Our
Inspiration
J.D. McCarty Center
Annual report FY2014
Contents
Our Inspiration — 2
Our moments of inspiration 3-9
Center employees talk about the people who motivated
them to work with children with disabilities.
Fancy footwork 10
The creative movement dance group gives
kids with special needs the chance to shine.
3
12
Second summer of success 11
Camp ClapHans serves 59 kids from across the state.
A carnival for the community 12
Center hosts event to celebrate “Developmental
Disabilities Awareness Month.”
A bright year 13
A look back at accomplishments from FY2014.
Budget outlook 14-15
A review of the center’s finances during the past year.
11
CLOCKWISE: Darcie Ware, the center’s director of social services, spends time at the
community carnival with Boomer, a mascot from the University of Oklahoma; Michelle
Carr, a physical therapist, watches as Gavin Rivera practices in his power wheelchair;
Chelsea Nicholson gets gifts from Santa during the annual 40 et 8 party for the patients;
and Elijah Bates, a camper at Camp ClapHans, and Corey Hembree, a camp counselor,
test their skills at the archery range.
13
This publication was authorized by Vicki
Kuestersteffen, director and CEO of the
J.D. McCarty Center. One hundred and fifty
copies have been printed at a cost of $665.
Copies of this report have been submitted
to the Publications Clearinghouse of the
Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
BULB GRAPHICS BY FREEPIK.COM
Shining examples
Siblings, summer camp, part-time jobs and parents.
These are just a few of the people and experiences that
inspired employees at the McCarty Center to work with kids
with special needs.
These inspiring individuals have influenced us, amazed us
and motivated us to help children with disabilities reach their
highest potential.
We now take this moment to honor the people who have
illuminated our lives.
Ashli Velez — Social worker
Source of inspiration:
Special Olympics and JDMC
Ashli Velez’s interest in working with people with
special needs began in high school.
“I volunteered to work in the special ed classroom
and I absolutely loved it. I got to help some of my
classmates with increasing their independence,
going on field trips (bowling/mall/Special Olympics)
and even getting ready for prom! The kids I worked
with were so receptive to my personality, and it was
such a rewarding experience.”
That experience motivated her to apply for a job
as a direct-care specialist at the center. She worked
as a DCS for six years until she left to finish some
requirements for her degree in social work.
Still, she wanted to come back to the center
“because this has been the most rewarding
population I have ever worked with.”
Ashli graduated in May 2013 and was told by
Karen Bartlett, her friend and a center nurse, that
there was a job opening in the social services
department.
“I immediately applied without thinking twice,
and was selected for the
position.”
“There is irony to this
story in that I originally
let Karen know about RN
openings at JDMC and she
returned the favor after I
had graduated.”
Ashli said the best part of
the job is working with the
kids and her co-workers
and getting to help families.
“I have always referred
to my clients as my ‘work
Ashli Velez gets a hug from
babies,’
and I care for them
a patient during a Halloween
as
my
work
babies. I want
party.
to make sure they have
anything and everything they need to make their lives as
special as possible.”
“As a DCS, I was able to offer them nurturance and love.
Now, as a social worker, I am able to connect families with
resources all over our state to assist with meeting the needs
of the child and family,” she said. “It is so rewarding to hear
how relieved each person I speak with is after I connect them
with services and resources they are truly in need of.”
Our Inspiration — 3
Jennifer Giamelle —
Volunteer coordinator
Source of inspiration:
OK-AIM
I became inspired to work with
children with disabilities because of
OK-AIM.
It started when I attended a meeting
in 2007 during college. A representative
with Oklahoma Advocates in Monitoring
(OK-AIM) talked about advocates and
what they do. I needed an internship
and this sounded awesome.
An advocate visits with individuals
with developmental disabilities at their
homes and asks questions to the
individuals and their caretakers. The
questions are meant to make sure
that the individuals are being cared for
and having their needs met. The visit
also helps them get their voice heard if
something is amiss.
I fell in love with all the people I met
and continued to serve them even after
the internship ended.
In 2008, I started looking for a job
and wanted a place where I could work
with people with disabilities. I knew this
was where my heart was.
I started working at the McCarty
Center and I have loved the patients
I’ve met and worked with through the
years.
Our Inspiration — 4
Randi Wilkie —
Speech-language pathologist
Source of inspiration:
Her sister, Casey
Randi Wilkie said her sister, Casey, has taught
her a lot about positivity and potential.
“She’s the most inspiring person I know,” Randi
said. “The smallest things make her happy.”
Those things can include a bag of candy,
getting pictures of her “heroes,” which are usually
relatives who are in cheerleading or dance, or a
new song on her iPad, Randi said.
Randi said her older sister has amazed her
in many ways, including the excitement she
exudes on a day-to-day basis. Casey has
Williams syndrome, a genetic condition that is
characterized by medical problems, developmental
delays and learning disabilities.
Randi describes Casey as the “the best person I
know,” and the driving force behind Randi’s desire
to become a speech-language pathologist.
“She inspired me to work in this field because
I remember people saying that she couldn’t or
wouldn’t ever be able to do certain things, things
that she is capable of doing now.”
Randi wishes her sister would have had more
opportunities growing up to build on her abilities.
“I really don’t feel like she met her full potential.”
That’s one of the reasons why Randi is so eager
to help kids with special needs improve their skills.
Randi has worked for the McCarty Center for
almost two years and said she loves her job and
“
I am just so inspired by my sister to help children
reach their full potential, whatever that may be.
— Randi Wilkie
”
ABOVE: Casey, left, and Randi strike a playful
pose at Christmas. BELOW: Randi and
outpatient Darcie O’Daniel blow bubbles.
getting to see the progress the kids make.
“This is where I want to be, to help the kids
that a lot of people pass over,” she said. “I
think there is something great and amazing
about all of these children. You just have to
take the time to see it.”
She also loves celebrating the milestones,
such as a patient learning to push a button
to open doors, hearing a child speak or
watching a kid sign for the first time and seeing
a nonverbal child use a device to make a
request when previously he couldn’t
communicate.
Randi has also used her training to help her
sister, who communicates using single words
or short phrases. Randi has worked with Casey
on speech sounds and articulation and using
longer sentences when she speaks.
Randi believes that too often people put
limitations on what individuals with disabilities
are able to accomplish.
“People think there’s a lot that they can’t do
when there is really a lot that they can do.”
Her sister is a testament to that, along with the
patients Randi gets to work with at the center.
“I am just so inspired by my sister to help
children reach their full potential, whatever that
may be.”
Maria Greenfield —
Director of occupational
therapy
Source of inspiration:
Sally
In a global sense, I was inspired to help
people by my mom and dad. After I settled on a
degree in occupational therapy, Sally Betts was
my “pick me up, dust me off, shove me out the
door” guru.
Sally Betts, OTR/L, was the director of the
OT department at a time in my schooling that
could have gone in one of two directions. I had
just finished my “last” 12-week-long fieldwork
rotation with 3 points short of a passing grade.
I could have: 1. Quit and said to !@$% with
this career path or 2. Make a few demands and
trudge on.
One of those demands was that I would
Kathy
Patterson —
Assistant
director of
nursing
Source of
inspiration:
Kids,
family and
co-workers
Maria
Greenfield
displays
some
photos of
Sally Betts,
who was
a former
director of
OT at the
center.
do my third rotation at the J.D. McCarty
Center. Sally agreed to take me on as her
personal student. She was a “no frills, tell it
like it is, hard-headed woman” with a veiled
compassion I had the privilege to feel.
She saw nothing wrong with my skills as a
student, but the scores had me failing by midterm. Not again!
I drug myself home and disintegrated
Kathy Patterson said she didn’t have
a “burning desire” to work with children
and wasn’t a big fan of her pediatric
rotations during LPN school.
Still, the center intrigued her as she
would drive by the former location on
Alameda Avenue while going to Rose
State College to obtain her RN degree.
“I passed the old McCarty Center
every day going to school and just
thought that might be a cool place to
work.”
After graduation and passing state
boards, she applied for a state job.
Charlotte Gobel, a former HR director
at the center, called Kathy for an
interview. Later, Kathy was offered a
day-shift position.
Representatives from the nursing
department host one of the monthly
birthday parties for patients. Joining in
the fun are Keith Neugebauer, left, Kathy
Patterson, Irene Maguire and Becky
Melsek.
Our Inspiration — 5
in front of my new husband. He could not
understand how she could be so complimentary
but not pass me. He recalculated the scores and
found her mathematical error. There is a reason
we become OT’s and not mathematicians!
Sally saw my potential to abandon years of
education so she sat me down and told me what
she saw as my strengths. She said, “You can
either pull up your boot straps and keep trying
or give up.” Or, something like that. “Pull up your
boot straps” are really the only words I heard.
With renewed gusto and admiration for Sally
— the epitome of the field of OT — I finished
absorbing all she could offer. She offered me
a staff position and, even though I could have
made significantly more money anywhere else,
I took the job. The rest is history. I am forever
grateful for Sally Betts.
“Charlotte took me back to the nursing department
and introduced me to my supervisor, Irene Maguire.
All I can say is my life has never been the same.”
“I can’t imagine working any other place. These
children really captured my heart. I learned quickly
that they want to be treated like any other child.”
Kathy said she is especially drawn to children
with Down syndrome “after the birth of my beautiful
perfect grandson, Jabari. Being involved in his care,
and seeing other children with Down syndrome at the
Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma’s
‘Buddy Walk,’ has taught me a much deeper
appreciation for people with special needs.”
Kathy also grew up with two uncles with cerebral
palsy and “their special needs did not slow them
down.” Overall, Kathy said she is grateful that her
career led her to the center. “I’ve been privileged to
work at the center for 24 years.”
Camps help change lives
Our Inspiration — 6
Employees say summer experiences influenced their career choices
Steffan Spain —
Speech-language pathologist
Source of inspiration:
Make Promises Happen camp
Summer camp had a significant impact on
Steffan Spain.
The first week Steffan volunteered at Make
Promises Happen in Guthrie, she knew what she
wanted to do in life. She wanted to work with kids
with disabiities.
Make Promises Happen is a program of
Central Christian Camp & Conference Center
and offers outdoor recreational opportunities for
individuals with special needs.
Steffan said her experience at the camp,
plus observing at the McCarty Center, helped
convince her that speech-language pathology
was the field for her.
Steffan volunteered at Make Promises Happen
for four years when she was in college.
“The kids you meet are the most incredible
people,” she said. “They are so full of life.”
She got to see kids maneuver a ropes course
and go horseback riding, canoeing and boating.
She also went snow skiing in Colorado with a
group from the camp.
Steffan loved seeing campers have fun and
challenge themselves, and was touched by the
compassion and the excitement that other camp
staff showed toward the kids.
While there, Steffan also got to spend time
PHOTO PROVIDED
ABOVE: Cody Bryant, left, a camper at Make
Promises Happen, with then-counselor
Steffan Spain.
BELOW: Steffan cooks with outpatient Macy
Yandell-Lowrey during Food Fun group.
with a speech-language pathologist who worked at the
camp, and she learned more about the career field.
Once she decided to become a speech-language
pathologist, Steffan also did a rotation at the McCarty
Center and was impressed by the patients and the
cheerful and inviting atmosphere at the hospital.
“I decided I had to work at the J.D. McCarty Center.”
And that she did, starting in June 2013.
Steffan said she loves getting the chance to make
a difference in children’s lives by helping them
communicate.
“I just like helping these kids and getting them to
their highest potential,” she said.
Her camp experience also has come in handy during
her work at Camp ClapHans, the McCarty Center’s
residential summer camp program for kids with
disabilities.
Steffan has helped camp staff with kids who have
feeding challenges and hosted a Food Fun group last
summer for the campers.
Steffan said she enjoys her work at the center and
is grateful for the experiences that led to her career,
including her time at Make Promises Happen.
“I love being able to go home and say, ‘I love my
job.’”
Katherine Devonshire —
Psych services
Source of inspiration:
Camp ClapHans
specialists. It warms my heart when I walk into
a hospital unit and a child recognizes me and is
excited to see me.
I am truly honored to work at the center and to
be a part of a wonderful place that impacts the
lives of children each and every day.
Katherine shares her story about volunteering
at Camp ClapHans.
I learned about the J.D. McCarty Center through
a college course I was taking at Oklahoma State
University.
I ended up doing an internship through OSU
at Camp ClapHans. It was a life-changing
experience. I not only fell in love with the kids I
was working with but also with the center.
It amazed me how supportive everyone was. I
met center employee Greg Gaston and his horses
and was so moved that he was willing to bring his
horses from home to the camp to work with us. I
also met many therapists who would walk down to
the camp and offer their support.
Also, Vicki Kuestersteffen, the director of the
center, would come down at dinner and clean up
and haul trash away for us, which was, to me, the
biggest support.
I had never considered working with the special
Our Inspiration — 7
Max Inzinga, left, Zach Wright, Katherine
Devonshire and Jeramy Joyner catch up
at Camp ClapHans. Katherine worked
with all three boys when she was a camp
counselor.
needs population, but it just felt right being
down at the camp, and I felt comfortable
working with the kids and with the McCarty
Center staff.
I am now an employee at the center and
it feels just like it did two summers ago. I
know that if I needed anything I could turn
to any of my co-workers for help.
My favorite part about my job is getting to
work closely with the kids and direct-care
Trish Tuck, an RN at the center for two years, credits a
camper for inspiring her career.
“I met Karina about seven years ago at ‘Camp Wildfire’
for kids with spina bifida. Karina and I hit it off right away.”
Trish Tuck —
One of the memories that stands out to Trish was
RN
watching
Karina play basketball. She would stand up
Source of
inspiration: from her wheelchair and, with all her energy, shoot the
Karina
basketball. Karina would fall down but kept getting back
up as Trish retrieved the ball for her. They played for
hours.
That night, Karina told Trish that she was getting
PHOTO PROVIDED
Karina, left and Trish at camp.
teased at school. Trish then told Karina, “‘Girl, you are
the strongest young woman I have ever met! And
strength like you have is unique. It’s special. They
are jealous because they are not strong like you
and they know it! So, every time you get up after
you fall, every time you keep a good attitude and
every time you try harder to win you just slap them
right in the face with how awesome you are.’”
Trish said Karina is now 16 and training
internationally for the Special Olympics. Karina also
continues to “get back up when she falls and make
others jealous with her tenacious ability to place her
mind over her matter.”
Our Inspiration — 8
Darcie Ware —
Director of social services
Source of inspiration:
Lauren
Darcie shares the story of how she met Lauren
and what the experience meant to her.
Growing up, I did not have much exposure to
individuals with special needs. It was not until my
sophomore year of college that I was truly exposed
to what it meant to live a day in the life of an
individual with a developmental disability.
A simple ad in the campus paper read:
“Interested in working with individuals with a
developmental disability?” At that point, I had just
purchased a new car and finding a job became top
priority. When I saw that ad, I though “Eh, at least
it’s not fast food.”
Never did I imagine the doors that the simple ad
would open for me.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Darcie, second from left and standing by
Lauren, celebrates her graduation from OU
with her family and Lauren’s family.
“
Serving this population
is truly an honor and I look
forward to continuing to
do so for many years.”
— Darcie Ware
After calling the agency and receiving contact
information for the family that they were hiring for,
I quickly met a young lady who had a diagnosis
of cerebral palsy, but was every bit of the twentysomething that I was at the time in the personality
department.
On my first day of training, I remember thinking,
“What have I gotten myself into?” as I leaned over
her mother’s shoulder to learn how to properly
give a bath to someone who requires maximum
assistance for all activities of daily living.
During the next five or so years, I was exposed
to every aspect of her life including the challenges
that she faced, as well as her triumphs.
I experienced the medical issues that frequently
come to individuals in this population, which many
times lead to hospital stays and several extra
appointments with the doctor. I also experienced
the need to create extra time in the daily schedule
for the simple fact that it could take twice as long
to change a shirt if something were spilled than it
would for someone who does not require physical
assistance. I also experienced what it meant to a
family to have someone in the home willing to help
their child live as normal a life as possible.
I mention all of these things because these are
some of the reasons that I have ended up where I
am today.
Soon after beginning my job as an aide to this
Darcie and Sarah Lemmings have fun together
at the center.
young lady, I decided that I would declare a
major in social work and would aim to become
an advocate for individuals with special needs.
During my years as an undergraduate and
graduate student, I completed my practicum
at the McCarty Center. I was introduced to the
agency through the young lady that I assisted
and instantly fell in love with the work that is
done at the center.
As a social worker, I frequently hear about
the struggles that each of our families face in
their day-to-day lives from having a child who
has special needs. Having the opportunity to
introduce the services that are offered at JDMC
to these families is one of the many aspects of
my work that I love.
For many families, the center becomes a
glimmer of hope, as the staff actually recognizes
the potential in each child who receives services,
rather than brushing them aside.
Serving this population is truly an honor and
I look forward to continuing to do so for many
years.
Dalton Blevens — Patient
Source of inspiration:
Family, and friends at JDMC
Our Inspiration — 9
process, such as when it involved modifications
to Dalton’s dorm room and with his accessibility
on campus.
Team members also found other resources for
Dalton Blevens knew he wanted to go to college
him through programs and agencies in the state,
and knew some people who could help him get there.
such as financial assistance for tuition and books
Dalton, a longtime patient, came to the center in the
from the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation
summer of 2014 to work on making the transition into
Services.
college.
Dalton’s transition team members say they
He had watched a friend — a former center patient
loved working with him and are excited about all
— attend the University of Oklahoma last year after
that he will accomplish.
getting training and assistance from center staff.
psychological clinician, speech-language
“He’s got such an amazing attitude about his
Dalton, who has cerebral palsy, also knew from
pathologist, direct-care specialists and nurses. abilities,” Ashli said. “He’s unstoppable and he’s
personal experience that center employees were
They worked with Dalton on a variety of
going to go so far.”
ready to rally with him to accomplish his goals.
tasks, including making transfers from his
Dalton said he is enjoying college and hopes to
He started using center services when he was 3
power wheelchair to the bed and bathroom in
become a social worker so he can help others.
years old and the center is “like my second home.”
his dorm, using public transportation, managing
He is also quick to thank the people who have
He graduated from Little Axe High School in May
money and strengthening and exercising.
helped him along the way, including McCarty
2014 and started working with the transition team
Ashli Velez, a social worker and team
Center employees.
soon after.
member, said employees from OU’s Housing
“They just love me to death and I love them,”
Team members included social workers, an
and Food Services and the Disability Resource he said. “I would not have gotten as far as I have
occupational therapist, a physical therapist,
Center were a big help in the transition
without the J.D. McCarty Center.”
Michelle Carr —
Physical
therapist
Source of
inspiration:
Gail
My story is about an amazing
woman named Gail Dunsky who
happened to have cerebral palsy.
She met my parents when they
were all students at the University of
Oklahoma in the 1960s and was a
family friend until her death.
She had a master’s degree and
was an ordained diaconal minister
Michelle Carr and outpatient
in the United Methodist Church. Gail Hunter Duffy go for a ride.
used a power wheelchair and some of
the quotes on it were “I’d rather be dancing!” and “Where there’s a
wheel there’s a way.”
Gail loved rainbows and used them as a symbol for diversity long
before they became popular in that way. She was a huge advocate
Dalton
Blevens
checks
out the OU
campus.
He said he
is excited
about
attending
college.
for herself and others with disabilities.
Gail was also highlighted in a documentary titled “Breaking
Through” about her independent living. The documentary
followed the story and lives of three people with different
disabilities. She had degrees from OU and worked at OU
for a time and for agencies in Norman and Tulsa that served
people with disabilities. She also did advocacy work at the
Oklahoma Capitol.
Gail was sort of a trailblazer in disability advocacy. She is a
big part of the reason why I am a pediatric PT today.
Gail’s speech was extremely difficult to understand , but I
always hear her in the back of my mind. Working with the kids and
families who come to JDMC, I can pass on a bit of Gail’s passion
for advocacy, respect of diversity, expectation for success and love
of all of one’s abilities.
Our Inspiration — 10
A bright year
A look back at some of the
achievements from FY2014
Dance program gives kids
a chance to shine
They giggle, they glide, they spin and they
shine.
They are students with a lot of heart, a positive
attitude, plenty of patience and poise and a deep
desire to dance.
They are the members of the creative
movement dance group at the J.D. McCarty
Center.
The center began hosting the dance classes
in 2013 for children with special needs, ages 4
to 21, as an opportunity for kids to learn about
dance, work on physical movements and have an
outlet to express themselves. The program is a great opportunity for kids with
disabilities to boost their confidence, enhance
social skills and build muscle strength, said Beth
Morton, director of physical therapy at the center.
Students from the University of Oklahoma
lead the classes, and the dance moves can be
adapted to accommodate a child’s ability level.
Students partner with one child and work with that
child in each class. A therapist from the center is
also present during the classes.
Emily Scheele, an OU student, leads the
creative movement dance group and was
instrumental in organizing the dance classes at
the center.
She said she was motivated to offer the classes
because of her love for dance and a desire to
ABOVE: Emily Scheele leads the group during
practice.
BELOW: Caitie Bogenrief, an OU student, and
Jordyn Nichols dance together. The students
also hosted a recital in spring 2014.
work with kids with disabilities. Scheele met with
Morton about offering the dance program and
later formed the Expressive Movement Initiative, a
student organization that aims to introduce the art
of movement as an expressive outlet to children
with developmental disabilities.
Scheele then recruited students with experience
in dance, therapy or education to join the group
and help with classes at the center.
Parents of children in the class said they are
thrilled about the program.
Janette Nichols of Norman signed up daughter,
Jordyn, for the classes as a way for her to
exercise and have fun. Jordyn, who has spina
bifida, is doing that and so much more. The
6-year-old has quickly become a dancing queen.
“Jordyn dances everywhere now. She chassés
in the Walmart parking lot,” Nichols said. “Dance
class has opened her up to a new world of ways
she can move her body.”
Nichols said she also is impressed with the OU
students who work with the dancers.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed the dance
instructors and helpers themselves who have
warmly and positively supported Jordyn beyond
words. We cannot say enough wonderful things
about this dance class and are grateful to be a
part of it.”
The college students said they admire the kids
they get to work with and are excited to see the
talents that emerge.
“Seeing the progress they make each week is
so cool,” said student Madison Deere.
Camp ClapHans celebrates second year
The second season of Camp ClapHans featured
stargazing, watergun fights, special guests, waterslides,
song and dance and a Wild West theme.
There were also new friendships made, challenges
faced and lives changed at the camp for kids with special
needs.
“I think it was an incredibly positive experience for both
the campers and the staff,” said Camp Director Kyle
Cottrell.
The camp served 59 children from Oklahoma. Five
camp sessions were offered throughout June and July.
The camp, which opened in 2013, is a residential
summer camp for kids ages 8 to 18. The camp is an
outreach project of the J.D. McCarty Center.
While at camp, kids can canoe, swim, fish, ride horses,
try archery and visit Andy Alligator’s Water Park in
Norman.
New activities added to the camp in 2014 included a
dance, talent show and awards assembly for campers.
There were also special guests who visited
the campers this past summer. They included
representatives from the National Cowboy & Western
Heritage Museum who hosted activities that included
Camper
Luccinda
Locke, left,
and Megan
Rooney,
camp
counselor,
get ready
to go
canoeing
on the lake.
Justin Duchene has fun while horseback riding.
Justin has attended Camp ClapHans for two years.
lassoing; occupational therapy students from Oklahoma
City Community College who coordinated water games
and did face painting for the kids; and representatives
from the Science Museum of Oklahoma and the
Oklahoma City Astronomy Club who hosted stargazing
nights.
Cottrell said he was excited about his first year as
camp director and getting to meet the kids and watch
them try new things. For example, he loved seeing the
campers stand before the audience during talent night
and showcase their skills, be it singing, dancing or acting
out scenes from a video game.
“The kids were great and so happy to be at camp,” he
said. “They all were so amazing.”
Cottrell said he was also thrilled with his camp
staff, which included students from the University of
Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma
City University. “I couldn’t have chosen a better team.”
Now, he is looking forward to next summer.
“I can’t wait to do it again. Next year will be bigger and
better.”
*CHARACTER GRAPHICS BY ADAM COBBLE
Our Inspiration — 11
Cottrell excited about
serving as director
Kyle Cottrell loves to learn and
challenge himself.
It’s what led him to attend summer
camps as a kid, what led him to work
at the J.D. McCarty Center and what
led him to change his career focus
from occupational therapy to serving
as the director
of Camp
ClapHans.
Cottrell was
hired as the
director in
September
2013 after
Megan Stanek,
former camp director, resigned to
spend more time with her family. He
is a licensed certified occupational
therapy assistant and has worked for
the McCarty Center for seven years.
Cottrell said he applied for the camp
position because of his passion for
working with kids with disabilities and
his positive experiences with summer
camp.
He said his first summer as director
was fun and he loved getting to know
the campers and their families.
Cottrell also heard positive
comments from parents about their
child’s camp experience.
“The parents were so pleased
and grateful that their kids had this
opportunity.”
Our Inspiration — 12
LEFT: This little
guy got his face
painted and a
free snack at the
carnival.
RIGHT: Vicki
Kuestersteffen,
left, center
director, and
patient Ginny
Webb do a little
dance to the
music.
Carnival helps raise awareness in community
The J.D. McCarty Center hosted
a free carnival in March 2014 to
celebrate individuals with developmental
disabilities and share information
about resources at the center and in
the community for people with special
needs.
The carnival was also an opportunity
to recognize “National Developmental
Disabilities Awareness Month,” which is
celebrated each March.
The carnival featured activities
for families, such as games, face
painting and arts and crafts projects
and information from groups in the
community that work with people with
disabilities.
There was also live music by the
band, John the Franklin; a performance
from the University of Oklahoma’s pep
band; and an appearance by Boomer,
one of the OU mascots.
One of the activities leading up to
the carnival was a daily question on a
banner posted in the center.
One of the questions was, “What has
someone with a disability taught you?”
Here are a few of the responses from
patients and their families and center
employees:
l Patience and love
l Embrace imperfection
l How to see things in a different way
l 1. Smile. 2. If at first you don’t
succeed, try again. 3. Love.
l Courage
l That I am unique in my own way
l No one can judge me because of my
disability
l Joy
l Compassion
l Kindness
l Unconditional love
l More than I will every really know.
Volunteers from the Washington Senior Citizens Center
display the pillow pants they made for a storytime
program.
Volunteers sew items for patients
Volunteers at the Washington Senior Citizens Center
have used their sewing talents to help the McCarty
Center with many special projects.
The volunteers have donated lap quilts for the patients
and made pillow pants for a storytime event that was
hosted by the speech-language pathology department in
May 2014.
The volunteers have also created some comfy pillows
for our patients using old center shirts. Many thanks
to these wonderful women for their time, effort and
dedication to the center.
Phyllis Linker,
left, and Alice
Brooks present
lap quilts to
the center.
The group has
made more
than 100 lap
quilts for the
patients.
More shining moments
Our Inspiration — 13
Donations
Recreation
The center continued to receive
generous support through
annual events and campaigns.
The Norman Conquest bike tour
generated $4,225 for scholarships
at Camp ClapHans. The scholarship
fund also received a boost through
the $8,487 raised at the Gutter
Dance charity bowling tournament.
Also, the annual giving campaign
for the center brought in $8,185.
The center established a
horseback riding program
for all patients as another
form of recreational therapy.
Also, more playground
equipment was purchased
for the hospital units that
house our patients.
Outreach
Members of the center’s
mobile screening team
continue to trek across
Oklahoma each year
to offer information to
families about resources
available at the center
and through state and
federal programs.
The team has traveled
to Holdenville,
Tishomingo, Okmulgee,
Perry, Atoka and
Watonga.
Support
Safety
Six tornado shelters were purchased for the main building. (Shelters were
installed for patients in the hospital units when the new center building
was constructed). Employees from the hospital units painted the shelters
and decorated each with a different theme.
Also, the center developed a “See it, Click it, Check it” education program
about safe use of the golf carts used to carry patients to the main
building.
We had another merry
holiday season thanks
to the generosity of the
Oklahoma Municipal
Contractors Association
and the 40 et 8, the
veterans organization that
founded the center.
OMCA members bought
gifts for the patients and
also presented $52,341
to the center for support
of Camp ClapHans.
Also in December,
40 et 8 members host
an annual party for the
patients and purchase
gifts for the kids.
Our Inspiration — 14
Budget outlook
A quick glance at FY2014’s finances
l Fast facts
l The mission of the J.D.
McCarty Center is to provide
a comprehensive program of
habilitative care to Oklahoma’s
children with developmental
disabilities.
l The center is licensed as a
specialized pediatric rehabilitative
hospital and has 36 inpatient
beds.
l The McCarty Center tailors its
services to the distinctive needs
of children with special needs and
works to strengthen their support
system and keep Oklahoma’s
families united.
l More financial news
The center also saw new yearly highs in:
l Average census
l Average billable days
l Total patient days
l Total billable days
l Inpatient revenue
l Operational revenue
l Total expenditures
Our Inspiration — 15
l The J.D. McCarty
Center strives
to embody the
values of efficient
resource use, while
maintaining effective
service delivery to
the taxpayers and
Oklahoma’s children
with special needs.
Our
Inspiration
Serving Oklahoma’s children with special needs since 1946