Every year on June 19th, Oklahomans celebrate Juneteenth, a federally recognized holiday, which celebrates the arrival of union troops in Galveston, Texas in 1865. 

Wanda Felty, Assistant Director, and Community Leadership and Advocacy Coordinator of the Center for Learning and Leadership, was recently awarded the Dr. Marcia Bennett HSC Leadership and Mentoring Award. This award recognizes staff at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences who demonstrate exceptional leadership and mentorship in their roles. 

Every May, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month brings attention to communication challenges and the role that professionals such as audiologists and speech language pathologists (speech therapists) play in helping. 

Congratulations to Miranda Hooper, the CLL’s Community Education & Data Coordinator, for receiving her Bachelor's degree in Integrative Studies. Additionally, Miranda has earned the IPE (Interprofessional Education) Educator Certificate this year.

The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) has selected Erica Herrera as an Oklahoma Parent Leader of the Year. Congratulations, Erica! 

On March 24th Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day was held at the Capitol. It was a resounding success with hundreds of attendees, including individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, self-advocates, family advocates, professionals, and Legislators. 

Wanda Felty serves as the Assistant Director and Community Leadership and Advocacy Coordinator at the Center for Learning and Leadership | UCEDD. Her journey into disability advocacy was shaped by personal experience, navigating systems as a parent to support her daughter. Wanda coordinates and facilitates the Oklahoma Family Leadership Network, the quarterly DDS Waiver Services and Waiting List Meeting, and numerous trainings that help families and self-advocates find their voice. Outside of work, she enjoys sports, painting, and capturing sunrises through photography. She lives by the belief that “Good things come and go, but GREAT things are worth waiting for.”

A day at the Capitol to promote awareness and support of those with Developmental Disabilities, March 24 from 10 AM to 2 PM in Multipurpose Room 100 for a day filled with inspiration and engagement! Hear from self-advocates, family members, professionals, and Legislators as they share their experiences. Take part in a Capitol scavenger hunt, express your creativity through art activities, and reflect on what Together We Can means to you. Attendees will also have the change to watch a live Legislative session and meet with their Legislators to talk about their personal, lived experiences and share what’s working or not working in their communities.

Don't miss this exciting day of advocacy! Schedule will be posted on our social media page.

In honor of Black History Month, the Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD is celebrating outstanding Black / African American leaders and advocates with disabilities. Throughout history, many Black / African Americans with disabilities have driven progress and championed disability rights. Learn more about their impactful advocacy and efforts.

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. 

Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is recognized as a time to honor the contributions and talents that workers with disabilities bring to the nation's workforce and economy. The Department of Labor has made this year's theme: "Access to Good Jobs for All."