Center for Learning and Leadership (Oklahoma UCEDD) Co-Leads Oklahoma Self-Advocacy Network

October 12, 2011

The Oklahoma Self-Advocacy Network is working to strengthen the self-advocacy movement in the state. The Network was initiated when a team of advocates came together to prepare for the regional self-advocacy summit hosted by the U.S. Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) in Kansas City, MO in April, 2011. Following the summit the Oklahoma team formed the Network to continue working on the state plan for self-advocacy developed in Kansas City. The plan includes developing leadership training for self-advocates and researching ways to eliminate the use of the term "mental retardation" in state policies and statutes.

Network members include representatives from Oklahoma People First, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE), the National Youth Leadership Network, the Center for Learning and Leadership (Oklahoma UCEDD), the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC), the Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC) and the state developmental disabilities agency. Nancy Ward, SABE, and Rose Ann Percival, Oklahoma UCEDD, were appointed as co-chairs. The Oklahoma UCEDD, ODDC, ODLC, the state developmental disabilities agency and Oklahoma People First are providing funding and other supports to ensure the success of the Network. The Oklahoma UCEDD provides stipends and travel assistance for self-advocates to attend the meetings and a staff person to assist in meeting facilitation and coordination of the partnership activities in the Network.