Enid Amanda Stamper honored with DHS Award of Excellence.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) held its 29th Annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities recently in Norman. During the awards ceremony, DDS recognized Central State Community Services’ (CSCS) Amanda Stamper with an “Award of Excellence” in direct support services.

Nominated by CSCS’ Senior Support Coordinator Daphne Tucker, Stamper was recently promoted to a support coordinator position and she currently works with three individuals with developmental disabilities in Enid. Tucker said that since Stamper is the mother of a child with special needs, she can easily relate to the individuals she supports and she helps them to become as independent as possible.

“Amanda does not do things for the clients, rather she teaches and guides them to be as independent as they can,” Tucker said. “She has built solid relationships with those she supports and they trust her to care for them.”

Stamper also assisted CSCS clients during the holiday season by securing an elementary school as a sponsor so that area individuals with developmental disabilities received a good Christmas.

“Amanda has been able to make sure that our individuals are being well-taken care of, despite the many demands placed on her,” Tucker said. “She’s managed to make sure that individuals receive what is needed and that family members are also pleased with the outcome.”

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 workshop staff, agency companions and specialized foster parents.

Oklahoma DDS Director JoAnne Goin said the criteria for winning an “Award of Excellence” focuses on nominees’ tenure, experience and their relationship to the individual(s) and the families they support. Additional skills in leadership, advocacy and their success in supporting people to be included in the community are also considered.

“Our award winners say they absolutely cherish the people they serve,” Goin said. “Direct support professionals are practical, determined and compassionate support staff 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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