Tulsan Barbara Bradford Honored with a 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 Independent Opportunities Inc.’s Agency Companion Barbara Bradford of Tulsa with an “Award of Excellence” in direct support services.

Bradford was nominated for the honor by Oklahoma DHS DDS’ Debbie Fawn for her attentive and longtime care of Dolly, an individual who has developmental disabilities.

“Barbara supports Dolly in all aspects of her life, both at home and at Dolly’s worksite,” Fawn said. “Barbara goes the extra mile where Dolly is concerned and truly treats her like family.”

One of Dolly’s comfort and leisure activities includes looking at magazines. Fawn said that when Dolly and Barbara found a picture of a bedroom they both liked in a magazine, Barbara later remodeled Dolly’s bedroom to look almost exactly like the one featured in the magazine.

“Now Dolly looks like a princess in her recessed trundle bed and has a wall-mounted TV screen strategically placed where she can watch TV comfortably in bed,” she said. “Barbara did some of the labor herself. I have never met staff who would remodel a whole bedroom because the individual would simply enjoy the room more.”

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.

The theme for this year’s Governor’s conference was “A Journey to a Good Life.” It reflects the understanding that approximately 60,000 Oklahomans with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and their families are searching daily for answers before making important decisions that will affect their future.

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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