Tulsa resident Lance Nichols wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Lance Nichols was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25th and 26 in Norman. Lance is an In Home Program Manager with Bios in Sapulpa who has worked with the same individual for the last three years. 

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

Division Director James Nicholson says the purpose of the awards is to honor those who support people with developmental disabilities by becoming as independent as possible,” said Nicholson.

“Oklahoma is committed to assisting people with developmental disabilities find competitive jobs and become working taxpayers. 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 the care, skills and attention provided by these professionals.

Nichols was nominated for the award by Shannon Holcomb. “Lance has supported an individual with developmental disabilities in a myriad of areas ranging from vocational, recreational as well as improving his health. By teaching the gentleman to play chess, Lance has opened up the opportunity for socialization and meeting new people. Thanks to Lance, he has quit smoking, accepted more responsibilities at his job at the Tulsa Zoo and visitations with his daughter have been reinstated,” said Holcomb.

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Lance Nichols (left) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services from James Nicholson, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.