Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma

06/16/2026

Check out the 6-week tennis camp called ACEing for Autism this July specifically designed for youth with autism. It's a structured, supportive environment focused on building confidence, coordination, and social skills through the game, something we've found connects well with kids who thrive on routine and clear instruction. Sessions are held at Lafortune Tennis Center on July 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7 & 14. All the details are in the flyer attached.

To make it easy, we've put together short how-to guides for anyone who's interested:
Parents - How to Register https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/13hjVCHb3isIeISzSne6cjCbEdg1216b9ycLBKT52aC0/mobilebasic
Volunteers - How to Register https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://app.campdoc.com/register/aceingautism__;!!NZFi6Pppv9YRQw!quOirFy4je0NSflvHIoSqjKKFXxXHQXCbMNh-erdWpSzHOOmvftxFz_Nz-xlsHfEjlEgy_iwHEMGnbhIODPynA$

06/16/2026

The Oklahoma State Department of Health is hosting a Newborn Screening Symposium on Fri. June 26th at the NCED Conference Center in Norman!
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⏰️ Register Now:
https://opqic.org/registration/
💕 This event is offered at no cost to professionals, families, and advocates.
📍This will be an incredible day bringing together parents, primary care providers, specialists, birthing facilities, midwives, and county health departments - all working toward stronger systems and better outcomes for Oklahoma families.
💛 Whether you’re a provider, advocate, or parent, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and join the conversation about newborn screening in our state!

06/16/2026

Every vote matters. Make your voice heard today.

Voters with disabilities have the right to accessible voting options and accommodations at their polling place.

Learn more about voting accessibility and accommodations:
https://oklahoma.gov/elections/voters/accessibility-for-disabled-voters.html

It's Election Day! Polls will be open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. All registered voters in Oklahoma have something to vote on today - so make plans to cast your ballot!

Log into the OK Voter Portal to find your polling place and view a sample ballot: https://okvoterportal.okelections.gov/

06/15/2026

Don't forget about Health 360 on June 20, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. for a transformational full-day experience designed to strengthen your spiritual, physical, mental, and financial health. Come ready to grow, connect, and be refreshed.
What to expect:
• Breakout Sessions (including live worship and a light workout)!
• Nap Pods
• Lunch and snacks provided
• Guest Keynote Speaker
• Childcare ($10/child)
• 40+ Service-Based Vendors
• Community, Faith, Growth
What to Bring: Notebook, Pen, Comfortable Shoes, and a heart to learn and grow!
Important Note: After registering, you will receive an email with a link to select your breakout sessions and childcare needs.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/health-360-tickets-1554384880019?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/15/2026

Did you know the DD Council has a weekly email? In this email we have advocacy and other opportunities that have been shared with us by partners across Oklahoma and the nation, including other State Developmental Disabilities Councils, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), Administration for Community Living (ACL), and our DD Network Partners.

You read past emails as well as sign up to get it in your email:
https://oklahoma.gov/ddco/resources/email-digest-of-good-stuff-and-opportunities.html

06/15/2026

Summer is a great time for fun, but it is also important to stay safe.

The 100 Safest Days of Summer campaign shares simple tips to help prevent injuries and keep young people safe during the busy summer months. Topics include passenger safety, distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, seatbelt use, drowsy driving, and youth leadership. (100 Safest Days of Summer⁠)

A few reminders:
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Put phones away while driving.
• Never drive impaired.
• Get enough rest before getting behind the wheel.
• Speak up if you feel unsafe as a passenger.

Explore free resources and summer safety tools at:
https://www.100safestdaysofsummer.org/resources

Together, we can help make this summer a safe one for everyone.

06/15/2026

Mobility is more than movement; it’s about access, independence, and participation in everyday life.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps make mobility possible in community spaces by requiring accessibility in areas like ramps, curb cuts, elevators, accessible parking, transportation, and building entrances. These features are part of what allows people with disabilities to navigate their communities more independently and safely.

Before the ADA, many public spaces were not designed with mobility in mind. Today, accessibility features are a standard expectation, but they exist because of advocacy and the protections of the ADA established in 1990.

As we continue our countdown to the ADA’s anniversary on July 26, we’re highlighting how these everyday design choices help create a world designed for everyone.

06/12/2026

Trailblazers Thrive Together (T3) at Oklahoma City Community College is Oklahoma’s first nonresidential inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Students in the Digital Cinema Production pathway will build skills in storytelling, video editing, audio production, and teamwork while working toward a certificate or micro-credential.

Thanks to grant funding, tuition and program fees are free.

Questions? Contact Dr. Ryan Beaty at [email protected].

Apply today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=qpjpERF8RkSztGedO-epqK7xVlNd0VxKggUNfWoVcXVUOFhYNVJBTUVKT0ZLTjk0UTJBNkZHTklDNi4u&route=shorturl

Visit their website: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.occc.edu/academics/areas-of-study/digital-cinema/index.html__;!!NZFi6Pppv9YRQw!vS0FUzc_GXk82Ad0lMT3Fef91_UDqQc4ZIBMzzFI-a97waFHB3Zg11oBmFf1LXl__gMxax9TFM1iFUUBTUGU_bnmirc$

06/12/2026

We are encouraged to see Oklahoma first responders receiving specialized training to better support individuals with autism during emergency and crisis situations. Thank you to the Choctaw Police Department, the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, and participating agencies for your commitment to inclusion, understanding, and community safety.

🚔 Autism Safety & Crisis Intervention Training 🚔

The Choctaw Police Department recently hosted a four-hour Autism Safety and Crisis Intervention Training designed to provide first responders with practical tools for safely and effectively interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum during crisis situations.

The course was instructed by Chandee Kott, CAS Program Officer, and Duane Howell of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. Training topics included autism awareness, communication differences, crisis response and de-escalation techniques, sensory considerations, legal issues, su***de prevention, and resources available to individuals and families throughout Oklahoma.

This training provided officers with two hours of mandatory mental health continuing education and two hours of general continuing education. Attendees included personnel from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Harrah Police Department, Valley Brook Police Department, Forest Park Police Department, and the Choctaw Police Department.

A special thank you to Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center for generously providing the meeting space and helping make this training possible.

Autism Foundation of Oklahoma
City of Choctaw, OK