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View the ASL-signed version of this release.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AWARENESS DAY 2008 TO FOCUS EFFORTS ON EDUCATING PUBLIC, LAWMAKERS

OKLAHOMA CITY – One in five Oklahomans, roughly 635,000, have a disability, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics. To help educate the public, media, and state lawmakers about the needs of people with disabilities, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) will host the 14th Annual People with Disabilities Awareness Day. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wed., March 26, at the State Capitol on the second and fourth floor rotundas.

One of the primary reasons for the annual event is to help maximize contact between state legislators and people with disabilities who are their constituents. The in-person meetings offer constituents an opportunity to educate their legislators about critical disability-related issues from their unique perspectives.

DRS Director Linda Parker said in previous years the reaction from lawmakers has been positive. Many have expressed their appreciation for having the chance to find out more about how things like access to public transportation, specialized education, equipment, and training continue to profoundly affect so many lives.

All these things and more are ultimately about getting or maintaining some degree of independence, and this remains a moving target for many of these Oklahomans, and it is one that the state cannot afford to overlook,” said Parker.

“For instance, when we help a person with a disability train or retrain to become employed, or keep a current job, they become or remain taxpayers, where there is a good chance without (DRS’) help that wouldn’t have happened,” she said.

Other critical rehabilitation and disability issues, including those being discussed during this legislative session, will be outlined for people who attend the event during an issues orientation sessions to take place immediately prior to and during event activities. Guides, interpreters for the deaf, and help for those who do not know how to go about visiting their legislators will also be provided.

Exhibits from over 30 disability-related programs, organizations, and others will be on display from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Oklahoma School for the Deaf Performing Arts Company, and the Oklahoma School for the Blind Jazz Band. Special guest star, award-winning singer/songwriter, and former DRS client, Sarah Getto, will round out the day’s performances.

This year’s sponsors include the following businesses, organizations and private individuals: Belle Isle Lions Club, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Garman Productions, Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Heartland Council of the Blind, NanoPac, Inc., Ned’s Catering, Oklahoma Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Oklahoma Association of Disability Examiners, Oklahoma Council of the Blind, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Oklahoma Goodwill Industries, Inc., Oklahoma Rehabilitation Association, Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council, Oklahomans for Special Library Services, OK DRS Director Linda Parker, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. and Sorenson Communications.

The event is free and open to the public. This information also appears in American Sign Language for the deaf on the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services’ web site at www.okrehab.org. For more information, including how to pre-register or how to become a sponsor, visit the web site or call (405)951-3400 or (800)845-8476 phone/TTY toll-free.

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