Midwest City resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Evan Robinson of Midwest City was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25 and 26 in Norman. Roberts is a House Manager with Mid-Del Group Home Inc. for six men and sees them as part of his family.

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.”

“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.

Robinson was nominated for the award by Linda Kastner, mother of one of the men who resides in the group home. “Evan’s ‘you can do it’ attitude assists each man in developing independence including choosing their own activities and managing their own money. He models a healthy lifestyle for the men and makes sure to include them in all kinds of activities in the community,” said Kastner.

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Evan Robinson (right) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services from James Nicholson, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.