Jeanette O'Hara, OKLEND 2022 graduate, is Founder/Executive Director of the nonprofit, Will's House, located just outside Tulsa in Jenks. Recently, Will's House was honored by the ARCH (Access to Respite Care and Help) National Respite Network and Resource Center. Learn more about Will’s House.

The Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL) has updated Alphabet Soup, their dictionary of disability-related abbreviations, acronyms, and terms in a new English/Spanish bilingual edition. In addition to updates to the publication, there are videos in Spanish and in English walking you through the product. 

The Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL) has updated their most popular product, Guide to Community Services in Oklahoma. The Guide provides detailed information and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families across the lifespan. In addition to updates to the publication, there is now a video walking you through the guide available in English and Spanish.   

Oklahoma Human Services has launched a new campaign to address the statewide shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) by rewarding them for their loyalty and tenure called DSP+. In Oklahoma, DSPs are typically referred to as Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) or Habilitation Training Specialists (HTSs). Eligible professionals for this new financial incentive include HTS staff who work through traditional agencies or self-directed services (and utilize Acumen as their employer). PCAs will receive the incentive through their agency of employment. DSP must apply to receive the incentive payment.  Learn more through this report by KOCO. 

Each year, the Family Support 360° Center provides a Holiday Assistance Program for families in need during the winter holiday season. Included in items provided to families are winter clothes, culturally appropriate toys, food baskets, and emergency kit items. Please consider making a donation through the OU Foundation to help families with children with disabilities or special health care needs this holiday season. Your donation may be tax deductible and will be used to help when we cannot use federal or state money to assist a family in need. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) recently released their new, board-approved working definition of equity in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). “Equity is when we work to give everyone a fair chance in every area of life.” AUCD has provided the full definition on their website alongside a plain language and easy read version. 

DIAL is a first-of-its-kind national contact center that connects people with disabilities to a broad range of services such as housing assistance, accessible transportation, legal assistance, and other resources and networks to support independent living in the community.

On Monday, September 24, it was announced that U.S. households can receive four free rapid tests. You can order your FREE COVID-19 tests straight to your home. Also, check to see if any of your current “expired” at-home tests have expiration dates that have been extended.

There are many resources in Oklahoma for people experiencing a mental health crisis. 988 is a three-digit mental health phone number that connects Oklahomans with trained behavioral health professionals to provide support and resources. It is available 24/7.

On July 26th, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 33 years old. The ADA first passed in 1990 and was signed by then President George H. Bush. The law protects the rights of Americans from discrimination based on their disability.

PBS Newshour has been working with advocates across the state for months to discuss the needs of Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities for their series, Disability Reframed, including Representative Ellyn Hefner and her son, William, a self-advocate. The first episode was recently released and focuses on the DDS Waitlist.

The Center for Learning and Leadership’s Director, Dr. Valerie Williams, delivered the keynote speech on the Seven Partner Values at Oklahoma Family Network’s 2023 Joining Forces Conference. Over 115 attended in person and another 38 attended virtually. The CLL is guided by the Seven Partner Values, which define the elements of successful community partnerships. The Seven Partner Values were created collaboratively with CLL’s Consumer Advisory Committee.

To celebrate African American History Month, the Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD is highlighting exceptional African American leaders and advocates with disabilities. Many African Americans with disabilities have made lasting contributions and advanced rights for all people with disabilities, while promoting visibility and equity for all. Read more about Black advocates with disabilities and their work to promote inclusion, diversity and equality.