Guthrie resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Carol Coburn was honored at the annual Governor's Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25 and 26 in Norman. Coburn is a Health Care Coordinator and Group Home Facilitator for six women through the Logan County ARC in Guthrie.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) sponsors the awards to honor outstanding direct care professionals around the state.

Division Director Jim Nicholson says the purpose of the awards is to honor those who support people with developmental disabilities as they strive to become as independent as possible.

"Oklahoma is committed to assisting people with developmental disabilities find competitive jobs and become working taxpayers," said Nicholson. "In fact, we are one of the top two states in integrated employment in the country." Nicholson explained that success for people with developmental disabilities is directly related to care, skills and attention provided by these professionals.

Paula Coffey, case manager for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, nominated Coburn for the award. "Carol encourages all of the people she serves to increase their independence and she has painstakingly built their self confidence," said Coffey. "She provides a solid foundation of stability for her clients and has built a strong rappport with their families, some of whom live out of state."

Coburn has worked at the Logan County ARC for 22 years.

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Carol Coburn (right) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services from Jim Nicholson, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD), Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS)