Oklahoma

Oklahoma

ADA Center
Oklahoma Southwest ADA Center
2323 S. Shepherd, #1000
Houston, TX, 77019
http://www.southwestada.org


Assistive Technology
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma State University, Seretean Wellness Center
1514 W. Hall of Fame
Stillwater, OK, 74078-2026
(800) 257-1705
abletech@okstate.edu
https://www.okabletech.org


Oklahoma Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
801 NE 13th Street, CHB-235
Oklahoma City, OK, 73104
http://alliedhealth.ouhsc.edu/Departments/RehabilitationSciences/CenterofExcellence/LeeMitchenerTolbertCenter.aspx


Career & Technical Education
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
1500 W. 7th Avenue
Stillwater, OK, 74074-4364
http://okcareertech.org


D D Council
Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council
2401 N.W. 23rd Street, Suite 74
Oklahoma City, OK, 73107
http://www.okddc.ok.gov


Developmental Disabilities
Developmental Disabilities Services Department of Human Services
Sequoyah Memorial Office Building
2400 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105
PO Box 25352, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0352
http://www.okdhs.org/services/dd/Pages/default.aspx


Early Intervention
SoonerStart Special Education Services
Oklahoma State Department of Education
2500 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 510
Oklahoma City, OK, 73105-4599
http://sde.ok.gov/sde/soonerstart


Epilepsy
Epilepsy Association of Oklahoma
11212 N. May Ave. Suite 108
Oklahoma City, OK. 73120
http://www.okepilepsy.org


Healthcare
https://www.healthinsurance.org/oklahoma-state-health-insurance-exchange/


Independent Living
P.O. Box 3574
McAlester, OK 74502
http://www.ilru.org/projects/silc-net/silc-directory-results/OK


To find out the contact information for centers for independent living (CILs) in your state, contact: National Council on Independent Living
1710 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC, 20036
http://www.ncil.org


Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
TARC
2516 East 71st St., Suite A
Tulsa, OK, 74136-5531
http://www.ddadvocacy.net


Mediation


Special Education resolution Center
Oklahoma State University
4825 S Peoria, Suite 2
Tulsa, OK, 74105
(918) 712-9632
(888) 267-0028
http://sde.ok.gov/sde/faqs/special-education-mediation


Mental Health
Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
1200 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
P .O. Box 53277, Oklahoma City, OK, 73152-3277
http://www.odmhsas.org


Mental Health Association of Central Oklahoma
2800 NW 36th Street, Suite 104
Oklahoma City, OK, 73112
http://www.okrehab.org/guide/mental-health-association-central-oklahoma-oklahoma-county


NAMI Oklahoma
3037 NW 63rd, Suite 104W
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(800) 583-1264 (in OK)
http://www.namioklahoma.org


Parent Organizations
Oklahoma Family Network
800 NE 15th Street, Suite 51
PO Box 21072 Oklahoma City, OK, 73156-1072
http://www.oklahomafamilynetwork.org


Oklahoma Family Support 360° Project Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
College of Medicine
P .O. Box 26901, ROB 342
Oklahoma City, OK, 73126-0901
http://www.ouhsc.edu/thecenter/projects/serviceand demonstrationprojects/oklahomafamilysupport360


Oklahoma Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc.
2801 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 214
Oklahoma City, OK, 73105
http://www.okpta.org


Oklahoma Parents Center
233 N. Broadway
P .O. Box 512
Holdenville, OK, 74848
http://www.oklahomaparentscenter.org


P2P at Oklahoma Family Network
800 NE 15th Street, Suite 51
PO Box 21072
Oklahoma City, OK, 73156-1072
http://www.oklahomafamilynetwork.org


Sooner SUCCESS
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
940 N.E. 13th Street, Suite 4900
Oklahoma City, OK, 73104
http://soonersuccess.ouhsc.edu


Protection & Advocacy
Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc.
2915 Classen Blvd., 300 Cameron Bldg
Oklahoma City, OK, 73106
2828 E 51 St., Suite 302
Tulsa, OK 74105
(800) 226-5883
http://www.okdlc.org/


Relay Services
(800) 522-8506 (V/TTY)
(800) 722-0353 (V/TTY); 711 (TTY)
(877) 722-3515 (Speech to Speech)


Special Education


Special Education Services Department of Education
2500 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 412
Oklahoma City, OK, 73105-4599
http://www.ok.gov/sde/


Special Format Library
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Department of Rehabilitation Services
300 N.E. 18th Street
Oklahoma City, OK, 73105
http://www.library.state.ok.us 


Special Health Care Needs
Adult and Family Services
Department of Human Services
2400 N. Lincoln Blvd
P .O. Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK, 73125
http://www.okdhs.org/Pages/default.aspx


Family Voices of Oklahoma, at Oklahoma Family Network
800 NE 15TH Street, Suite 316, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
PO Box 21072 , Oklahoma City, OK, 73156-1072
http://www.oklahomafamilynetwork.org


Speech, Language, and Hearing


Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association
3126 S. Boulevard St. #180
Edmond, OK 73013
http://www.oslha.org


State Web Site
Connect with your state’s official website to find all manner of state agencies and information, including how to contact your governor and/or your representatives in the Senate and House:
http://www.ok.gov


UCEDD
Center for Interdisciplinary Learning and Leadership
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
College of Medicine
800 N.E. 15th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-4614
P .O. Box 26901, ROB 342, Oklahoma City, OK, 73190-3042
http://www.ouhsc.edu/thecenter


Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535 N.W. 58th, Suite 500
Oklahoma City, OK, 73112
http://www.okrehab.org/job-seekers/dvr


Easter Seals Oklahoma
701 N.E. 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK, 73104
http://www.eastersealsoklahoma.org


J.D. McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities
2002 E. Robinson Street
Norman, OK, 73071
http://www.jdmc.org


Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns
2401 N.W. 23rd, Suite 90
Oklahoma City, OK, 73107
http://www.ohc.state.ok.us/

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Newborn Genetic Screenings

The Power of Newborn Genetic Screenings: How Newborn Genetic Screenings Can Change the Diagnosis

By Penelope Gatlin • 05 Oct, 2023
By Penelope Gatlin October 2023 When our son was born in 2012, he was hypotonic, severely jaundiced, had feeding difficulties and features such as epicanthic folds and small low set ears. We were told immediately that doctors had suspicions of a genetic syndrome. At that time, genetic testing was limited and once abnormal karyotype, Trisomy 21, and Fragile X were ruled out, we left the hospital with an 8 day old and no diagnosis. While no testing was available at that time to identify the ultra-rare syndrome my child had, because it wouldn’t even be identified until 4 years later, I can only imagine the difference it would have made to our journey to have such an answer sooner. Instead, we were unprepared and actually unaware that just because a diagnosis hadn’t been made then that it didn’t mean there wasn’t in fact a rare disease present. Instead, we dealt with issues as they came and worried and wondered what would be next. From feeding issues and reflux and constipation, to low muscle tone and delayed walking, to speech delay, social and emotional delays, toileting delays, diagnoses of developmental delay, anxiety, situational mutism, sensory processing disorder, and autism, until finally genetic testing that revealed the diagnosis that we’d waited 7 years to find out. While receiving a diagnosis can seem scary, not having an answer but knowing there must be one is even more so. In 2019, the day I clicked onto the portal to see the test results, the largest word on the page was POSITIVE. My heart stopped for a second. For the first time, I read the words “Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Disorder.” A roller coaster of emotions ensued, including sadness that we hadn’t known this from birth because it would have made us as parents more prepared, and given us more understanding about what might arise next. Relief that we had an answer, grateful that this syndrome had been identified and that he was among one of the first hundred diagnosed with it in the world, and glad we had the privilege to have access to the testing. Excitement that we can participate in future research. Fright that there’s so much we don’t know about OCNDS, and happiness that there is something that we do. A feeling that we are no longer shooting in the dark and have a small but supportive community to rely on and learn from. I am hopeful that one day, all newborns with features like my child will be tested at birth, so parents can have access to the answers, support, and interventions and therapies that can best help their child as soon as possible.
Autism Diagnosis

Why I Should Have Gotten the Autism Diagnosis for My Child Early On (or Why I Did Not)

By Terri Jordan • 23 Aug, 2023
For 16 years, my child displayed numerous symptoms that left us searching for answers, but a genetic diagnosis remained elusive. I considered having my child evaluated for autism to shed light on their situation. However, when I reached out to teachers, doctors, and therapists, I received frustrating responses: “Your child is too friendly to be autistic.” This statement made me doubt the possibility of autism because my child was sociable. “Your child can transition from one activity to another – they are not autistic.” Hearing this, I questioned whether my child’s ability to shift activities invalidated the need for an autism evaluation. “Your child can look me in the eye and answer questions – they are not autistic.” Observations like this made me second-guess the idea of autism, even though my child faced various challenges. “Getting a diagnosis that does not apply to your child would be a big waste of money.” Despite my persistent concerns, this cautionary advice about the evaluation costs left me hesitant. We finally pursued an evaluation when my son turned 20, and it confirmed that he is indeed on the autism spectrum (severe side). Looking back, I regret not taking this step sooner. I should have pursued the autism diagnosis before we received the genetic diagnosis. There are several benefits we could have gained as a family if we had pursued an early diagnosis: “Early Support Is Crucial:” I now realize that early intervention could profoundly impact my child’s development. We could have accessed the right services and therapies much earlier with a diagnosis. “Understanding My Child Better:” I struggled to comprehend my child’s behaviors and communication difficulties. An earlier diagnosis could have provided insights into their unique needs and thought processes. The education could also help me explain how to react to my child’s behavior to family members. “Tailored Guidance and Resources:” A diagnosis could have opened doors to specialized resources and guidance, enabling me to provide the best possible support for my child. “Connecting with Others:” Being part of the autism community might have connected us with other parents who understand our experiences. Sharing and learning from each other could have been invaluable. “Planning for the Future:” Knowing more about my child’s strengths and challenges could have helped me better plan their future, including education, career, and overall well-being. Depending on your location, many states offer funding and support if your child has an autism diagnosis. I wish I listened to my voice instead of being swayed by experts who didn’t fully understand my child’s situation. Ultimately, I know this decision is significant, requiring careful consideration by parents. Looking back, I wish I had trusted my instincts and sought an evaluation sooner to improve my child’s life.
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