Disabled Oklahoma Employees Honored at Governor's Mansion

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma ranks very high in the nation when it comes to employing people with developmental disabilities and several of those employees in the state received a high honor at the Governor's Mansion this week.

Margaret Carlisle spends her mornings buzzing around a south side McDonald's restaurant.

"I don't see her standing around waiting for something to happen. She makes it happen," said Grover Smallwood, who is a regular customer at the south side McDonald's.

Carlisle works hard to keep coffee cups brimming, and the customers she knows so well, happy.

She's been working there for 17 years, and now her hard work ethic has been recognized. Carlisle was awarded at the Governor's Mansion for her excellence as an employee.

More than 60 percent of developmentally disabled Oklahomans receiving services from DHS are working in competitive jobs, and that's an accomplishment to highlight in the state.

And as for Carlisle, the award is a memorable lifetime achievement.

The Governor's Disability Employment Awards ceremony was started 23 years ago by Governor George Nigh, and everyone in the office since has continued to sponsor it.

The businesses recognized for their employment opportunities for the developmentally disabled are Home Depot, St. Luke's Church and the Casa Romo Mexican restaurant and La Quinta Inn in Ardmore.