Vinita resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Scott Snyder of Vinita was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25 and 26 in Norman. Snyder is a Direct Support Professional Supervisor with Central State Community Services in Tulsa and supports three individuals he considers as his brothers.

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.

Snyder was nominated for the award by his Support Coordinator, Jessica Wise. “While the men look to Scott as a role model, he assists them in managing their own home, their own lives and their own jobs. He’s taught them to use a computer, cook meals and learn how to compromise when making group decisions. He has a way of asking and not telling and is a mentor to the men and to the staff,” said Wise.

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