Lawton Kathy Newton Honored with Oklahoma Governor Disability Employment Awards of Excellence

OKLAHOMA CITY --Sixteen individuals from across the state, five employers and two prominent media outlets were honored during the annual “Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence” recently held at the Phillips Pavilion on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City. KOCO-TV Channel 5 Anchor Paul Folger emceed the event.

Originally created by former Governor and First Lady George and Donna Nigh 29 years ago, the awards recognize individuals with disabilities with a Governor’s commendation for “Outstanding Achievements in Employment.” One of this year’s winners included Lawton’s Kathy Newton, who received her award from Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge and Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Ed Lake.

Dale Rogers Training Center Employment Consultant Leona Webster said she nominated Newton because prior to gaining employment, she was once a withdrawn person who spent her time reading about romance and adventure. She said it took courage to branch out and go to work, and since she started working as a laundry attendant at Comanche Memorial Hospital in 2012, she has gained confidence.

“She looks at the needs of those around her and is willing to pitch in and help where she can,” Webster said. “She is a valuable asset to her co-workers and the people in the nursing facility. Kathy received an “outstanding” one-year evaluation and a raise.”

Webster said Newton has also received the “Going the Extra Mile” award, which acknowledges her for going beyond her job description.

“This is Kathy’s first job, and, at first, she did not know how to achieve her goal of finding employment,” she said. “She started her search at the Department of Rehabilitation Services, and from the beginning, it was clear it would be a difficult road for her. With assistance from her employment training specialist, Kathy applied to several places before she was eventually was hired by the hospital.

What’s next for Newton now? Webster said that since she has achieved her goal, Newton has earned her own money to purchase personal items and go on trips. She has also learned to use the paratransit bus system to get to and from work, she’s involved with her church and takes part in community events.

“Comanche Memorial Hospital is a perfect match for her,” Webster said. “Kathy loves helping senior citizens and is that person who goes the extra mile.”

The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence competition and program is co-sponsored by the Governor’s Office, the Oklahoma DHS Developmental Disabilities Services, the Oklahoma DRS and the Oklahoma Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst. Award winners are annually selected by a panel of public servants and volunteers who either serve people with disabilities or represent organizations that provide direct care for them daily.

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Kathy Newton receives an Oklahoma Governor’s Disability Employment Award of Excellence.