Broken Bow resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Patrecia Rodgers of Broken Bow was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25 and 26 in Norman. Rodgers is a Habilitation Training Specialist with Big Five Community Services in Antlers and supports one individual who requires total care in their home.

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.

Rodgers was nominated for the award by her supervisor, Staci Lohrman. “Patrecia always has the person she supports best interests at heart. For example, when the individual’s full time caregiver was hospitalized, Patrecia stayed at the home with the individual until more permanent arrangements could be made and makes herself available to the family as well. At the same time, she encourages him to be as independent as possible,” said Lohrman.

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