DDS Launches Regional Meetings for Families Coming off Waitlist
PossABLE initiative helps families transition and connect with resources
For media inquiries, contact:
Ryan Stewart, OKDHS, DDS Communications Coordinator
Phone: 405-549-9188
Ryan.Stewart@okdhs.org
The Oklahoma Human Services Developmental Disability Services division (DDS) is launching regional family meetings across Oklahoma to assist families who are moving onto DDS services from the waitlist.
This summer, Oklahoma Human Services began processing applications from over 5,100 Oklahomans as part of ending the 13-year wait list for DDS services. With funds from the Legislature and an increase in provider rates, all Oklahomans in need are projected to receive services by June 2024.
"The meetings, part of the PossABLE initiative, will empower families coming off the waitlist," said Oklahoma Human Services Interim Director Samantha Galloway. "They will allow families to speak with DDS staff, meet service providers and connect with other family caregivers."
Eligible families will receive invitations to regional meetings based on their application date and when they are expected to come off the waitlist. The first set of regional family meetings will take place in Dec. 2022 for families who applied for DDS services between April 2012 and Dec. 2013.
Sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- Dec. 5 in Lawton
- Dec. 6 in Oklahoma City
- Dec. 7 in Enid
- Dec. 12 in Broken Arrow
- Dec. 13 in McAlester
- Dec. 14 in Oklahoma City
Registration is required and the meeting is free. A $100 stipend is available for families who need to offset the cost of attendance due to travel or hiring a caregiver. Call 844-944-9301 or visit bit.ly/DDS-meetings to sign up, receive location details and learn about the stipend.
If a family who applied for DDS services between April 2012 and Dec. 2013 did not receive an invitation, contact information can be updated at www.ourokdhs.org/s/dds-waivers.
