Current News

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Legislative Bills Touching the Disability Community (Of the 54th Oklahoma Legislature)

The following bills have been introduced into session of the 54th Oklahoma Legislature which have the potential to impact the community of people with disabilities.

Legislative Tracking Update Updated 05/10/13

Assistance for Tornado Victims (updated 5/22/13)

       This information is being provided by Paula Ninivaggi, a Program Liaison for the New Hampshire Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC).  She sent us an email with the following statement, "My deepest thoughts go out to all those impacted by the tornadoes in Oklahoma.  While I cannot be there in person to help, much as I would like to, I can help virtually by providing helpful information and resources, please see below.  I will also be forwarding information and resources from other groups who want to help.  Please know you are not alone as the country is with you is in this difficult time."

***Situation Report specific to areas impacted by the tornadoes http://www.humanityroad.org/situation-report (has numbers to call, maps, utilities, shelters, regional links, and more.  

“National Disaster Distress Helpline. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 via telephone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746).

Tornado App http://apps.usa.gov/tornado-app.shtml

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app http://apps.usa.gov/fema-mobile.shtml

“TWITTER
If you are on Twitter, here are some handles to follow to stay up to date and to find the latest information to share with your community.”
The primary tags to follow (enter in the search box on the Twitter home page) are: #Moore #Oklahoma #okwx #Tornado #shawnee #mooretornado.
Another tag to follow that includes post-tornado information and more: #VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters).
 

The City of OKC https://twitter.com/cityofokc

City of Shawnee https://twitter.com/CityofShawneeOK

Red Cross Oklahoma https://twitter.com/redcrossokc

FEMA Region 6 https://twitter.com/femaregion6

Oklahoma State Department of Health https://twitter.com/HealthyOklahoma

Distress Helpline (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)  https://twitter.com/distressline

Disaster Animals https://twitter.com/DisasterAnimals

Facebook pages:
FEMA
https://www.facebook.com/FEMA

American Red Cross
https://www.facebook.com/redcross

HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Public Health Emergency
https://www.facebook.com/phegov
 
Oklahoma State Government https://www.facebook.com/okgov

City of Moore, Oklahoma Municipal Government https://www.facebook.com/cityofmoore

City of Shawnee, Oklahoma Municipal Government https://www.facebook.com/CityofShawneeOK

Oklahoma VOAD https://www.facebook.com/OklahomaVOAD

Websites
http://www.phe.gov/emergency/events/Pages/ok-tornado-2013.aspx (this has info on:  coping, safety, shelter, etc.)

Recipes that can be prepared without electricity or gas http://www.getreadyforflu.org/RecipesForDisaster.htm

Disaster Preparedness Tip Sheet for People with Disabilities http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit/disabilities  (in Spanish too)

Preparing Food and Power Outages http://extension.umaine.edu/publications/9001e

Post Disaster Tips http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup/  (in various languages and formats)

“Emergency Response for People Who Have Access and Functional Needs: A Guide For First Responders.” http://terrorism.spcollege.edu/SPAWARAFN/index.html

Technology Tips and Disaster Preparedness http://www.ready.gov/get-tech-ready (in various languages)

Storm Recovery Tips http://www.lsuagcenter.com/nr/rdonlyres/e7bd883e-58bd-4c95-b4af-1e2a4f7afa01/26131/pub2668stormrecoveryguide2006lowres.pdf

• Resources for Survivors and the Public: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/survivors_disaster.asp
• Resources for Providers Responding to Sudden Trauma:  http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/providers_disaster.asp

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 05/21/13

Many may have experience Tinnitus, better known as "ringing in the ears". Look no further help is here. The new Tinnitus and Hypercusis Clinic at the University of Oklahoma College of Allied Health can help. Located in the John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center, 1200 North Stonewall in Oklahoma City. For more information, please contact (405) 271-2866 or visit: http://www.ah.ouhsc.edu/clinics/johnkeys.asp

Oklahoma House of Representative Media Division - New Law to Improve Access to Absentee Ballots 04/26/13

Absent Ballot Voting just got easier for those who are physically unable. Thanks to the legislation signing of Senate Bill 276 by Governor Mary Fallin. Senate Bill 276 requires these simple two steps. 1. The person to make an application for an absentee ballot must be at least 16 years old. 2. For one voter only. The Senate Bill 276 sponsors are Sen. Randy Bass, and state Rep. Joe Dorman. For more information, please visit: http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb276  

METRO Transit  05/17/13

FREE Bus Services for designated days will be provided to promote healthy air environment for Oklahoma. For more information, please visit: http://www.gometro.org/ 

May is National Mobility Awareness Month 05/01/13

For more information, please visit: http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/about/

May is High Blood Pressure Education Month 05/02/13

To learn more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HighBloodPressure/

United Nations Enable - Development and human rights for all 05/02/13

The (UNE) website offers informative disability news and how the United Nations continues to ensure development and human rights for all. For more information, please visit: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=17 

Interagency Committee on Disability Research 05/02/13

(ICDR) Motto: Shaping the Future of Disability Research - (ICDR) Mission Statement: Promote a cohesive, strategic federal program of disability and rehabilitation research by brokering partnerships and facilitating coordination among federal departments, offices, and agencies conducting disability and rehabilitation research and related activities. To learn more information, please visit: http://www.icdr.us/

Universal Disability Access Symbols  05/03/13

Most everyone can identify various Universal Disability Access Symbols. Be prepared and know these very important tools for everyday living. To learn more information, please take a moment and review the Universal Disability Access Symbols link below.

Universal Disability Access Symbols

Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board Scholarships (COWIB) 05/08/13

Scholarships are now  available for Oklahoma high school students interested in the technology design of mobile apps, video games, and build - program robots. Don't miss the opportunity to pursue your career. For more information, please visit: www.mycareermychoice.org   (COWIB) has 40 plus volunteer board members; which are from the business community in Central Oklahoma. 

My Heart Health Family -Oklahoma City - County Health Department 04/16/13

This program includes FREE confidential medical care aimed at reducing heart disease. For more information, please call Nicole Alexander at (405) 301-7366.

OKC- County Health Department - Total Wellness 2013  Summer Schedule 04/16/13

Free classes meet one hour a week for 12 weeks. The goal of the class is everyone to lose 5% of their body weight and become more active. Learn to develop new healthy habits while balancing diet and physical activity. Must be 18 or older to join. Pre-enrollment is required, call (405) 425-4308, or email Total_Wellness@occhd.org. Enroll today spaces limited. 

OU Physicians Clinic -  Oklahoma City-County Heath Department 12/20/12

OU Physicians is helping Oklahoma stay healthy and affordable with two income based clinics located at  921 N.E. 23rd St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, and 4330 N.W. 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK Expected cost are from $10 to $60, and payment arrangements are available. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call (405) 271-5858 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The DREAM Institute 03/05/13

Calling all applicants for the 2013 Higher Education Scholar Awards. The DREAM Institute has established a scholar award for Oklahoma students with physical and or learning disabilities pursing a higher education degree at any Oklahoma in state college or university. For more information visit: http://dreaminstitute.org. The DREAM Institute Mission is dedicated to increasing the success of the higher educational experience of students with disabilities through a three-fold approach,  which includes: Academic and Professional Mentorship, Academic Assistance, and Scholastic Awards. 

Department of Veterans Affairs 11/05/12

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits - 5 Tracks to Employment program assist veterans with service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve daily living independence. Once entitlement to vocational rehabilitation has been established; the veteran and the VA counselor work together to develop a Rehabilitation Plan. Veterans decide the best way to gain their employment goals by selecting one of the 5 Tracks to Employment. Reemployment, Rapid Access to Employment, Self-Employment, Employment Through Long-Term Services, and Independent Living Services, for more information call 1-(800) 827-1000 or visit www.vetsuccess.gov

Continuum of Care Programs in Oklahoma 05/03/13

A place to call home can make a difference, and according to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded Oklahoma $ 5.6 million to continue assisting 47 local homeless housing and service programs. To learn more information, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/oklahoma

Service Animals and Reasonable Accommodations Reaffirmed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 05/03/13

Often times people with disabilities experience denied access. Clearly the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990 protects people with disabilities. On  April 30, 2013 (HUD) reassures its commitment to individuals with service animals  reasonable accommodations. To learn more, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2013/HUDNo.13-060A  

Oklahoma County Senior Nutrition Program 05/17/13

Friendship at Penn Avenue  Methodist Church cordially invites you to all the fun activities, and good food. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1p.m., Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. .To RSVP or lean more information, please call (405) 524-3799. Transportation services are available. Hope to see you there! 

AARP Free Social Security & Medicare Webinar  05/17/13

This FREE Webinar offers information and tips on Social Security and Medicare services. To register please visit:

Oklahoma Parents Center's 7th Annual Statewide Conference 04/11/13

Mark your calendar! Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center, 5750 Will Rogers Road, Midwest City, OK  73110. Friday, May 31, 2013 7:30 am - 5: 00 p.m. For more information, please visit: http://www.OklahomaParentsCenter.org .