbacks along the way, she is more determined than ever to work toward achieving other goals she has set for herself and encourages her peers to advocate for themselves as well.

“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.”

The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards are co sponsored by Governor Mary Fallin along with OKDHS/DDSD, 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).

Photo attached:
Mary Stout (left) receives a Governor’s Commendation from OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick for her outstanding work. The award was presented during the Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence at the Governor’s Mansion on November 10.

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Mary Stout (left) receives a Governor’s Commendation from OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick for her outstanding work. The award was presented during the Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence at the Governor’s Mansion November 10.