OKC Mayor's Committee on Disability Concerns

OKC voters to decide hotel/motel tax: 'This is just about the best deal there is' | Mayor On Tuesday, voters have an opportunity to give Oklahoma City the resources to market OKC, and support events, the convention center and fairgrounds.

Part 3

OK, Let's Talk was incredible and informative - our speakers were awesome and we had a great time.

Here are the photos from the day.

• Travis Smith, J.D. - financial planning
• Greg Morgan - employment
• Tabitha Pope - she will share her story
• Julie Lackey - post-secondary transition
• Larry Hopper - transportation
• Daryl Terrell - fitness
• Sharla Bardin - education and training
• Denise Dickerson - she will share her story
• David Best - veterans benefits
• Dr. Phil Lewis - the power of networking

Special thanks to comedian, Michael Beers, who kept us entertained and the speakers brief.

Part 2

OK, Let's Talk was incredible and informative - our speakers were awesome and we had a great time.

Here are the photos from the day.

• Travis Smith, J.D. - financial planning
• Greg Morgan - employment
• Tabitha Pope - she will share her story
• Julie Lackey - post-secondary transition
• Larry Hopper - transportation
• Daryl Terrell - fitness
• Sharla Bardin - education and training
• Denise Dickerson - she will share her story
• David Best - veterans benefits
• Dr. Phil Lewis - the power of networking

Special thanks to comedian, Michael Beers, who kept us entertained and the speakers brief.

Part 1

OK, Let's Talk was incredible and informative - our speakers were awesome and we had a great time.

Here are the photos from the day.

• Travis Smith, J.D. - financial planning
• Greg Morgan - employment
• Tabitha Pope - she will share her story
• Julie Lackey - post-secondary transition
• Larry Hopper - transportation
• Daryl Terrell - fitness
• Sharla Bardin - education and training
• Denise Dickerson - she will share her story
• David Best - veterans benefits
• Dr. Phil Lewis - the power of networking

Special thanks to comedian, Michael Beers, who kept us entertained and the speakers brief.

What better way to beat the heat? Spend the morning with us and the Oklahoma Statewide Independent Living Council's OK, Let's Talk. Starting at 9 a.m. at Heritage Place, 2829 S. MacArthur Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73128. Join us and listen to our disability subject matter experts share experiences and best practices.

OK, Let's Talk!

Don't miss out on the Oklahoma Statewide Independent Living Council and the Oklahoma City Mayor’s Committee on Disability Concerns disability information event, “OK, Let’s Talk!” You’re invited to hear disability experts the following share life experiences and best practices.

• Travis Smith, J.D. - financial planning
• Greg Morgan - employment
• Tabitha Pope - she will share her story
• Melinda Fruendt - post-secondary transition
• Larry Hopper - transportation
• Daryl Terrell - fitness
• Sharla Bardin - education and training
• Denise Dickerson - she will share her story
• David Best - veterans benefits
• Dr. Phil Lewis - the power of networking

Each of our speakers will speak approximately 10 minutes on various disability topics. Enjoy comedian, Michael Beers, who will keep us entertained and keep things moving. This free 2-hour event will fly by faster than you know. Don’t miss out!

OK Let’s Talk!
August 2, 2024
9:00AM-11:00AM
2829 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73128

Please fill out the registration in the link provided as space is limited. Lite refreshments will be served beginning at 8:30am. Please share this event with your friends, family and co-workers.

IF YOU NEED TRANSPORTATION TO THE EVENT:
A free wheelchair-accessible van will transport you from the Hobby Lobby Store near Embark’s Reno Mini Hub (southwest of Reno and MacArthur). The van will be in the parking lot on the west of the Hobby Lobby Store. It will be marked with a bright orange flag. The location is marked with a large red X on the attached map.
We will be transporting individuals from the Hobby Lobby location to the event location between 7:45 and 8:45 am. After the event, we will transport you free back there. If you let us know in your registration that you will be using Embark to get there, then we will provide you a free transit day pass to get you to your near-home stop by riding Embark buses.

To get to the Mini Hub by 8:45, check the Embark website carefully for bus schedule details or call them: 405-235-RIDE (7433). You can call this number for route and service information to ensure you are on a route that will take you to the Mini Hub.

If you are eligible for EMBARK Plus paratransit service, they serve the event location. Call them at 405-235-PLUS to schedule your ride. If you have any other questions about the transportation, please call Faythe McMillin at (405) 896-6761.

OK Let’s Talk Registration: https://okc-mcdc.org/ok-lets-talk-registration/

OK, Let's Talk

The Oklahoma Statewide Independent Living Council and the Oklahoma City Mayor’s Committee on Disability Concerns are excited to bring to you “OK, Let’s Talk!” You’re invited to hear disability experts share life experiences and best practices.

Each of our speakers will speak approximately 10 minutes on various disability topics. Enjoy comedian, Michael Beers, who will keep us entertained and keep things moving. This free 2-hour event will fly by faster than you know. Don’t miss out!

OK Let’s Talk!
August 2, 2024
9:00AM-11:00AM
2829 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73128

Please fill out the registration in the link provided as space is limited. Lite refreshments will be served beginning at 8:30am. Please share this event with your friends, family and co-workers.

OK Let’s Talk Registration: https://okc-mcdc.org/ok-lets-talk-registration/

Please help by taking this Inclusive Post Secondary Education Need and Interest Survey https://ousurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6LmneohcozpYdwi?Q_CHL=qr

Is the dream becoming a reality?

Air4All prototype: It is a convertible front-row recliner seat pair where the aisle seat retracts to enable a powered wheelchair to be secured for inflight use for the first time.

https://wheelchairtravel.org/delta-wows-updated-wheelchair-seat-accessible-lavatory-airplanes/

The City is asking for the publics input on Plan to reduce roadway fatalities. Please take the time to fill it out.

urldefense.com

Great opportunity to let your voices be heard on public transit needs.

Want to learn more about what’s coming for the RTA’s West and Airport Corridors? Come see us at one of our events next week:

Virtual Town Hall
- When: May 14 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
- Zoom Webinar: tinyurl.com/RTATownHall

EMBARK Downtown Transit Center Pop-Up
- May 15, 2024 | 8:00 am - noon

EMBARK Reno Mini-Hub Pop-Up
- May 17, 2024 | 8:00 am - noon

Scissortail Farmer’s Market Pop-Up
- May 18, 2024 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

For more information, visit RTAMoves.com.

You're invited to the Almonte Library Grand Opening in TWO WEEKS! The celebration begins at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and festivities will last all day!

Details: https://www.metrolibrary.org/locations/almonte

Tornado and Severe Weather Safety Tips in American Sign Language Most of us rely on or phone or crank up the volume on the tv, but for people with hearing loss, or who are deaf, these alerts won’t cut it.

Looking for a job? Check out this hiring event today in Oklahoma City.

Hiring Event - OKC An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

If you have a disability and need help finding work, contact us at (800) 845-8476.

OKC Zoo to host sensory-friendly night for holiday lights The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is hosting a sensory-friendly night for those sensitive to lights and sounds.

In case you didn't get to attend the awards presentation at the City Council Meeting, we have the video! Our presentations begin at 19:57 and end at 31:13

Oklahoma City Council Meeting - November 7, 2023

Today, Mayor Holt presented six award winners with the Oklahoma City Mayor Committee on Disability Concerns Awards. We are very excited to showcase each and every one.

Receiving The Employer of the Year is Mercy Hospital. Mercy Hospitals are champions of inclusion for people with disabilities. Mercy views this as a social responsibility, recognizing that people with disabilities are capable workers when trained for any job. Mercy’s Disability Resources Council is committed to providing employment opportunities and accommodations, valuing individuals for their capabilities rather than their disabilities.

Accepting the award on behalf of Mercy Hospital, is Taylor Rhoades, diversity officer for Mercy across Oklahoma.

See all the photos https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB2yeo


Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City

Today, Mayor Holt presented six award winners with the Oklahoma City Mayor Committee on Disability Concerns Awards. We are very excited to showcase each and every one.

Receiving the Inclusivity Award is Sooner Success. Sooner SUCCESS held a first-of-its-kind, free, multi-night camp for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their typically-developing siblings. Sooner SUCCESS made sure that all the kids were given every opportunity to participate in every activity.

Aietah Stephens, Director Sooner SUCCESS; Lori Wathen, Region 3 Coordinator; and Samantha Basave, Statewide Sibshop Coordinator accept the award.

See all the photos https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB2yeo


Sooner SUCCESS

Today, Mayor Holt presented six award winners with the Oklahoma City Mayor Committee on Disability Concerns Awards. We are very excited to showcase each and every one.

Receiving the Pam Henry Media Award is Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program. Savannah Station created a new promotional video that shines a light on children with special needs overcoming life's challenges. Thanks to special horses who love and provide amazing healing power. The video highlights two special needs riders and their accomplishments through therapeutic riding.

Accepting the award for Savannah Station were Andi Holland, Adam Myers, and Michelle Shaw.

See all the photos https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB2yeo


SAVANNAH STATION Therapeutic Riding Program

Today, Mayor Holt presented six award winners with the Oklahoma City Mayor Committee on Disability Concerns Awards. We are very excited to showcase each and every one.

Receiving the Public Personnel Employee Award is Brandon "Trey" Lewis. He is from the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Lewis is a Rehabilitation Teacher. He works with clients seeking employment and who need assistance in daily living areas including adjustment to vision loss, Braille, independent living skills and utilizing low vision and adaptive skills.

See all the photos https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB2yeo


Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
DRS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Today, Mayor Holt presented six award winners with the Oklahoma City Mayor Committee on Disability Concerns Awards. We are very excited to showcase each and every one.

Receiving the George Lewis Advocacy Award is Magan Rowan. She is an assistive technology specialist for the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Rowan’s work is critical in helping clients with visual impairments find the right assistive technology for their employment needs. She trains them to use the programs or devices to ensure their success in life and their employment.

See all the photos https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB2yeo

Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
DRS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Today, Mayor Holt presented six award winners with the Oklahoma City Mayor Committee on Disability Concerns Awards. We are very excited to showcase each and every one.

Receiving the Don Davis Award is Eddie R. Beesley. Beesley is a Vietnam War veteran who lost both of his legs from a landmine, wrote a book about it, and talks with other veterans about life after an injury. He also speaks to high school students about history, patriotism, and love of country.

Mr Beesley could not attend today but we wanted to share his award with you.

See all the photos https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB2yeo

2023 Mayors Committee Awards 110723 Explore this photo album by Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services on Flickr!

Mayor Holt signed a Proclamation calling October 2023 Disability Awareness Month. Secretary Dana Tallon and Treasure Scott Ellis accepted the Proclamation given by Vice Mayor Bradley Carter.

Pam was a fearless leader for people with disabilities.

Our next Wall of Fame honoree, and this year’s only posthumous honoree, is Pamela Ruth Henry (1950-2018). A graduate of John Marshall High School, Henry played a critical role in opening up opportunities for women in Oklahoma’s journalism industry and in improving access for disabled folks in our community.

Just 14 months after her birth, Henry contracted polio; this would eventually force her to rely on the use of a wheelchair. In 1959, she was selected to represent polio victims as a poster child for The March of Dimes national campaign. During this time, she met several influential journalists who inspired her to pursue a career in the industry.

After graduating with a degree in journalism and broadcasting from The University of Oklahoma in 1973, Henry became the first female news reporter for WKY television in OKC; today, this station is known as KFOR-TV. She fearlessly broke through the glass ceiling and led a successful 30-year career working with multiple television and radio stations.

After retiring in 2002, Henry turned her focus to advocating for others with disabilities and even served as chair of the OKC Mayor's Committee on Disability Concerns. She continued this important advocacy work until her death on September 25, 2018.

A brave, compassionate and trailblazing Oklahoman, Pamela Henry’s legacy is profound and impactful. It is an honor to recognize her as a 2023 Wall of Fame honoree!

To read more about our Wall of Fame honorees and to buy tickets for this year’s event, visit okckids.com/wall-of-fame/

Link to register: https://careers.mercy.net/event-4465/talentcommunity/form

Sorry link is corrected now!!!
Great news, with such high demand and the first date selling out quickly, OKC Parks has added another date for the Special Needs Nature Hike and Class at the accessible Martin Park Nature Center located at 5000 W Memorial Rd. OKC OK 73142
Special Needs Nature Hike and Class- This nature hike and class is to provide recreational opportunities to those with special needs. This is a nature hike event designed specifically for adults with special needs (age 18 and up) designed to improve social interaction and to provide physical fitness activity for the same. *Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or staff member.
This new event will be held on Thursday, Oct 26th from 10am-12:00pm. We will have space for two classes or groups of 25ea, so limited space. If you are interested in registering to attend the Nature Hike, please go this website: https://oklahomacity.perfectmind.com/25654/Clients/BookMe4LandingPages/CoursesLandingPage?widgetId=15f6af07-39c5-473e-b053-96653f77a406&redirectedFromEmbededMode=False&courseId=05f19634-eedf-4691-ad6e-9152eb0a2ce2
If you have not registered before on the OKC Parks website, you will need to create an account first at this link: Login (perfectmind.com) and then register for the adaptive hike. If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please contact me or Steve Brooks ([email protected]) with OKC Parks or Lori Wathen with Sooner SUCCESS ([email protected])
Thanks Lori Wathen

Great news, with such high demand and the first date selling out quickly, OKC Parks has added another date for the Special Needs Nature Hike and Class at the accessible Martin Park Nature Center located at 5000 W Memorial Rd. OKC OK 73142
Special Needs Nature Hike and Class- This nature hike and class is to provide recreational opportunities to those with special needs. This is a nature hike event designed specifically for adults with special needs (age 18 and up) designed to improve social interaction and to provide physical fitness activity for the same. *Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or staff member.
This new event will be held on Thursday, Oct 26th from 10am-12:00pm. We will have space for two classes or groups of 25ea, so limited space. If you are interested in registering to attend the Nature Hike, please go this website: https://oklahomacity.perfectmind.com/.../CoursesLandingPa... . If you have not registered before on the OKC Parks website, you will need to create an account first at this link: Login (perfectmind.com) and then register for the adaptive hike. If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please contact me or Steve Brooks ([email protected]) with OKC Parks or Lori Wathen with Sooner SUCCESS ([email protected])
Thanks Lori Wathen

Sorry link is corrected now!!!
Great news, with such high demand and the first date selling out quickly, OKC Parks has added another date for the Special Needs Nature Hike and Class at the accessible Martin Park Nature Center located at 5000 W Memorial Rd. OKC OK 73142
Special Needs Nature Hike and Class- This nature hike and class is to provide recreational opportunities to those with special needs. This is a nature hike event designed specifically for adults with special needs (age 18 and up) designed to improve social interaction and to provide physical fitness activity for the same. *Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or staff member.
This new event will be held on Thursday, Oct 26th from 10am-12:00pm. We will have space for two classes or groups of 25ea, so limited space. If you are interested in registering to attend the Nature Hike, please go this website: https://oklahomacity.perfectmind.com/25654/Clients/BookMe4LandingPages/CoursesLandingPage?widgetId=15f6af07-39c5-473e-b053-96653f77a406&redirectedFromEmbededMode=False&courseId=05f19634-eedf-4691-ad6e-9152eb0a2ce2
If you have not registered before on the OKC Parks website, you will need to create an account first at this link: Login (perfectmind.com) and then register for the adaptive hike. If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please contact me or Steve Brooks ([email protected]) with OKC Parks or Lori Wathen with Sooner SUCCESS ([email protected])
Thanks Lori Wathen

Good information!

If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. If local officials ask you to evacuate, your pet should also evacuate. If you leave your pets behind, they may end up lost, injured, or worse.

Things to include in your plan:

*Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place to take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.

*Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends, or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you cannot.

*Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.

https://www.ready.gov/pets