Unity Forward Oklahoma

New week, new opportunities to connect! 🗓️✨
From our first Teen2Teen meetup in our new OKC Studio space to our weekly Neurofit gathering, we have two fantastic opportunities to move, connect and build community this week!

🔗 View our full events calendar and register here: https://autismoklahoma.org/events/

We're still collecting responses for our Community Needs Survey. If you're an individual with IDD, a family member, a caregiver, or someone connected to this community, we want to hear from you. It takes a few minutes, anditdirectly shapes The Arc of Oklahoma's strategic planning.

👉Take the survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9STGGVP

Carnival of Caring registration is open.

Friday, September 18. LaFortune Park, Tulsa. Hamburgers, hot dogs, music, carnival games, tie-dye, and about 150 people with disabilities showing up to have a good time.

This is a Tulsa Area United Way Day of Caring event, and ONEOK has partnered with us on it for years. We also recognize direct support professionals that day with drawings and gift cards because they show up for this community every single day.

Please bring a canned food item.

👉 RSVP here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=zeNkD6iM90qEFXo0lK--7NfbLPpaQoVAoWPyUPmTYwVUMERUMEpCSk1PS1o3RTJQRjJFU01IN0RZMC4u

🌟 TOMORROW! 🌟

Join us Wednesday, August 12, from 12:00–1:00 PM for our virtual Accommodations & Supports Lunch & Learn!

We’re excited to welcome Bryce Wooten and Tyler Bond from the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma for an informative conversation about finding and accessing the supports and accommodations you or your family may need.

We’ll cover:
✨ Available supports and accommodations
✨ Practical ways to access resources
✨ Strategies for self-advocacy
✨ Breaking down barriers to getting the help you need

Grab your lunch, bring your questions, and join us as we Build Bridges, Break Barriers!

💻 Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8191062190?pwd=NXdqRllxLzQwVXNkd2dSK2lwSmVsUT09

Meeting ID: 819 106 2190
Passcode: 3niw3d

We’d love to have you join us tomorrow!

SAVE THE DATE!

The 35th Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the Capitol is set for Monday, March 22nd 2027! Mark your calendars now - more details to come!

Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers! 🌟
​Join us for our next Lunch & Learn: Accommodations and Supports on August 12 at 12:00 PM on Zoom!
​We’re excited to welcome Bryce Wooten and Tyler Bond from the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma. They'll be leading a clear, helpful conversation on how to get the support you or your family need.
​In this session, you'll learn:
​What supports and accommodations are available
​Easy, practical ways to get and use these resources
​Simple strategies to help you speak up for yourself and clear out barriers
​Grab your lunch, hop on Zoom, and join us as we learn together!

Zoom Link:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8191062190?pwd=NXdqRllxLzQwVXNkd2dSK2lwSmVsUT09

Meeting ID: 819 106 2190

Passcode: 3niw3d

​

Yesterday marked the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a landmark civil rights law that affirmed the rights of people with disabilities and created a stronger foundation for accessibility, opportunity, and equal participation in our communities.

As we reflect on how far we have come, we are also reminded that the work continues. The ADA was a significant step forward, but ensuring true access and equity requires ongoing commitment, advocacy, and action from all of us.

At Unity Forward Oklahoma, we were honored to join self-advocates, community leaders, organizations, and advocates from across our community in recognizing this important milestone and continuing conversations around accessibility and belonging.

We were grateful to participate in the inaugural ADA Solidarity Walk & Roll, a community gathering focused on connection, celebration, and advocacy. Events like this remind us that creating a world designed for everyone requires all of us—listening to lived experiences, building partnerships, and working together to remove barriers that impact people with disabilities.

Thank you to everyone who came together to celebrate 36 years of progress, recognize the importance of the ADA, and continue the work ahead. We are grateful to stand alongside so many dedicated community members who are committed to building a more accessible and connected Oklahoma.

The work continues. Together, we keep moving forward toward a world where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and belong. 💙

📣 Join Unity Forward Oklahoma Tomorrow for our Lunch & Learn!

We’re excited to welcome Morgan Davis, B.A. for “Pathways to Self-Advocacy and Inclusive Communication” on Monday, July 27 at 12:00 PM!

This conversation will explore inclusive communication from the perspective of self-advocates, including different ways people communicate their needs, helpful communication tools, and the importance of using plain language to ensure everyone has access to information and opportunities to participate.

Communication is a basic human right. By supporting all ways of communicating, we can help create communities where every person’s voice is valued, respected, and heard. 💙

✨ About our presenter:
Morgan Davis, B.A., is a member of the Unity Forward Oklahoma Board and serves as the Self-Advocacy Training Director for the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma.

📅 Tomorrow — Monday, July 27
🕛 12:00 PM
💻 Virtual via Zoom

🔗 Join us:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8191062190?pwd=NXdqRllxLzQwVXNkd2dSK2lwSmVsUT09

Meeting ID: 819 106 2190
Passcode: 3niw3d

Help us spread the word by sharing with your friends, families, and networks! We hope to see you tomorrow as we learn more about self-advocacy and creating more accessible communication for all.

📣💙 Join Unity Forward Oklahoma & Community Partners This Sunday for the ADA 36th Anniversary Solidarity Walk & Roll! 💙📣

We’re coming together to celebrate 36 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and continue the important work of building communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate, connect, and thrive.

Join members of Unity Forward Oklahoma, advocates, families, friends, and community partners as we walk and roll together in celebration of the progress made through the ADA and the work still ahead.

📅 Sunday, July 26
🕘 9:00 AM
📍 Meet us at Love’s Stage at Scissortail Park | Oklahoma City

✨ Bring your voice, your stories, and your creativity!
✨ Sign-making supplies will be available before the walk.
✨ Connect with others who are passionate about accessibility and disability advocacy.

👉 Please swipe for the site map and details on where to meet us!

Whether you walk, roll, or join us in another way, your presence helps us continue Designing a World for Everyone.

We can’t wait to see you Sunday! 💙

🔗 RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/ADA36OKWalk