People with Disabilities Awareness Day set for March 9

OKLAHOMA CITY  — Oklahoma’s virtual People with Disabilities Awareness Day is set for March 9, marking an opportunity for Oklahomans with disabilities, their families and their supporters to take part in the event from the comfort of their own home.

For 26 years, People with Disabilities Awareness Day is an opportunity for Oklahomans with disabilities to engage lawmakers and share their personal stories about what services are helping them live independent lives and pursue careers. This year, participants are encouraged to visit the event web site at www.okdrs.gov/pwdad, register for the event and take part in a contest. Facebook users can stay up to date on the event by visiting the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services Facebook page. When posting on social media, participants are asked to use #PWDAD2021 in their messages.

Oklahomans are encouraged this year to reach out to their lawmakers through calls, emails and through social media. If Oklahomans are uncertain who their lawmakers are, they can find that information by visiting www.oklegislature.gov/FindMyLegislature.aspx.

The virtual event will include the honoring of four individuals who have received services from DRS and have excelled at pursuing goals such as education, training, independent living and obtaining employment. Awards will include DRS Vocational Rehabilitation Client of the Year, Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Client of the Year, Oklahoma School for the Blind Student of the Year and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf Student of the Year.

In years past, Awareness Day brought hundreds of Oklahomans to the state Capitol to talk with lawmakers and share their stories. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is making such an onsite event impossible this year, leading supporters to come together online for the event.

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Last year, DRS served 76,134 Oklahomans with disabilities with career preparation, employment, residential and outreach education, independent living programs and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits. The agency helps job seekers with disabilities face barriers to employment, such as inaccessible worksites, lack of transportation or the need for specialized equipment or training. For more information, visit http://www.okdrs.gov or phone 800-845-8476.