Oklahoma self-advocates and partnering organizations bring national conference to Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Self-Advocacy Network will host the National Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) Conference Oct. 9-12 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

Prominent speakers from across the country will come together to educate people with disabilities on relevant topics, such as how to gain and maintain meaningful employment, how to become more independent, and how to advocate for a better life. People with disabilities also coordinated this conference. More than 700 people from across the United States and the world will attend.

“Oklahomans with disabilities have been involved in all parts of the conference; I am really proud of that fact,” said Nancy Ward, Oklahoma People First President. “This conference shows the abilities of self-advocates.”

Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) is the self-advocacy organization of the U.S. that works for the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in their communities throughout the 50 states and worldwide.

“Oklahoma is honored to host this important national conference that recognizes the powerful voice of self-advocates,” said Oklahoma DHS’ Developmental Disabilities Services Director JoAnne Goin. “This conference is a celebration of the strengths and abilities of all people, including individuals with disabilities.”

Keynote Speakers:
Gary Guller is both a world-renowned, record-setting mountaineer and a professional motivational and inspirational speaker. In 2003, Gary was the leader of the largest ever cross-disability group to reach the Mt. Everest Base Camp at 17,500 feet. After setting this record, he went on to scale the peak, reaching the summit on May 23, 2003, and becoming the first person with one arm to summit Mt. Everest. Learn more about Gary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGEVQngRl0g.

The Pearce Brothers: Kevin Pearce, a former professional snowboarder, is now an inspirational survivor, sports commentator, motivational speaker and advocate for brain injury and Down syndrome. Kevin is featured in the documentary, “The Crash Reel.” Kevin, along with his brothers, Adam and David, will share their inspiring story and encourage everyone to join the movement, “Love Your Brain,” which is focused on brain injury prevention, brain injury recovery, and promoting brain health.  Watch “The Crash Reel” trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KkFZ-QC53Q.

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