DHS Developmental Disabilities Council partners with Oklahoma People First for Annual Conference

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Council and Oklahoma People First will sponsor the annual statewide Oklahoma People First Conference. It is being held October 14-16 at the DoubleTree Warren Place, 6110 S. Yale Avenue in Tulsa.

The conference includes educational sessions, a statewide meeting, election of new officers and an awards banquet.  This year, Commissioner Thomas Hicks, Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, will be a keynote speaker.  Hicks was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the commission through 2017.

Hicks also served as a special assistant and legislative assistant in the Office of Congressional Relations and Office of Personnel Management during the Clinton Administration.  His speech will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, October 16 and is free and open to the public.

Another component of the conference will be the Expressions Gallery, showcasing the talent and artwork of people with developmental disabilities.

"The Expressions Gallery first began in 2012," said Jenifer Randle, Youth Advocacy & Training Coordinator for the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council.  "We sponsor a contest and ask entrants to show us their artwork.  They may submit up to five works of arts, and can include painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery, photography, and quilting."

The Selection Committee will choose the winning pieces, and those will be on display at the conference.

"Our goal is to showcase the works of Oklahomans who have a disability.  Every year there are some really great pieces of art, so we hope the public will come by and see the work from some very talented artists," Randle said.

Additional information on the contest or to submit photos of the artwork, send an email by September 1, along with an attached art entry form to Jenifer.randle@okddc.ok.gov

For additional information on the conference, contact Oklahoma People First at okpeoplefirst@coxinet.net

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