Muskogee resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Iretta Wilson of Muskogee passed away shortly after she was nominated for the Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services. Her daughter TaMarcia Woodard accepted the award in her memory at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25 and 26 in Norman. Wilson was an agency companion through Renaissance Management Group in Tulsa for an individual with significant disabilities for 10 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.”

“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.

Wilson was nominated for the award by her program Coordinator Ashley Neel.

“One day, an eight-year-old boy with developmental disabilities came to her house for emergency respite and Iretta provided the stability he so desperately needed. Over the next ten years, she developed an intuitive relationship with him and an ability to communicate like no one before her. Iretta’s calm attitude and gentle patience will not be forgotten,” said Neel.

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TaMarcia Woodard (left) accepted the Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services in memory of her mother, Iretta Wilson, from James Nicholson, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.