Owasso resident honored with Oklahoma Governor Disability Employment Award 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” held recently at the Phillips Pavilion on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City.

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 De Michael Pittman of Owasso, Okla. Pittman’s job coach, Robin Thompson of the Major Group LLC., nominated Pittman for the award and recently accepted it on his behalf from Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge and Oklahoma DHS Director Ed Lake.

Thompson said Pittman started his first and only job two years ago as a kitchen general worker in the dining services department of The Baptist Village of Owasso.

“He has excelled in his position from the very beginning and he’s extremely well-liked by everyone he works with,” she said. “He’s never let his personal challenges hinder his determination to succeed. In April, he received a pay raise and I truly believe there is no limit to what this young man can realize for himself.”

When Pittman started his job, he opened a savings account with the objective of saving enough money to buy a car. In the meantime, he was able to secure an Oklahoma driver’s permit to develop his driving abilities. Last year, Pittman saved up enough money and bought a car. Since then, he has been driving himself to and from work with his grandparents riding along with him.

“Now that De Michael has achieved this exceptional personal accomplishment, he has set the new goal of attending college someday in an effort to become more self-sufficient,” Thompson said.

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 that either serve people with disabilities or who represent organizations that provide direct care for them daily.

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