Ardmore resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Esther Douthit was honored at the annual Governor's Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25 and 26 in Norman. Douthit works as a Program Coordinator for the Carter County ARC and manages two group homes and their staffs.

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.

Douthit was nominated for the award by Regina Washington, OKDHS case manager. "Esther advocates for the residents working within the community and increasing the independence of the people she serves," said Washington. "She is the first person to visit with individuals while they are in the hospital and the last to leave. She is well known for assisting with interventions and decreasing problem behaviors. Her actions prove her love and care for the people she serves."

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Esther Douthit (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)