Developmental Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol to share goals with state leaders

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Individuals with developmental disabilities, their loved ones and advocates will visit with Oklahoma’s legislative leaders about the importance of “Reaching for a Good Life” goals during “Developmental Disability Day at the Capitol” beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, on the first floor of the state Capitol.

Numerous state dignitaries and leaders in the developmental disabilities field are invited to speak during the event. The proclamation will be read by Kenneth Nutt, a self-advocate with developmental disabilities, on the first floor and will also be read on the Senate and House floors at the start of the day’s legislative session.

Gov. Mary Fallin has proclaimed March as “Developmental Disability Awareness Month in Oklahoma.” In the proclamation, Governor Fallin emphasizes “…disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently, to exert control and choice over their own lives, to fully participate in all aspects of society, and, as all Oklahomans, reach for the highest quality of life.

 “Our communities are stronger when everyone is welcomed and included. This day is a time to celebrate and recognize individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, friends, and community members as we encourage all Oklahomans to focus on the abilities of all people.”

Oklahoma DHS Developmental Disabilities Services Director JoAnne Goin, who will be one of the featured speakers during the event, said there are approximately 60,000 Oklahomans with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Oklahoma and it is important their voices be heard.

“Developmental Disability Awareness Day is an important opportunity for us to join with advocates, families and our statewide partners to champion the full inclusion of all people with disabilities in community life,” Goin said. “The large annual turnout for this event is testament to the strength in Oklahomans’ shared vision of a good life in each community across the state for people with disabilities and their families."

Scheduled speakers include:

• Various members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate
• Judith T. Goodwin, executive director of Oklahoma Community-Based Providers, Inc. (OCP, Inc.)
• Self-Advocate Wayne Eubanks
• Wanda P. Felty, the mother of a daughter with an intellectual disability. She is the community leadership and advocacy coordinator for the Center for Learning and Leadership/ OK UCEDD OUHSC and Family Faculty with Oklahoma LEND (Leadership Education for Health Care Professionals Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities). She also serves on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel and as a board member on the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council and Oklahoma Commission for Children and Youth
• James Nicholson, Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel Chair and retired director of  DHS’ DDS
• Robin Arter, executive director of Ability First, Inc., a nonprofit agency that provides assistance for people with intellectual disabilities. She also serves on the Governor’s Advisory Committee at the Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns and the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel
• Representatives of Oklahoma People First, an Oklahoma self-advocacy network

Topics will include a DHS DDS update, People First language, an OCP Inc. update, the importance of “Reaching for a Good Life” (the theme of this year’s DD Awareness Day at the Capitol), a Blue Ribbon Panel update and the three pillars of support for individuals with DD, the Waiting List, People First Chapters’ update, siblings and more. Oklahoma People First Chapters will also have tables with information located on the third floor of the state Capitol.

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