This is a weekly digest of opportunities shared with us by partners across Oklahoma and the nation, including other State Developmental Disabilities Councils, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), Administration for Community Living (ACL), and our DD Network Partners. If you have questions about any of the opportunities listed, email us anytime.
Please share with others these opportunities with others who could benefit. And if you're too busy to read everything today, that's okay. Just stay tuned for next week's email and stay connected.
What does "Together for a Stronger Tomorrow" mean to you?
The Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day Committee wants to hear your voice! Make a 10-15 second video sharing what "together for a stronger tomorrow" means to you! Email your video to us and we may share on our social media and at the State Capitol on March 23 during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day. We can't wait to hear from you!
2026 Oklahoma Legislative Session
Legislative bills for Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session are now posted. The Redland Partners are looking at bills that could affect people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the services they use. You can look up any bill using the Advanced Bill Search tool.
If you see a bill that could help or harm people with developmental disabilities, please email us and let us know. Your eyes and ideas help us stay informed and speak up when it matters.
The 2nd Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislative Session begins on February 2. Even though the session hasn't officially started, policymakers are already meeting to talk about appropriations and budget needs. Subcommittees are meeting first, followed by full Appropriations and Budget Committee hearings.
All of these meetings are streamed online and can be found on the House of Representatives calendar. Tune in to hear the conversations.
Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee Meetings (Jan. 20-22)
- Human Services Subcommittee
- Education Subcommittee
- Transportation Subcommittee
- Education Subcommittee
- Finance Subcommittee
- Education Subcommittee
- General Government Subcommittee
- Health Subcommittee
Appropriations and Budget Hearings (Jan. 26-29)
- Oklahoma State Department of Education
- Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
- Oklahoma Department of Transportation
- Office of Management and Enterprise Services
- Corporation Commission
- Department of Human Services
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority
- Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Learn more about ABLE Accounts this week!
Did you know that ABLE account eligibility expanded? Beginning this month (Jan. 1, 2026), any person who acquired a disability before the age 46 is now eligible to open and use an ABLE account for savings and qualified expenses.
Thank you to our Developmental Disability Network Partners: the Center for Learning and Leadership and The Disability Law Center, for hosting two opportunities to learn more about OK ABLE accounts:
- Wed. January 21, 6:00 p.m. Registration is required
- Thu. January 22, 12:00 p.m. (noon) Registration is required
OK STABLE offering a promotion for new accounts!
OK STABLE is currently offering a promotion for new ABLE accounts. For any new account opened with the minimum initial contribution of $25, OK STABLE will contribute an additional $25.
The end date for this promotion has not been announced, so we encourage eligible people and families to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible!
Oklahoma Self-Advocacy Solutions Webinar Opportunities
Self-Advocacy Trainer Laura Stutsman says she loves this work because “I like to teach people, help people, and help them understand what disability is.”
If you’re a self‑advocate, family member, or professional wanting to build confidence in speaking up, join our trainers. They share real lived experiences as they navigate life, serve on boards, and talk with policymakers.
- Next training: Friday, January 30, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- Topic: Emergency Preparedness (continuation from last week)
- Online trainings happen every Friday from 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- To schedule a training for your group, email Morgan Davis.
Trainings are provided by the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma.
The Year of New ABLE Opportunities
Join the first national ABLE webinar of 2026 on January 22 from 1-2:00 p.m. CT. This session is designed to help people with disabilities, their families and professionals understand and act on key 2026 ABLE updates. It includes the biggest ABLE expansion since ABLE began as well as increased annual contribution limits. Beginning January 1, 2026, individuals whose disability began before age 46 are eligible to open an ABLE account, dramatically increasing access to millions of people, including many Veterans and individuals with later-onset disabilities. Whether you’re newly eligible, supporting someone who is eligible, advising others or you’re an account owner who wants to maximize your ABLE account in 2026, this webinar will equip you with clarity, confidence and resources you need to take action in 2026.
Webinar: Advancing Family Caregiver Financial and Workplace Security
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 1-2:00 p.m. CT
Join ACL's National Caregiver Support Collaborative (NCSC) for a webinar highlighting innovative practices to support family caregivers in maintaining financial stability and workplace security. NCSC offers resources and technical assistance to aging network organizations and key partners, including tribal and kinship caregiver support networks.
This webinar will highlight insights from the University of Southern California (USC), an NCSC grantee, based on their recent environmental scan of resources and tools for promoting financial and workplace security of family caregivers. USC will be joined by North Central Ohio’s District 5 Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to share their experience partnering with employers and their community to address gaps in caregiver support.
Attendees will learn about strategies and tools for addressing the unique workplace and financial challenges faced by family caregivers.
Are you a caregiver and need a break?
The Council is a proud partner of Sooner SUCCESS’s Caregiver Retreats, which offer caregivers of people with I/DD a much‑needed break. Retreats are free, and respite vouchers are available.
If you are a caregiver or know someone who is, please complete the Caregiver Retreat Interest Form.
Best Buddies helps students with and without I/DD build meaningful friendships. If you’re interested in bringing Best Buddies to your school, email Jennifer Robinson for a connection to their staff.
AutismOklahoma and the Council are looking for Oklahoma‑based visual artists ages 10+ with a developmental disability who want to showcase their artwork. Selected artists may be featured in art shows, classes, and events.
Artists only need to submit an image of their work using the online form.
For more information, email Dee or Jennifer Robinson.
YLF 2026 is scheduled for June 9-13!
"YLF taught me how to speak up for myself and how to help others like me. And I made new friends that I talk to almost everyday." - Patrick, YLF Graduate and YLF Staff
The 2026 Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is happening June 9-13! YLF is an opportunity for high school students with a disability to spend a week on a college campus with other students who have a disability, supporting each other in activities designed to help their advocacy skills, think about life after high school, meet with state legislators, and more! Note: YLF is free for selected students.
Don't delay - get your applications in for this summer's YLF, they're due March 1! If you have any questions, email Brad!
Stillwater Caregiver Support Group
The Stillwater Caregiver Support Group will meet on the 4th Sunday of January, February, and March at the Stillwater Public Library from 3:30 to 5:00pm. We will use Room 138 on the first floor. Please note that this is an adults-only event. If you have questions, call 630-890-2152.
Mark these dates on your calendar: January 25, February 22, and March 22.
Save the Date: People with Disabilities Awareness Day, March 10!
Join advocates from across Oklahoma at the Oklahoma History Center for this year's People with Disabilities Awareness Day. This year's theme See Us...Not our disabilities, highlights the strength in networking and the importance of celebrating accomplishments!
This day is hosted by our partners at the Department of Rehabilitation. You can stay connected, find the agenda for the day, and register through their website!
Save the Date: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, March 23!
Join advocates from across Oklahoma at the State Capitol as we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day while talking with our state policy makers. Not sure how to talk to your legislators? We will have advocates there to help you, because 'Together We Are Stronger."
This year’s theme is Together for a Stronger Tomorrow, highlighting the power of community, inclusion, and collective action. We hope to see you there as we raise the voices and experiences of Oklahomans with developmental disabilities.
Stay connected on Facebook and/or Instagram for updates. If you have questions, email Miranda.
Save the Date: Joining Forces Conference, March 27!
The Joining Forces: Supporting Family-Professional Partnerships Conference brings together local, state and national leaders to discuss best practices and promising practices in the area of family-professional partnerships. This year, the Joining Forces Conference is scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2026 and will be offered in-person at different sites around Oklahoma!
Participants gain knowledge and practical tools to use as they work together in support of a good life for the person with special health care needs, intellectual disabilities and other Oklahomans. The conference also offers opportunities for making connections with professionals, families and others for future partnership activities. Registration will be open soon.
Save the Date: Oklahoma Special Education Conference, July 27-29!
The 2026 Oklahoma State Department Special Education Conference will be July 27-29, 2026 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center!
This Annual Special Education Conference will focus on the science of reading and writing for students with disabilities. Participants will choose from breakout sessions designed for special education directors/administrators, special education teachers (elementary, secondary, and those who teach alternate standards), as well as related service providers. Registration opens March 3, 2026!
Join Humans Meeting Humans!
A monthly social gathering for crafts, games, friendship, and conversation. Bring your dinner and/or snacks - they'll have games, activities, and conversation starters. You'll know you're in the right spot when you see name tags saying, "I'm looking for ...."
Where: Stonecloud Brewery, Lager Lounge, 1012 NW 1st St #101, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
When: 3rd Thursday of every month, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Looking for things to do?
Be sure to bookmark AutismOklahoma's event page to see the events they host for people with developmental disabilities. You can check out their events online!
Join us at our DD Council Meetings!
Council meetings are open to the public. We welcome self‑advocates, families, professionals, and community partners to listen, learn, and share what matters to you. Visit our website for meeting schedules and agendas.
If you have suggestions for this email or would like to submit something for us to share, let us know through email: EXE.DD.Council@okdhs.org.
