News Release

Motor lab classroom kits that help students exercise their brains and bodies while improving their sensory development skills, adaptive computer equipment, and modifications to camping areas to assist people with disabilities are just a few of the $99,907.93 in projects funded by the Donna Nigh Foundation during their fall grant awards.

The Donna Nigh Foundation, administered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, awarded these grants to 17 organizations providing services to Oklahomans with developmental disabilities.

For more than 50 years, former first lady of Oklahoma Donna Nigh has worked on behalf of the state’s residents with developmental disabilities to improve their quality of life. She was instrumental in the passage of legislation that provided funding for group homes, modified zoning laws to allow group homes in neighborhoods, and increased the number of sheltered workshops so people with disabilities have access to facilities and services that fit their needs.

Established to serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors, and help with programs that government agencies are unable to provide, The Donna Nigh Foundation awards grants for adaptive equipment and services to enhance lives.

“Governor and Mrs. Nigh are powerful advocates for Oklahomans with disabilities,” said Trisha Finnegan, Oklahoma City Community Foundation President and CEO. “The Donna Nigh Foundation is improving the quality of life for individuals as they reach toward their aspirations for full lives and independence.”

The following organizations received grants from Donna Nigh Foundation: · Ability Connection Oklahoma - $6,000 - to purchase an iPad and speech app for use as a speech communication device for a non-verbal child.

· A New Leaf, Inc. - $7,831.20 to purchase and install adaptive shower chairs for all 24 bathrooms at The Village. These chairs provide much-needed assistance to clients as they maintain their daily hygiene.

· Aspiring Attitudes - $5,024.82 for the purchase and installation of wallmounted ballet barres to assist students with balance as they learn to skip or work on dance moves.

· Beyond the Spectrum OK, Inc. - $8,000 to provide services and resources for their Family Center in Oklahoma City so there is a safe, fun space for children on the Autism spectrum, and their families, to access services free of charge.

· Bowser’s Peace Sanctuary, LLC - $475.00 to renovate a horse-drawn carriage to make it wheelchair accessible so people of all abilities can participate in carriage rides around their sanctuary.

· Central Oklahoma Camp and Conference Center, Inc. - $8,000 to purchase and install accessible changing tables at their camping facility so people of all abilities can participate in camp activities and experience unique outdoor experiences.

· D-DENT – $1,350 to provide spin brushes and one-on-one training on how to use the brushes for individuals with developmental disabilities.

· Deer Creek Schools Foundation - $7,010 to purchase two Ready Bodies, Learning Minds motor labs classroom kits for use by special education students to calm the brain and enhance academic learning.

· Gatesway Foundation - $4,605.66 to purchase two transfer lifts with scales to assist people with limited mobility as they move from bed to wheelchairs or other assisting devices.

· Goodwill Industries of Southwest Oklahoma & North Texas, Inc. – $8,000 to purchase and install new accessible doors for their Lawton location.

· Hollis Public Schools - $4,000 to purchase modern, quality multi-sensory tools for use by students coping with severe disabilities as they work with special education teachers and therapists.

· Home of Hope, Inc. - $7,717.45 to purchase geriatric wheelchairs, portable wheelchair scales, and adaptive technology so staff can administer daily health checks, meals, and services for individuals who are non-ambulatory.

· Lake McMurtry Friends, Inc. - $3,200 to create a universal access tent campsite to reduce barriers for people of all levels of ability who want to enjoy camping in the outdoors.

· Little Light House, Inc. - $5000 to purchase specialized rockers, toys, equipment, and supplies for students with disabilities who benefit from additional stimulation.

· Not Your Average Joe - $8,000 for adaptive equipment and technology to help employees with intellectual or developmental disabilities work at their coffee shop in Moore.

· Special Care, Inc. - $8,000 for adaptive equipment and sensory supplies to help children explore their senses and experience them in ways that will support skill development to improve their daily lives over time.

· Team Hoyt Oklahoma - $5,500 to purchase Hoyt Running Chairs and bike booms so people with disabilities can join with others during bicycling activities.

About The Donna Nigh Foundation Friends of Donna Nigh established the Donna Nigh Foundation in 1985 as a birthday present in honor of Mrs. Nigh’s commitment and work on behalf of the state’s developmentally disabled residents. In 1997, the Nighs transferred the private foundation to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to administer the grant program that provides funding for adaptive equipment for individuals in private residences, group homes and schools. For more information, visit www.occf.org/ nighfoundation.

About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with donors throughout the state to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. For more information, visit www.occf.org.

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