About Brian Waddell, Founder
Brian Waddell is the founder and Executive Director of Employment Resources, Inc., a firm that recruits and hires people with disabilities for the public and private sectors. Employment Resources partners with corporations, state and federal agencies in order to assist them with achieving their diversity and workforce inclusion initiatives.
Background
Brian began his career in 1979 as a Life Skills Instructor (direct care staff) of a residential and vocational agency in a small rural community in Nebraska. When in Nebraska, he developed one of the first supported employment programs in the United States in the early 1980’s.
Brian became the director of a large employment service agency in Louisiana followed by a position as a consultant in the lawsuit resulting in the closure of Hissom Memorial Center and the development of community services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Oklahoma.
His passion for serving individuals in their home community grew as a result of these experiences and he has become a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities. He believed employment for individuals with disabilities should be in real jobs in real businesses. Brian believed that an employment service agency was the solution.
In 1988, Brian founded Employment Resources, Inc. specializing in community employment services and supports for individuals with disabilities. Employment Resources was the first stand-alone non-facility based employment services agency in the state of Oklahoma. The company has grown and now also provides residential and community supports to individuals with disabilities and their families in their homes.
Awards and Honors – Corporate
- Partnership Award (1996) - Awarded by the Tulsa Chapter of the American Red Cross
- Commitment to Excellence Award (2002) - Given by the Oklahoma Association for Persons in Supported Employment
- Corporate Service Award (2009 - 2011) - Awarded by the Oklahoma Association of the Deaf
- Supported Employment Agency of the Year (2004) - Awarded by the Oklahoma Association for Persons in Supported Employment
- Advocate – Private Service Provider of the Year (1993) - Awarded by the Tulsa ARC