12 honored at 31st annual People with Disabilities Awareness Day

Oklahoma City - Jody Harlan, former communications director for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, was honored March 11 with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award during the 31^st annual People with Disabilities Awareness Day in Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services hosted the event that was held at the Oklahoma History Center and brought together hundreds of people with disabilities, their families and their supporters.

Harlan served as the communications director for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and was a tireless champion for Oklahomans with disabilities. Through the years, her work told the stories of thousands of DRS clients who were achieving their dreams of building a career and living independently.

DRS Executive Director Melinda Fruendt said Harlan was a fierce defender of the agency when needed, and if a potential client would call her office seeking help, she would take it upon herself to get their questions answered.

Fruendt said Harlan won the respect of both her staff and the professional journalists that she encountered and worked alongside.

She was one of 12 individuals and groups honored at the event.

Other award winners included:

·         Vocational Rehabilitation Client of the Year – Mason Hightower

·         Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Client of the Year – David Joy

·         Oklahoma School for the Blind Student of the Year – Piper Conner

·         Oklahoma School for the Deaf Student of the Year – Alex Layton

·         Workforce Partner of the Year - Shelly Rentz from Central Technology Center

·         Workforce Partner of the Year - Michelle Murray from Kiamichi Technology Center

·         Agency Partner of the Year - OMES Risk Management

·         Agency Partner of the Year - OMES Construction and Properties

·         Community Involvement – Oklahoma School for the Deaf staff

·         Excellence in Communications – News on 6 KOTV

·         Business of the Year Award – TTEC

“This year’s People with Disabilities Awareness Day was a celebration of Oklahomans building strong foundations for their own lives, and the groups and people who have helped that journey along,” DRS Executive Director Melinda Freundt said. “Their efforts make it possible for Oklahoma’s future to grow brighter every day.”  

Follow the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services on social media including OKDRS on Twitter and Facebook and @okdrs on Instagram.

Last year, DRS served 85,947 individuals 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.

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