News and Announcements

As the Director of The Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL), Valerie guides the department’s efforts to achieve CLLs mission, goals, and objectives. She is committed to working with and advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Oklahoma. Valerie helps keep CLL focused while fostering connections with individuals, community advisors, our university host, and partners. Read more about Valerie in CLL’s new Faculty/Staff Q&As.

Nancy Ward was recently celebrated for her 20 years of service at the Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC). Nancy was the ODLC's Voting Rights Advocate and has over 40 years of advocacy experience at the local, state, and national levels.

World Braille Day, observed annually on January 4th, honors the legacy of Louis Braille, born on this day in 1809, who invented the Braille system of reading and writing for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This day raises awareness about the importance of Braille as a tool for independence, education, and accessibility.

January is also celebrated as Braille Literacy Month to emphasize the significance of Braille in promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for people with visual disabilities. These observances highlight the ongoing need to create accessible environments and resources, honoring Braille's transformative impact on lives worldwide.

Each year, the Family Support 360 Center offers a Holiday Assistance Program to support families in need during the winter season. Your donations help provide winter clothing, toys that reflect their cultural heritage and identity, food baskets, and emergency supplies to families with children who have disabilities or special health care needs. Please consider donating through the OU Foundation to help fill gaps where federal or state funds cannot be used. Contributions may be tax-deductible. Thank you for your generosity!

The Center for Learning and Leadership and Oklahoma had a strong presence at the 2024 AUCD National Conference in Washington, DC, which centered around the theme, Stronger Together: Creating a More Inclusive World.