For Immediate Release
September 19, 2018
Media Contact: Kandy Cayce
Division of Services for the Blind
Towns honored by DSB: PRN Medical Services was recognized by the Department of Human Services Division of Services for the Blind as an outstanding business partner for its commitment to promoting the employment of persons with vision impairment. CNA Lisa Towns received an achievement award for her career success and service to the community. Attending the awards presentation in Fort Smith are, from the left, Deanna McGhee, Office Manager, Jennifer O’Hara, Scheduler, Lisa Towns, CNA, all of PRN Medical Services, and Tina Shores, an Area Manager at DHS Division of Services for the Blind. |
Certified Nursing Assistant with Vision Impairment Earns Achievement Award
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Lisa Towns of Fort Smith, who is visually impaired, has been named the area’s outstanding Consumer of the Year by the Department of Human Services Division of Services for the Blind (DSB).
Towns has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant with PRN Medical Services for 18 years.
“Although there have been some breaks in her employment, she’s continued her deep desire to help others,” said Tina Shores DSB Area Manager who nominated Towns for the achievement award.
“She works with patients in their homes and is an invaluable resource to the people she assists,” said Shores. Towns was nominated because of her determination to overcome adversity, serve others, and succeed at work.
The award presentation was made during a meeting of the Fort Smith Lions Club.
Field Representatives Jessi Solley from Senator John Boozman’s office and Janice Scaggs from Congressman Steve Womack’s office, each presented Towns with letters of congratulations at the event. Towns was selected from an area that includes Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Johnson, Scott, Yell, and Montgomery Counties.
Her employer, PRN Medical Services, was recognized by DSB as an outstanding business partner for its commitment to promoting the employment of persons with vision impairment.
Towns said she had noticed her vision was declining and was diagnosed with optic neuritis in the left eye and optic atrophy in the right eye. Both conditions damage the optic nerve.
Towns expressed her appreciation for DSB services. DSB provided a computer and software; low-vision aids; orientation and mobility training to use a white cane; independent living aids; and financial assistance for massage therapy training.
In her leisure time, Towns likes spending time with her family, having cookouts, and going camping. She also enjoys working on craft projects.
This is the 11th year that DSB has given Consumer of the Year awards to recognize individuals who have managed their rehabilitation plans, gained marketable skills, secured good jobs, and become role models for others. An overall state winner will be selected at the end of the year.
DSB provides vocational rehabilitation services to adults who are blind or severely visually impaired whose goal is successful employment. The division also serves youth and older blind individuals. For information about DSB’s programs and services, visit the DSB website at https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dsb/Pages/default.aspx or call 1-800-960-9270 , 501-682-5463, or deaf relay 711.
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Towns earns special honor: On the left, Janice Scaggs, Field Representative for Congressman Womack, presents a letter congratulating Lisa Towns for being selected as the outstanding area Consumer of the Year by the Department of Human Services Division of Services for the Blind. To the right, Jessi Solley, Representative for Senator John Boozman, presents a letter congratulating Lisa Towns for being selected as the outstanding area Consumer of the Year by the Department of Human Services Division of Services for the Blind. |