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.

Housed at the OUHSC campus, The Family Support 360 Center assists families of children from minority communities including Spanish-speaking &Black/African American communities who have a special need or disability by providing daily needs, emotional support, and information. Each year, The Family Support 360 Center provides a Holiday Assistance Program for families in need. Our program provides winter clothes, toys, food baskets, and emergency items. Please help us help every family we can! Donate and share the warmth!

For the first time in the history of the Oklahoma Developmental Disability Services (DDS) Waiting List, the Legislators have dedicated $21.3M to provide Waiver Services to those on the waiting list.  Click here to read more!

A recent data breach of information of people on the Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Waiver Waitlist may have put the people on that list and their families at risk for identity theft and other kinds of fraud. More Information (English)

 

Una reciente violación de la información de las personas en la lista de espera de los Servicios de Discapacidades del Desarrollo (DDS, por sus siglas en inglés) puede haber puesto a las personas en esa lista y sus familias en riesgo de robo de identidad y otros tipos de fraude. Más Información (Español)

March 2022 is designated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month click here to view the proclamation.

 

The Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD director, staff and faculty congratulate and welcome, Jill Jacobs! Jill was recently named as the new Commissioner for Administration on Disabilities (AoD) within the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Read more about the announcement from ACL on Jill Jacobs.

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.

The Arc of Oklahoma recently honored Dr. Valerie Williams with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Advocacy Award. This award recognizes the individual, group or organization that has worked to improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout their lifetime. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Williams on the incredible impact she has made in Oklahoma for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families since 1990. Watch Dr. Williams receive the award and talk about her 31 year career as the Director for The Center for Learning and Leadership/Oklahoma UCEDD. Congratulations! We are so proud of you!