DDS community agency association names Rosino ‘Senator of the Year’

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Paul Rosino has been named by Oklahoma Community-Based Providers (OCP) as “Senator of the Year” for his work on behalf of some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.  OCP is the nonprofit state association for community agencies offering support and services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, is chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.  One of his top priorities has been working with fellow members, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and other stakeholders to reduce and ultimately eliminate the waitlist for Oklahomans awaiting developmental disabilities services (DDS).  In December, for the first time since 2009, the number of people receiving those services exceeded the number of people on the waitlist.

Pat Ownbey is OCP’s executive director, and he praised Rosino’s efforts to improve the quality of life for Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Our organization collaborates with the legislators on ways to better serve the developmentally disabled.  We network, brainstorm ideas and seek to educate people about these needs and what can be done to better meet them,” Ownbey said.  “From the very beginning, Senator Rosino jumped right in and has worked to facilitate communication and cooperation as we seek new approaches to help those we serve live their best lives, and we are pleased to recognize that work.”

In addition to his work reducing the DDS waitlist, Rosino has also focused on improving the Oklahoma State Use Program, holding an interim study last fall.

“This program helps provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities who would otherwise not have the opportunity to work, another critical part of the services to help ensure those with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the resources they need,” Rosino said.  “I am humbled and honored to be recognized for our efforts to better assist these Oklahomans.”

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Paul Rosino at 405-521-5618 or email Paul.Rosino@oksenate.gov.

CUTLINE:  OCP Executive Director Pat Ownbey, on the right, presents ‘Senator of the Year’ award to Sen. Paul Rosino, R-OKC, for his work on behalf of Oklahomans with developmental disabilities.