Oklahoma City, OK – Governor Kevin Stitt has signed a proclamation declaring March 2023 as Developmental Disabilities Month in Oklahoma. To mark the occasion, the Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD, in coalition with numerous other organizations, is hosting a Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the state capitol on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 9 am-12 pm, on the south steps.

The agenda for March 23: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: Invited persons to speak to the group on the South Steps. Invited persons include self-advocates, parents, professionals/providers, and legislators.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Attendees can speak with their state legislators.

The event will bring together individuals with developmental disabilities, advocates, state representatives, and legislators to raise awareness about the (See Disability on Page 10) needs and rights of people with disabilities. The theme of this year’s event is “Disability Counts.” In the proclamation, Gov. Kevin Stitt emphasizes that “...individuals with disabilities constitute one of our nation’s largest minority groups, which is simultaneously the most inclusive and diverse.”

“We are thrilled to have Governor Stitt’s support in recognizing the importance of developmental disabilities awareness in our state,” said Carley Dummitt, marketing and community outreach coordinator for the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, who has Asperger’s Syndrome. “This event is an opportunity to unite as a community and show that we stand with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. We invite everyone to join us and learn how to work together to ensure everyone can access the necessary resources and support.”

Speakers from various backgrounds will be on hand to share their personal experiences and provide information about the issues facing individuals with developmental disabilities in Oklahoma.

“As a person who wears two hats, a professional in the field of developmental disabilities and as a parent of a child soon to graduate from high school, I’m eager to see the continuing progress in our state where people with disabilities count, so they can live a fulfilled life in a state that continues to work for inclusive communities for every Oklahoman.” Miranda Hooper, Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD, Norman, Oklahoma.

Governor Kevin Stitt also emphasizes in the proclamation that “Oklahoma residents with developmental disabilities should have equality of opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency, including full access to education, housing, employment, and recreational activities...”.

“When I started advocating for people with developmental disabilities more than 16 years ago, our elected officials knew little about the DDS Waiting List. Through the combined efforts of family members, self-advocates, provider agencies, and professionals across our state, the waiting list is finally being addressed meaningfully and respectfully. Developmental Disabilities are a small portion of our population, estimated to be less than 10%. Then people with intellectual disabilities, being much less than that, it is easy to overlook this group of Oklahomans and those who support them. DD Awareness Day is to show we are all in this together. We want to see a change across our state to make sure those with developmental disabilities and their families are included in all decisions of support, services, and funding.” Wanda Felty, Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD, parent of a 34-year-old daughter with disabilities and long-time advocate for the DDS Waiting List in Oklahoma.