Unity Forward Oklahoma

Educators, families , school leaders, and service providers — this is your opportunity to gain practical tools that make communication more inclusive for every learner. Because communication is a human right. 🗣️

Join the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, and Unity Forward Oklahomaon Friday, June 12, at the Reed Conference Center for the 2026 Inclusive Communication Conference !

This powerful day brings together self-advocates, educators, families, community leaders, and service providers to explore real-world strategies that honor every voice and create more inclusive classrooms and communities.

For just $25, your registration includes:
✔️ Full conference admission
✔️ Lunch
✔️ Conference t-shirt
✔️ Access to 18 practical breakout session options
✔️ Learning materials and resources to take back to your school or organization
✔️ A moving self-advocate panel: “How to Communicate with Me”
✔️ CEUs for full-conference attendance

Whether you’re a teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, service provider, or advocate, you’ll leave inspired and equipped with actionable strategies you can use immediately.

Spaces are filling quickly — register today: https://www.dsaco.org/events/inclusive-communication-conference 🎟️

Join Us on Monday, June 15th at 12:00 pm for our next event!

From Rights to Resources: Advocacy Across Education, Employment, and Services — Lunch & Learn presented by
Deidra Edwards, Educational Consultant & Family Advocate, Resolute Advocacy & Interventions LLC — Chair, Education & Advocacy Task Force for Unity Forward Oklahoma 📣📚✨

Join Deidra Edwards for an inspiring, practical hour focused on turning rights into real resources. You’ll gain practical advocacy tools and simple scripts, clear steps for documenting needs and connecting to supports, and key resources to help secure services and opportunities.

How to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8191062190?pwd=NXdqRllxLzQwVXNkd2dSK2lwSmVsUT09
Meeting ID: 819 106 2190 | Passcode: 3niw3d

Don’t miss this chance to turn rights into resources — bring your energy and questions!

📸Casting call! Email [email protected] to be a part of our next campaign!

Join The Arc of Oklahoma and Unity Forward Oklahoma NEXT Friday, June 5th at 6:00 PM at Dust Bowl Lanes for an inclusive evening focused on connection, community, and belonging 🎳💙

This event is part of our ongoing effort to build inclusive community spaces where autistic, neurodivergent, and adults with disabilities can come together in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. It’s a chance to enjoy time with others, build relationships, and strengthen community through shared experience.

🎟️ Cost: $8 per person
Includes shoe rental and two hours of bowling.

💙 Who This Is For:
Autistic, neurodivergent, and adults with disabilities who want to connect, socialize, and be part of a supportive community space.

🌟 What to Expect:
• A relaxed, inclusive bowling night
• Opportunities to meet and connect with others
• A community-centered, welcoming atmosphere

🚗 Caregiver Note:
To support independence and inclusion, we kindly ask caregivers and family members to drop off and pick up participants when possible.

⚠️ Space is limited to 20 participants—advance registration is encouraged.

🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../june-neurodivergent-and...

📧 Questions? Email [email protected]

We look forward to coming together, building community, and sharing a meaningful evening with you—we can’t wait to connect! 💙🎳

We loved being on Living Oklahoma today to share more about the upcoming 2026 Inclusive Communication Conference on June 12 with the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma and the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma🎉

It was a great opportunity to highlight this year’s programming, including sessions on inclusive communication strategies, collaboration across disciplines, and practical tools to support more accessible and connected environments. We’re also excited to offer CEUs for attendees! You don’t want to miss this!

There’s still time to register — we’d love to see you there! Sign up today at https://www.dsaco.org/events/inclusive-communication-conference 💙

Watch the segment here 📺 https://okcfox.com/features/living-oklahoma/autism-foundation-of-oklahoma-hosts-inclusive-communication-conference-june-8-at-8-am

Tune in today to hear more about the 2026 Inclusive Communication Conference and hear what’s ahead for a jam packed day of learning on June 12th! Get your tickets today!

Check out the podcast here: https://rss.com/podcasts/dsaco-up-for-discussion/?_gl=1%2a18j3ise%2a_gcl_au%2aNjU2MDYxNzMwLjE3NDIzOTEwMzI

Stay tuned until the end for a special surprise 👀👀👀

Tune into today’s episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion! 🎙️ Today we’re talking all about our Inclusive Communication Conference — how it started, what to expect, and why communication matters for everyone.

Podcast drops today at 3:21 PM! Listen wherever you get your podcasts and don’t miss this important conversation.

Meet another member of our board 🌟Through advocacy, education, and strategic partnership, they help drive our mission forward - building stronger systems and more connected communities.

We are proud to introduce one of our incredible board members, Sky Collins.

Sky Collins is an advocate for Oklahoma’s rare disease community, leading initiatives through Oklahoma Rare and service on local, state and national boards. She works to amplify patient and caregiver voices in state and federal policy discussions, advocating for equitable policies and greater access. She is passionate about fostering spaces that break down systemic barriers and is excited to support Unity Forward Oklahoma’s mission to strengthen communities across the state. Sky is a 2017 Partners in Policymaking graduate.

​What motivates you to advocate or engage within the community?

I’m continually grounded by the families I’ve met, especially those navigating rare diseases, who are often moving through complex systems without being fully seen or heard. Their experiences stay with me and shape the work I do. I believe community has real power to shift that reality - to improve access, strengthen care, and expand opportunity in ways that feel more equitable and human. That belief keeps me focused on building connection and community.

What does “breaking barriers and building bridges” mean to you?

To me, it means intentionally building pathways where individuals, families, and communities can access opportunities, share experiences, and work together toward meaningful change.

Favorite advocacy highlight?

One of my most memorable advocacy moments came during Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill, when a congressional health policy staffer told me that every time she saw a sunflower - the symbol for Malan Syndrome - she thought of my daughter. That simple connection stayed with me. It was a powerful reminder that advocacy is not just about policy change; it’s about bringing the human impact into in every conversation. Telling our stories matters because it helps policymakers and the staff who keep the process moving understand that behind every decision is a real person, a real family, and a real life affected.

Summer Reading Challenges are kicking off! Stay on track with assistive technology (AT) for reading.

The following AT devices are available for short-term loan through Oklahoma ABLE Tech:
• C-Pen Reader Pen 2
• Scanmarker Air, Pal, Pro, or Reader
• FingerFocus Highlighter to Go
• Dyslexia Reading Bar (3D-printed device)

You can also adapt books on your own for individuals with fine motor and/or vision impairments. Add page turners or fluffers with popsicle sticks, paperclips, clothespins, pom-pom balls, or other household craft items. Page turners add leverage so an individual can turn the pages using the adaptation. Page fluffers add space in between pages to allow room for the individual's fingers to turn the pages.

To learn more about how to borrow AT from Oklahoma ABLE Tech, visit https://bit.ly/3G2g3bu.

✨ Save the date — Wellspring Weekend is coming! ✨
📅 June 13–14 | Oklahoma City

This FREE weekend retreat is designed for grandparents, relative caregivers, stepparents, and caregivers supporting a child with an incarcerated parent. Open to individuals and couples caring for children 18 and under across Oklahoma.

You'll spend the weekend building family-strengthening skills, connecting with others who truly understand your experience, and learning about resources available to support your family.
Space is limited and open to first-time attendees only. A stipend is available to help cover child care.

Register today: https://www.wellspringweekend.com/connect/

Join The Arc of Oklahoma and Unity Forward Oklahoma on Friday, June 5 at 6:00 PM at Dust Bowl Lanes for a fun evening of bowling and community!

🎟️ Tickets: $8 per person
Includes shoe rental and two hours of lane time.

💙 Who It's For
Autistic, neurodivergent, and disabled adults looking to connect in a relaxed, inclusive, adult-focused space.

🌟 Why Attend
• Meet new people and build friendships
• Enjoy a low-pressure social environment
• Have fun together

🚗 Caregiver Note
We kindly ask caregivers and parents to drop off and pick up when possible.

⚠️ Space is limited to 20 participants.

🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/june-neurodivergent-and-disabled-adults-social-tickets-1989923809682?aff=oddtdtcreator

📧 Questions? Email [email protected]

We can’t wait to bowl and connect with you! 🎳💙