OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma (the Council), which promotes quality services and programs that enable persons with disabilities to fully realize their maximum potential through increased independence and community inclusion, is proud to announce an updated look and feel for their image.
Founded in the early 1970s as the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, and now approaching their 50-year anniversary, the Council knew it was time for a change. They partnered with a local creative firm for a comprehensive update of their logo, marketing materials, website and social media platforms. "Our new, modern logo and materials reflect the innovative inclusivity and vibrant passion of our diverse community," said Council Executive Director Ann Trudgeon. "This eye-catching look will help us reach more families, as we continue our work with, and outreach to, people with developmental disabilities and their allies," added Trudgeon.
There are an estimated 61,000 persons with developmental disabilities in Oklahoma and, as the federal Developmental Disabilities Act affirms, disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish a person's right or opportunity to participate in and contribute to their community.
The Council leads the charge for those rights and opportunities in many ways: raising public awareness; stimulating innovative ideas and investing in model demonstration projects; strengthening self-advocacy and family advocacy at the state and national level; providing information and training to legislators, policymakers, agencies, providers, individuals with disabilities and their families; and building relationships with policymakers, agencies and organizations that can together create great lives for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Highlights of services the Council provides include the Justin A. McCurry Resource Library; Partners in Policymaking leadership training; customized presentations and trainings in Person-Centered Thinking and Supporting Families; and Youth Leadership Forum.
Established by Executive Order of the Governor, the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma is federally funded and authorized in accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. For complete project details, visit www.okddc.ok.gov; for additional information contact Ann Trudgeon, Executive Director.
• ADVOCATES
Strengthening self-advocacy and family advocacy; pursuing state and national policies that uphold and advance the rights of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Partners in Policymaking, leadership training funded by the Council, helps create productive partnerships between consumers of service for people with disabilities and those who make public policy. Participants develop skills necessary to effectively work with legislators, state agencies, and others whose decisions and actions impact the lives of people with disabilities.
Oklahoma People First and the Oklahoma Self-Advocacy Network, organizations run by and for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities, also receive funding from the Council.
• EDUCATORS
Providing information and training to legislators, policymakers, agencies, providers, individuals with disabilities and their families.
Among the Council's education efforts are customized presentations and trainings in Person-Centered Thinking and Supporting Families Community of Practice (CoP). Person-Centered Thinking is based on an understanding of what is important TO a person, and what is important FOR a person. Community of Practice tools foster positive life trajectories for individuals with disabilities by encouraging natural supports and discouraging a life that is dictated by formal services.
At the Council's annual Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), a camp for rising high school juniors and seniors with disabilities, participants learn about taking an active role in their education and post-graduation planning, higher education opportunities, career exploration, assistive technology, disability rights laws, and teamwork while building self-esteem and independent living skills. A highlight of the YLF week is working with members of the Oklahoma Legislature on public policy issues, concluding with a debate on the House floor.
• PARTNERS
Building relationships with policymakers, agencies, and organizations that can together create good lives for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dreamnight at the Oklahoma City Zoo is co-sponsored annually by the Council, providing genuine recreational access and promoting the well-being of families. Initial funding from the Council created a manual, distributed to all AZA-accredited members, facilitating the participation of more zoos in Dreamnight across the country.
The Council collaborates with Sooner SUCCESS, which coordinates comprehensive efforts of health education, social service, mental health, and other service systems statewide for Oklahoma children with disabilities and special healthcare needs, and is partnering on their new initiative focused on supporting parents who have intellectual and/or physical disabilities.
Please visit our website for complete project details: www.okddc.ok.gov. For more information about Council projects, contact Ann Trudgeon, Executive Director.
The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma (the Council) was founded in 1971 by Executive Order of the Governor.
The Council is federally funded and authorized in accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000.
www.okddc.ok.gov
405-521-4984
SOURCE Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma
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