Cheryl Rivers Honored With Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) held its 28th Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities recently in Norman. During the awards ceremony, DHS recognized Direct Support Professional Cheryl Rivers with an “Award of Excellence” in direct support services.

Rivers works in an agency supported home for Central State Community Services Oklahoma, Inc. (CSCSO) in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and she has cared for an individual with developmental disabilities since 2005. She was nominated for the award by her support coordinator at CSCSO Support Coordinator Juana Gomez in recognition of her gentle nature, compassion and patience.

“Cheryl has learned what her client's non-verbal cues are and knows when he taps himself on the head that he is not responding well to crowded areas,” Gomez said.  “Cheryl will bring his food already pureed so he can eat in restaurants, birthday parties and social events like everyone else. Her work has greatly increased her client's independence and quality of life.”

A direct support service professional is someone who works as a direct care worker for individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. These workers can include habilitation training specialists, job coaches and group home staff, as well as habilitation aides, workshop staff, and agency companions or as specialized foster parents.

The criteria for winning an Award of Excellence focuses on a nominee’s tenure, experience, relationship to the individual(s) and the families they support, leadership, advocacy and their success in supporting people to be included in the community.

“Our award winners say they absolutely cherish the people they serve,” said JoAnne Goin, director, DDS. “They’re practical, determined and compassionate folk who treat their individuals like dear friends and family, all the while encouraging and teaching them how to become more independent members in the communities where they work and live.”

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Direct Support Professional Cheryl Rivers accepts an “Award of Excellence” from DHS Director Ed Lake during the recent Oklahoma Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities.