Office of Disability Concerns
Oklahoma Pledge Quarterly Newsletter
Greetings from Valencia Stiggers, the New Oklahoma Pledge Newsletter Editor, and the New Disability Program Specialist.
I’m honored to join the Office of Disability Concerns (ODC) and look forward to continue assisting Oklahomans. Prior to (ODC) I was previously employed with several state agencies’ in various capacities. I’ve always had a desire to help others regardless of the problem or situation. In 2007 I was one of (17) statewide Disability Program Navigators. My days were busy promoting disability awareness in communities, attending conferences, phone webinars, workshops, seminars, job fairs, and meeting people with disabilities seeking employment, housing, trainings, or many other much needed services.
Each day long after my duties ended I found myself thinking of those whom I helped, and being thankful I was able to help them achieve successful outcomes. Therefore, it is my pledge to keep you informed and provide current disability News, Health & Wellness, State and Federal Education updates, Housing, Employment, Americans with Disability Act information, Veterans Affairs, Financial Resources, Social Services Resources, and Center Stage Corner personal interviews in each issue.
As the editor of the Oklahoma Pledge Quarterly Newsletter I extend an open door policy to all. Please feel free to contact me anytime Toll Free: (800)-522-8224, Fax: (405)-522-6695, or by email: valencia.stiggers@odc.ok.gov to share newsworthy information.
May our friendship last a life time and Thank You for your Support!
Valencia Stiggers -V
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Recently the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs selected five new members to a two year term to the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (ACWV). The committee’s purpose is to review and recommend changes that affect women veterans services, programs, administrative, and legislation, to advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Honorable Eric K. Shenseki. The committee was created in November 1983. Women joining the military are excepted to increase by record numbers.
Thanks to all Veterans and their families for sharing your loved ones with us past or present, and to those currently serving in the military defending AMERICA Thank You.
Choice Magazine Listening
With just a few simple steps you can begin enjoying a good book or a favorite magazine of your choice using a digital talking-book player (audio recordings). (CML) is a non-profit organization created by
LuEsther T. Mertz in 1962, and collaboration with The National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress provides free digital talking-book players. Offering people with impaired disabilities or physical disabilities an opportunity to magazines and journals as able body people. To sign-up for a free subscription go to ww.choicemagazinelistening.org, and download an application for the digital talking-book player.
All applicants must be at least 18 years old, and must be signed by a certifying agent for his/her disability. Please mail completed applications to Oklahoma Library for the Blind, Physically Handicapped, 300 N.E. 18th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73105. (CML) proudly serving communities for 51 years (1962—2013) with over 100 selections to choose from. Happy Listening!
U.S. Department of Education Announces New App to Identify Currency
Counting money just got easier thanks to U. S. Department of Education and U. S. Treasury implementing the new “IDEAL Currency Identifier”; which is a free downloadable application to assist blind or visually impaired individuals with U.S. denomination available on various mobile devices. The IDEAL Currency Identifier works using an advanced image recognition technology to read a note and, in seconds it gives an audible response of U.S. denomination.
The IDEAL Currency Identifier was created by three companies and with a grant provided by the Department of Education’s National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) an integral part of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. To learn more visit www.moneyfactory.gov/ Press Release dated October 9, 2012
Spread the word The Oklahoma Development Disabilities Council is sponsoring “Youth Leadership Forum June 11-15, 2013”. Open to high school juniors and seniors with a disability that displays leadership qualities in their community may apply. (YLF) participants will take part in various discussion on leadership topics such as advocacy, goals, disability awareness, volunteering, group activities, meet legislators, and a host of other inspiring dialogue. If interested in participating in this grand event, please download an application www.okddc.ok.gov/about ylf.html, mail to (ODDC) Attn: YLF, 2401 N.W. 23rd St., Suite: 74, OKC, OK 73107
Healthy Hints
Happy New Year ! Happy New Year ! Happy New Year!
It’s that time again another New Year! - January 2013 when most people re-evaluate and make New Year resolutions to improve health, nutrition, lifestyles, join fitness programs, change careers or build better relationships. According to the National Institutes of Health “a new study states that people who exercise just a little may have health benefits adding years to their life for more information go to www.nih.gov/researchmatters/december2012/12032012exercise.htm. Other health topics and links maybe available for viewing.
Fun Fact: Who invented the electric wheelchair? George Kline gets the credit, who worked for the National Research Council of Canada. He wanted to help the World War II injured Veterans
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC)
MedPac is looking out for many Americans who receives Medicare health benefits and services. MedPAC is an independent Congressional agency created by the Balanced Budge Act of 1997 composed of (17) members from various backgrounds. They are appointed to serve three years and can be renewed by the Comptroller General. Their primary purpose is to inform the United States Congress on system problems and concerns to address the Medicare program.
MedPAC members review access to care, quality of care provided, payments to Medicare participating vendors, and work with congressional staff members, health care researchers, health care providers, and beneficiary advocates.
Metro Fair Housing Council of Oklahoma, Inc.
May 2012 The Metropolitan Fair Housing Council of Oklahoma, Inc. received a Fair Housing Initiative Program Grant totaling $324,800 from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. (HUD’s) efforts will help Oklahoma statewide address housing discriminations, ensure Fair Housing Act compliance, renter rights, foreclosure prevention, and loss mitigation. 99 fair housing facilities in 35 states received grants. To learn more visit www.metrofairhousing.org
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
January 15-16 Okla. Employees Credit Union Agency Appreciation Days at the New Capital Location 3001 N. Lincoln Blvd., Okla. City, OK For more information, please call (405) 602-6328
January 18 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group– Caring Families MRCC Edmond, and each Friday in 2013; at Memorial Road Church of Christ, 2221 E. Memorial Rd, Edmond, OK 73013– Room A120. Time 6:30p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For more calendar of events visit www.ok.gov/odc
OFFICE OF DISABILITY CONCERNS
2401 NW 23rd Ste 90
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-2423
Phone: 405-521-3756
Toll Free 800-522-8224
Fax: 405-522-6695
E-mail:valencia.stiggers@odc.ok.gov valencia.stiggers@odc.ok.gov
SPECIAL POINTS OF
INTEREST:
• ODC New Editor
• The First Regular 54th Okla. Legislature Session will reconvene Feb.04, 13 at Noon.
• Formerly -United Cerebral Palsy Association Oklahoma is now Ability Connection Oklahoma.
2012-2013 Survival Kit for Seniors are now available at the Areawide Aging Agency , please call (405)-943-4344 for more information
"Keeping You Informed Is Our Pledge"
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