Tulsa's Carri Campbell 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 Habilitation Training Specialist Carri Campbell of Tulsa with an “Award of Excellence” in direct support services.

Oklahoma DHS DDS’ Aimee Brown said she nominated Campbell, who works for Volunteers of America Oklahoma, because she provides excellent service and support to Jason, an individual with developmental disabilities, in the Tulsa area.

“Carri has become a part of Jason’s family,” Brown said. “Jason and his mother completely trust her to act in his best interest and Carri is wonderful in helping Jason maintain the quality of life he desires. She has been very successful in maintaining a balance between assisting Jason when he needs it and allowing him the freedom to figure things out when he can.”

Brown said Campbell is always supportive of whatever activity Jason wants to participate in, including exercise and attending concerts.

“Carri helps Jason to continue to be an active member of his community,” she said. “She knows Jason very well and knows how to work with him when it comes to struggles he may have in his daily life. I could not ask for a better staff for Jason because she is exceptional.”

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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