Oklahoma City resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Devon Biggins was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held March 5 and 6 in Norman. Biggins works for Fretzpark Homes in Oklahoma City as a House Manager and Habilitation Training Specialist. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division sponsors the awards to honor outstanding direct care professionals around the state. 

JoAnne Goin, Director, OKDHS Developmental Disabilities Services Division says the purpose of the awards is to honor those who help people with intellectual disabilities integrate into their communities.  

“They work long hours, often at low wages to provide services across many settings," says Goin. "The Direct Support Professionals we honored today have gone the extra mile to serve. They have provided empathic, loving care to meet our highest standards. We honor their commitment and service. They truly represent the Best of the Best in Oklahoma’s system of care for people with intellectual disabilities.”

Biggins has worked for three years with four men, two of whom are in fragile health. He was nominated by case manager, Lana Church, who says he understands each of the men’s dispositions and cares for them as if they were members of his own family. “Devon has brought the men out of their shells, teaching them to laugh and tease and let others know when they are not feeling well. He is a very strong advocate for the men he supports,” explained Church.

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Devon Biggins (left) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services from JoAnne Goin, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.