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Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
Legislative liaison to represent Oklahomans Rehabilitation Services at State Capitol
Oklahoma City – Melinda Fruendt, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services executive director, recently appointed Jennifer Hardin, from Edmond, to serve as the agency’s legislative liaison.
Hardin was employed from September 2016 to September 2021 in a similar position for the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.
School for the Deaf’s new mascot art revealed at homecoming celebration
Deaf community leaders joined Oklahoma School for the Deaf alumni, educators, staff and students on October 2 for an exciting reveal of the school’s new Bison logo and artwork during OSD’s homecoming celebration.
Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services Executive Director Melinda Fruendt greeted the crowd in the Ken Brown Gym at the Larry Hawkins Activity Center in with a video welcome.
The Gift of Technology AT 101 Virtual Expo
Be at the premiere of The Gifts of Technology at 101 Virtual Expo. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 29
DRS Business Services Program is hosting this event for businesses, workforce partners, state and federal agencies, and clients.
See demonstrations of how people with disabilities use assistive technology to succeed in the workplace and the classroom. It will be an opportunity to learn what resources are available to support Oklahomans with disabilities to live independently and be a key asset to employers.
Governor declares Disability Employment Awareness Month in October
Oklahoma City – Governor Kevin Stitt has declared October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month with a proclamation noting “the importance of people with disabilities gaining full access to employment opportunities and community engagement.”
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, the state employment agency for citizens with disabilities, is already promoting the national theme “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” in their offices across the state.
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School for the Deaf Foundation approves educational grants
Sulphur, Okla. – The Oklahoma School for the Deaf Foundation recently awarded 12 grants totaling $8,092.52 to fund OSD academic programs and projects not included in OSD’s general budget.
OSD Foundation members are an independent, volunteer-based board of trustees: President Pam Agee-Chitwood; Treasurer Craig Abla; Shawna Case; Richard Dietzel; Kemper Howe; Dr. Tre Landrum, ENT; Scott Lowry; Susan Nelson; Seandra Ramer; Lacee Sartors; and Bill Wright.
Advocates to walk Oct 15 for White Cane Safety Awareness Day
Oklahoma City – White Cane Safety Awareness Day will be celebrated Friday, Oct. 15, in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and internationally in recognition of the white cane’s significance in advancing independence for people who are blind and visually impaired.
Governor Kevin Stitt has issued an official state proclamation recognizing the event.
Students will walk to celebrate White Cane Safety Awareness Day
Muskogee, Okla. - Oklahoma School for the Blind will be celebrating White Cane Safety Awareness Day on October 13. The school’s event will be held before national White Cane Safety Awareness Day, which is observed every year on October 15. This day recognizes the white cane’s significance in advancing independence for people who are blind and visually impaired.
“White Cane Day recognizes our students’ independence and mobility by celebrating this useful tool and its users,” OSB Superintendent Rita Echelle said. “The White Cane provides a mechanism for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to be on an equal footing with their peers.”
