Disability Awareness Day on April 7th to Feature TV Network President, Film Producer, Author and Motivational Speaker Who Is Blind

OKLAHOMA CITY – Jim Stovall is a super achiever – a TV network president, film producer, best-selling author and motivational speaker – whose achievements and vision impairment make him the ideal celebrity guest for People with Disabilities Awareness Day at the State Capitol on April 7.

Five hundred Oklahomans with disabilities and advocates are expected to visit their state legislators from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the free event, which is hosted annually by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. The in-person meetings offer constituents an opportunity to educate their legislators about critical disability-related issues from their unique perspectives.

Fifty exhibitors will provide disability-related information on the first and fourth floors at the State Capitol followed by an awards presentation featuring Stovall’s keynote speech beginning in the Blue room at 11:30 a.m. and remarks by Lt. Governor Jari Askins at noon.

In a phone conversation from his Narrative TV Network office, Stovall explained: “The most debilitating thing about being blind or having any disability is the lack of expectations that other people have for you. When I was diagnosed at age 17 and told I would be blind for the rest of my life, I could have stayed home on the couch, and nobody would have blamed me or expected me to do anything different.”

Instead, Stovall believes employers and significant others should expect the best.

“In an employment situation, look for accommodations to bridge any gaps, but expect employees with disabilities to perform their jobs,” Stovall said. “Give us that chance, and you will find we are more dedicated, more loyal and have more longevity than any other group of employees.”

Since 1988, Stovall’s Emmy award-winning Tulsa-based company, Narrative TV Network, has recorded narration that describes on screen TV and film action for audience members who are blind.

Stovall, who regularly enjoys recorded books from DRS’ Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, is the author of 15 books, including several that are now major motion pictures or independent films. The first was “The Ultimate Gift,” released by Twentieth Century Fox in 2007. Stovall appeared in a cameo role as a chauffeur in the film.

Several other projects are underway. Stovall’s latest film, “A Christmas Snow,” was shot in February in Tulsa. “The Lamp,” which features a genie, will also be produced this year. His new detective series, “Sound of Honor,” is set in Oklahoma and stars a detective who is blind. Stovall’s newest book, "100 Worst Bosses," includes a foreword by Express Employment Professionals’ founder, Robert A. Funk.

Jim Stovall will be recognized by the Department of Rehabilitation Services on People with Disabilities Awareness Day, along with other high achievers:

•  Disability Leader of the Year - Jim Stovall, Tulsa
•  Excellence in Communication – Gerry Bonds and Debra Martin for “OKC Metro” broadcast by OETA – The Oklahoma Network, Oklahoma City
•  Legislator of the Year - Senator Brian A. Crain, Tulsa
•  Advocate of the Year - OU/NFL football legend Steve Owens, Norman
•  Successful Client of the Year - Ken Poore, Konawa
•  Accessibility Partner of the Year - Jeff Haddad for Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, Oklahoma City
•  Economic Development Partner of the Year - Norma Noble, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma City
•  Employer of the Year - Jackson Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Enid
•  Lifetime Achievement Award - Dr. Randal Elston, Ada

People with Disabilities Awareness Day is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.okrehab.org/pwdad/default.asp or phone 800-845-8476. The number is accessible by TTY for the deaf.

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Since 1988, Stovall’s Emmy award-winning Tulsa-based company, Narrative TV Network, has used descriptive video to explain essential on-screen action during pauses in the original soundtrack. The additional information enables those with vision impairments to keep up with plot and character development without asking a companion to fill in the blanks.