People with Disabilities Awareness Day 2023

We rocked the house!

We felt the energy Tuesday at the Oklahoma History Center. With 653 people in attendance, the day was great! Make the day even better was that we had 70 organizations or programs represented.

Here are the numbers and the reason we ask everyone to register.
• Total Volunteers - 93
• Total Exhibitors - 211
• Guest Only - 349
• Total Attended - 653
• Total Programs/Organizations Exhibit Tables - 70

101 State Representatives, 48 State Senators, and the Governor and Lt. Governor offices were visited and packets were distributed by 38 unsung heroes, three guide dogs, and two interpreters. Our volunteers made sure that our lawmakers knew about the day and provided valuable information.

At this year's Awards Program, we honor seven outstanding individuals and one outstanding partner. Help us celebrate the 2022 People with Disabilities Awareness Day award winners:
• Vocational Rehabilitation Client of the Year - Phil Dupont
• Services for the Blind and Visually Impair Client of the Year – Hannah Dangle
• Oklahoma School for the Blind Student of the Year - Abigail Norton
• Oklahoma School for the Deaf Student of the Year – Aracely Murillo
• Partner of the Year – Mercy Health Systems
• Legislators of the Year – Sen. Paul Rosino and Rep. Brian Hill
• Communications Award – 1600 KUSH AM

Before we finally put this year's event in the rearview mirror, tell us how we did. Survey closes Friday, March 17.

The images from the day are so cool, take a look!

If you posted any photos from the day you want to share be sure to use the hashtag #PWDAD2023 - we love seeing your pic too!

Join Us for a great day

Are you ready to network? Celebrate outstanding accomplishments? If so, join us for People with Disabilities Awareness Day from noon to 4 p.m., March 7, 2023, at the Oklahoma History Center.

Let's take action! Plan on coming, bring a friend or two and network with the more than 70 disability-centric exhibitors. They bring a wealth of information and might introduce you to new programs.

Celebrate success! Stay and congratulate our Awareness Day Award Winners.

We are back at the Oklahoma History Center and the event is free to all who want to attend. The venue is ideal for talking with exhibitors and an outstanding place to showcase the award winners.

While the event is not at the state Capitol we still hope you use the day to reach out to your lawmaker. If you can't visit in person, make a phone call, type an email, or post to your favorite social media and tag a representative or senator. Tell them how they can best serve the disability community best.

We don't want to miss our opportunities just because we are across the street. It's a time to learn to advocate for yourself, for your family or on behalf of those you work with. This day is still your opportunity to explain the positive impact of critical disability programs.

Look up your legislator here.

Every year we honor individuals who make a difference for the disability community, either by being an example or paving the way for success. We will honor our People with Disabilities Awareness Day Award winners at 3 p.m. in the Chesapeake Room.

Don't miss DRS Executive Director Melinda Fruendt and Commissioners Theresa Flannery and Jace Wolfe presenting the honors.

Help us celebrate the 2022 People with Disabilities Awareness Day award winners:

Vocational Rehabilitation Client of the Year - Phil Dupont

Services for the Blind and Visually Impair Client of the Year – Hannah Dangle

Oklahoma School for the Blind Student of the Year - Abigail Norton

Oklahoma School for the Deaf Student of the Year – Aracely Murillo

Partner of the Year – Mercy Health Systems

Legislators of the Year – Sen. Paul Rosino and Rep. Brian Hill

Communications Award – 1600 KUSH AM

This year we will be hosting PWDAD at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. This beautiful facility is not only made for our event by being able to hold the large number of exhibitors that we are used to but our awards program as well. No elevator waits - it's all on one floor.

Admission to the building and PWDAD is free. The doors to the museum exhibits will be open thanks to the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council sponsoring the entry fees.

Visit the Oklahoma History Center's website

Be sure to plan to visit the History Center's exhibits. This year, the doors to the exhibits will be wide open thanks to Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council for paying everyone's entrance fee.

Thank you ORC for making a great day even better!