The Oklahoman Wins Oklahoma Governor Disability Employment Award of Excellence in Media Coverage

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.

Originally created by former Governor and First Lady George and Donna Nigh 29 years ago, the awards recognize individuals with disabilities, the employers who hire them and outstanding media coverage about people with disabilities with a Governor’s commendation. One of this year’s winners included “The Oklahoman.” The Oklahoman’s Business and Lifestyles Director Clytie Bunyan accepted the “Award of Excellence in Media Coverage” from Secretary of State Chris Benge and Department of Human Services Director Ed Lake.

KOCO-TV Channel 5 Anchor Paul Folger emceed the event. “The Oklahoman” was chosen for the Governor’s Commendation by a team of disability-awareness managers for its comprehensive media coverage highlighting the opportunities and challenges that people with disabilities face every day in our communities statewide.

“With great photos by photographers like Jim Beckel, the skillful leadership of news leaders like Business and Lifestyles Director Clytie Bunyan and for the crafting of insightful stories by staff writers like Paula Burkes, Jaclyn Cosgrove and others, The Oklahoman wins a 2014 Award of Excellence in Media Coverage,” Folger said. “By focusing on compelling and well-crafted news stories and features, along with ace photography, videos and expert news direction, The Oklahoman went far in 2014 to help improve awareness about employment and other issues and programs that affect people with disabilities, their families and their employers.”

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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