Picture of various people with arms in air waving. Happy smiling. One young man in front in a wheel chair. Oklahoma Pledge Office of Disability Concerns Spring 2014 March, 2014 PPicture showing P T S D over the common symptoms of PTSD. TSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing of a life- threatening event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents and personal attacks such as a rape. In the last few years, however, PTSD diagnoses are appearing with increasing regularity in employment lawsuits. Even in those cases that involve a traumatic event such as a personal assault, however, relevant data indicates that PTSD is not an inevitable outcome, and that only a relatively small proportion of individuals exposed to such an event will actually develop PTSD symptomatology. From the medical perspective, PTSD has an estimated prevalence of 1 to 9 percent in the general population, with somewhat higher rates in women of 12 to 14 percent. 1. This occurs despite observations that well over half of all Americans (60.7 percent of men and 51.2 percent of women) report having been exposed to at least one significantly traumatic event in their lives. 2. The likelihood of developing PTSD is far greater, however, for women who experience a sexual assault such as a rape or an attempted rape. 3. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 11 percent of veterans returning from Afghanistan suffer from PTSD while this is true for 20 percent of veterans returning from Iraq. 4. Even 7 percent to 8 percent of civilians are estimated to develop PTSD at some point in their lives. With so many people possibly inflicted with PTSD, it can hurt productivity, especially when considering the syndromeÕs symptoms. Common PTSD symptoms include detachment from others, insomnia, anger outbursts and guilt. These symptoms typically make it more difficult to work with others and can cause cognitive problems, such as lack of concentration and memory issues, leading to poor productivity. Crowds and other environmental stimuli, such as auditory stimuli, can trigger flashbacks and other troubling symptoms. If you have an employee with PTSD who wants to be isolated and stay away from those environmental stimuli, he or she might call in sick more often, so now you have productivity problems because theyÕre not at work. To help employees deal with PTSD and improve productivity, an employer should create a flexible, caring environment. For example, if an employee needs time during the day to see a psychologist, the manager should be flexible with that employeeÕs schedule. In other cases, a supervisor should consider allowing that employee to work remotely or even on a part-time basis to help deal with the stress. Not one accommodation works for every worker suffering from PTSD, and a manager should be open to determining the best solution for that particular employee. It takes a lot of courage to talk to HR or a supervisor and admit to having symptoms of PTSD. The best solution is having that manager or the HR person being very sensitive and confidential about that information and willing to ask what can be done to accommodate that employeeÕs health in order to stay at work. Each case is will be different. An employer should keep in mind that as part of the Americans With Disabilities Act, an employee is not mandated to reveal a diagnosis of PTSD, but he or she must notify the employer of PTSD if accommodations are required in order to perform essential job duties. Once that employee notifies the employer he or she has PTSD, the employer can ask that employee undergo a medical examination if it is necessary for the job. This typically happens once the employee with PTSD experiences an incident that could place doubt on his or her ability to safely return to work. Promising PTSD accommodations: 1. Flexible work schedules and/or job sharing with another employee 2. Schedule-reminders (telephone, pagers, alarm clocks) 3. Scheduled rest breaks to prevent stimulus overload and fatigue 4. Work task checklists, clipboards and tape recorders as memory aids 5. Stop watches or timers for time management 6. Job coaches who make frequent, scheduled site visits 7. White noise or environmental sound machines (to help eliminate distractions) 8. Mentoring by a co-worker or retired worker 9. Providing encouragement, moral support and a listening ear 10. Understanding that PTSD and symptoms of any psychological condition may ebb and flow, and that the person may experience good days and more challenging days 11. Support for pursuing treatment and assistance, even during work hours. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Logo for Able Tech. Able Tech over a map of Oklahoma. LiLogo for Oklahoma State University Department of Welness ve Well Assistive tech aid available Linda Jaco Do you, or someone you know, need to purchase assistive technology or medical equipment because of an injury or newly acquired medical condition? Oklahoma ABLE Tech is reaching out to Oklahomans with a disability to inform them of a special federally funded program called the Alternative Financing Program. The program provides low-interest bank loans to purchase needed assistive technology or other medical equipment and adapted vehicles or home modifications. ÒThe program offers a unique opportunity for individuals who otherwise may not be able to afford the technology or equipment they need,Ó said Shelley Gladden, Oklahoma ABLE Tech Loan Coordinator. Oklahoma ABLE Tech, in partnership with the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation and BancFirst of Stillwater, has assisted more than 100 Oklahoma residents with the purchase of needed AT totaling more than $460,000 this past year. ÒMost of these individuals would not have qualified for a bank loan due to previous bankruptcy, lack of collateral, or poor income-to-debt ratio; but with OkATÕs guaranty and assistance, they were able to purchase needed AT, with affordable monthly payments, and maintain greater independence in their community,Ó said Gladden. One Oklahoman, whom the program assisted, is a resident with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After being diagnosed with ALS, he soon realized his need for specialized AT which caused a financial burden for him and his family. Through the program, he was able to apply for and finance a wheelchair accessible van. The purchase of the vehicle has helped him to live and work more independently. ÒNothing in life prepares a person for suddenly dealing with a newly acquired disease that requires specialized equipment, and for the cost of each piece,Ó he said. ÒThe purchase of the van allows me greater freedom of movement as well as the ability to continue to work and travel with my family.Ó Others, who have benefited from this valuable program, have purchased hearing aids, vision equipment or modified a bathroom to make it more accessible to a wheelchair user. The program is available to all Oklahoma residents with a disability or those that care for a dependent with a disability, who meet the qualifying terms and repayment obligations. For more information, contact Shelley Gladden with Oklahoma ABLE Tech at 405-744- 4254 or visit www.okabletech.okstate. edu. Linda Jaco is director of sponsored programs for the Oklahoma State University Department of Wellness. See more at: http://www.stwnewspress. com/local-columnists/x1984788973/ Live-Well-03-16-14#sthash.SbJka4se. dpuf AbleTech OSU - Department of Wellness Logo for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority Oklahoma Health Care Authority Ð SoonerRide Program SoonerCare medical appointments are usually scheduled weeks or sometimes months out with time to figure our transportation woes. SoonerRide is a free non- emergency transportation program that can help you. Simply contact SoonerRide by calling toll-free 877-404-4500 and TDD 800- 722-0353. You must call three business days in advance to ensure availability and reservations. SoonerRide Reservation hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For additional Sooner Ride information, and other Oklahoma Health Care Authority programs, please visit: https://www.okhca.org/individuals. aspx?id=94&menu Technology News New and Exciting Things for the Disability Community If you have a disability or injury you may use Colorful icture of a smart hone with a cloud of "APPS" above it. a number of assistive devices or rehabilitation equipment to aid you in and around. Assistive devices are tools, products or types of equipment that help you perform tasks and activities if you have a disability, injury or are a senior. Assistive devices may help you move around, see, communicate, eat, or get dressed/ undressed. Assistive devices for mobility/ambulation can also be referred to as ambulatory aids. Ambulatory aids (eg, canes, crutches, walkers) are used to provide an extension of the upper extremities to help transmit body weight and provide support for the user. Assistive devices can help you improve your quality of life and maintain your sense of independence. Well designed high quality assistive devices, or daily living aids, that support independent living for the handicapped and disabled, seniors, or those with a medical condition or injury should make life easier and safer for the aged and disabled. AT promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish such tasks. An assistive device could be a wheelchair, reacher, or a disability product that allows you to use a computer. If you experience difficulties performing certain tasks itÕs possible that an assistive device can help you overcome your problems. Other Disability Aids Include: ¥ Advanced technology walking products to aid people with disabilities, such as paraplegia or cerebral palsy, who would not at all able to walk or stand. ¥ Standing products to support people with disabilities in the standing position while maintaining/improving their health. ¥ Seating products that assist people to sit comfortably and safely. ¥ Walking products to aid people with disabilities who are able to walk or stand with assistance. ¥ Wheeled mobility products that enable people with reduced mobility to move freely indoors and outdoors. ¥ Certain devices, such as eyeglasses and hearing aids obviously require an expertÕs assessment, but many assistive devices for the enhancement of daily life such as wheelchairs, walkers, bath seats and grab bars are easily obtainable in general and specialty stores including online disability product websites. You will also find pharmacy personnel are usually quite happy to provide information on a variety of other assistive products like magnifying glasses, bath seats, joint support bandages, pill organizers, canes, etc. While specialty computer stores often carry items like screen reading software that include screen enlargement features for persons with vision impairments. Voice recognition systems, modified keyboards and computer mice are also available for people with mobility and dexterity limitations. When selecting assistive technology products for computers, it is crucial to find the right products that are compatible with the computer operating system and programs on the particular computer you will be using. This is a very exciting time for new developments in assistive technology. Not only are existing AT programs regularly updated, but new and previously unseen technology is on-route to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. With the advent of e-book and tablets, there could be another wave of new methods for people with learning disabilities and other conditions to access e-books and books. While not all of the devices have text-to-speech capability, some of them do, and if it proves useful, other producers of e-book readers will probably follow suit and adopt that utility in the near future. Current estimates, more than 4,000 assistive technologies have been designed for the disabled and seniors. These devices include everything from wheelchairs to a wide assortment of high-tech tools and many companies today are turning their research and development to assistive technologies. If you think you could benefit from using an assistive device, start by consulting a health care professional, such as your doctor, pharmacist, or an occupational therapist. Find out what is available to suit your needs. You can also obtain information about assistive devices from catalogs and seniorsÕ magazines. DonÕt let your disability or sensory loss infringe on your lifestyle, especially when tools and devices exist to help you overcome these obstacles. My Ride Statewide logo. with a Oklahoma Map. Executive Order 13330 signed by President Bush on February 24, 2004, established the new Inter-agency Transportation Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility, chaired by the Secretary of Transportation, Norman Y. Mineta. An outgrowth of this was United We Ride. The GovernorÕs Oklahoma United We Ride Council was created by Executive Order 2006- 20 by Governor Brad Henry. The Council was continued in Executive Order 2008-31; Bylaws were adopted on November 20, 2008. The Council was continued in Executive Order 2011- 10 by Governor Mary Fallin. In fulfilling its purpose, the Council initiated a strategic planning process that sought to identify priorities and develop processes to identify needs and potential solutions for increased effectiveness of transportation coordination. Council members have been actively involved in regular meetings, transportation conferences, and seminars throughout the state, region, and nation, relaying current program status and information regarding OklahomaÕs community transportation coordination. The Council has now revised its strategic plan and developed a Marketing and Outreach Plan for implementing that plan. Initial funding for Oklahoma United We Ride was provided by the United States Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Subsequent program funding was provided through an Inter-agency Agreement between the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), and Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services is the lead agency on coordinating the activities of the Council. Vision Statement - Create an Oklahoma transportation system that supports/meets the needs of all Oklahoma citizens including older adults, people with disabilities and low income individuals. Mission Statement - UWR will Partner in the development, outreach, and marketing of the Oklahoma Mobility Management Network with the understanding that public awareness of existing transportation services has the potential to help Oklahomans meet their transportation needs. Check them out at http://www.ok.gov/unitedweride/ CAP sign showing the Cleinet Assistace Program saying "CAP works with you to communicate with State VR, Higher Ed, Tribal VR and Independent Living Client Assistance Program CAP IÕm William with the Client Assistance Program. Need some information about going to work in the job of your choice? Contact CAP (client assistance program), and weÕll talk to you about what you want to do and how you can get the supports you need to do it. Are you a client of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, an independent living center, or a student in secondary or higher education? We can talk to you about your concerns and advocate for your needs. Call 405-521-3756 and follow the prompts. IÕm a fingertip away. A humorous picture of cowboy in a convertible with a steer in the passenger side. Travel the US without leaving Oklahoma! Our towns & far away places: Cleveland, Oklahoma Town site owner Willis H. Herbert lost out to the president of the United States shortly after Pawnee CountyÕs largest town was platted with the opening of the Cherokee Outlet in 1893. Orlando, Oklahoma This small town began with the Oklahoma land rush of April 22, 1889 and boasted a somewhat restless population of 60,000 people. Now a small town of less than 200, thereÕs not a single cartoon mouse in sight. Miami, Oklahoma Named for a small Indian tribe living on the site in the nineteenth century, this town began in 1891. ThereÕs not any oceanfront property here, but residents are still proud of their town. Pittsburgh, Oklahoma While this town never manufactured automobiles, it is known as a one-time coal mining center. First developed in 1903 as Edwards, for coal operator J. R. Edwards, it changed its name to Pittsburgh after the county name. Chattanooga, Oklahoma Now a dwindling farming community, the town began in 1903 on a now-abandoned branch line of the Rock Island railroad. It was presumably named to honor the Tennessee city of that same name. Peoria, Oklahoma Now an almost deserted settlement that commemorates another of the small Indian tribes settled in the extreme northeast corner of Indian Territory. The Peoria word means Òcarrying a pack on his back.Ó Burbank, Oklahoma Once a booming oil city, the small town began in 1903 as an Osage settlement. The town took itÕs name from the profusion of cockle burs in the area. Fargo, Oklahoma Another small farming community, Fargo was established in 1893 as Whitehead. Since that time, Fargo has changed names several times, becoming Oketa in 1901, and finally to Fargo in 1905. The townÕs name is presumably named for the famed western express company, Wells Fargo. Folds of Honor Foundation 2014 - 15 Scholarships The Folds of Honor Foundation is an Oklahoma based unique, and committed organization aiding military families during difficult times. In 2007 the foundation opened its doors assisting families affected by loss of a loved one. Currently (FOHF) is now accepting 2014 Ð 2015 Scholarship applications. All scholarship participants must meet eligibility requirements such as be the spouse, a dependent of any service member killed, or service connected disability (at least-10%). There are three scholarship programs, and all scholarship-document information is due by Wednesday, April 30, 2014. To apply or learn more, please visit: https:// scholarships.foldsofhonor.org/ Free Newspapers Ð National Federation of the Blind News is happening all around us, so be informed and be connected to The National Federation of the Blind NFB- Newsline (Voice of the NationÕs Blind). NFB provides FREE Newspaper service for those with vision impairments. For more information, please visit: https://nfb. org/audio-newspaper-service. NFB is 74 years strong helping people nationwide achieve independence. To become a member, please visit: https://nfb.org/how- join What Every Parent Needs to Know about Special Education Parents and school administratorsÕ agree all children deserve a quality education. The Individuals Disabilities Education Act of 1975 (IDEA) is a Special Education Law designed to assist each child with disabilities in public schools. The National Center for Learning Disabilities, Laura Kalboi, policy advisor at the (NCLD) discuss how to request an evaluation, please visit: http://www.ncld.org/parents- child-disabilities/ld-testing To learn more about Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, and other topics please visit (NCLD) http://www. ncld.org/students-disabilities/iep-504- plan The Oklahoma State Department of Education Special Education Instruction page offers a wide range information for parents and teachers, please visit: http://www.ok.gov/sde/special-education ParentsÕ you are your childÕs voice and best advocate. Tips to make your next event accessible to all: 1. Ramps and lifts - Make sure your event is held in a location that has wheelchair access Ð preferably through the same door as everyone else. Sketchy back entrances barely count as accessible. 2. Accessible transportation - If you are offering transportation to and from your event, make sure that it is accessible and safe. 3. Getting in the door doesnÕt mean the job is done - Hallways need to be wide enough for wheelchair users to pass through Ð and keep in mind that once a lot of people are in the hallway, itÕs going to be harder, so plan accordingly. Rooms need to be spacious enough for wheelchair users and those with other mobility aids to maneuver easily. 4. Designate a quiet room - Many conferences have a designated ÒQuiet RoomÓ where people who are feeling overwhelmed can go calm down. 5. Have materials available in a variety of formats - Have your materials available in Braille, audio and digital versions to cover all your bases and have attendees choose which type of material theyÕd prefer. In addition, be sure that all your signage is in Braille as well as print. 6. Ban flash photography and strobe lights - Flash photography and strobe lights can trigger seizures and migraines. 7. Make your event fragrance free - People with certain types of sensory impairments are extremely sensitive to smells. 8. Have a variety of food options available - Some people are picky eaters or others have conditions like diabetes and Celiac Disease that make eating certain foods impossible. Some people have sensory issues that prevent them from eating foods with certain textures. Whatever the reason, make sure your menu has an array of options for everyone. This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are always things to be done to improve accessibility. But if you start with these tips, youÕre ahead of the game. AND more enjoyable and memorable to those that attend! Office of Disability Concerns FaceBook page. Shows colored cogs of Career, Work Business, Life Family and Health with the Logo of the Office of Disability Concerns in the center. Visit us on Facebook! Office of Disability Concerns We post frequently articles that may effect the community. And donÕt forget to friend us! Community Inclusion Picture of a straight country road in Oklahoma. Blue Sky with white clouds. Red building in the distance. Success in your Goals Doug MacMillan Our community defines our friends, our dreams and how we go about life. Life has many layers with complex relationships both internal and external. Our social network extends in many diverse directions and can at define who we are. We all measure success differently and with degrees of importance. Our success does have some basic similar characteristics. These characteristics are how we interact within our community. The community is much bigger than we can sometimes imagine. It bigger than our house or where we live, bigger than the town and even bigger than where we may work, want to work. Inclusion is a term used by people with disabilities and other disability rights advocates for the idea that all people should freely, openly and without pity accommodate any person with a disability without restrictions or limitations of any kind. Although disability rights have historically existed as a relatively cohesive movement, the movement centered around inclusion has only recently begun to take shape and to position itself in the eyes of our community. The ADA has taken our community a long way. The law requires reduction and elimination of barriers that may keep us from growing in our community and the interactions that define your social network. But a key component of the growth of your community is you. The keys to success in our community are simple and straightforward. They apply to family, friends and work, our community. They are worth considering and self- reflection. 1. Self-restraint -- the ability to allow time to evaluate a situation before speaking or acting on it. 2. Working memory -- the ability to hold information in memory while performing complex tasks. 3. Emotion control -- the ability to manage emotions in order to direct behavior and achieve goals. 4. Focus -- the capacity to maintain attention to a situation in spite of distractions. 5. Task initiation -- the ability to begin projects in a timely manner. 6. Planning/prioritization -- the capacity to develop a road map to reach a goal, knowing which are the most important signposts along the way. 7. Organization -- the ability to arrange materials or tasks according to a system. 8. Time-management -- the capacity to estimate the time required for a task, allocate it effectively and meet deadlines. 9. Defining and achieving goals -- the ability to set a goal and follow through, despite competing interests. 10. Flexibility -- the ability to revise plans due to setbacks or new information. 11. Observation -- the capacity to stand back and take a birds-eye view of yourself in a situation and make changes in your approach to problem- solving. 12. Stress tolerance -- the ability to thrive under fire and in the face of uncertainty. As a person with a disability you may be thinking, ÒI canÕt do that!Ó. But consider in your self-reflection that a weakness in one maybe overshadowed by your mastery of another. Or a perceived inability in one just takes practice and patience to master. Or another requires you to have a system to accommodate that success key. A good example is that you may struggle remembering things. Perhaps a simple notebook to write things done and the development of a habit to not only writes them down, but also looks to reread them when needed. When we carefully read these success factors, we can see that they will help us in what ever we are doing in the community. Each is valuable, important and will help. You are the important part in the community. Inclusiveness begins with you to enable you to achieve your dreams and plans. Black and white picture of a bridge in Rogers County off of old 88 crossing the Vertigris river. Named "Crybaby Bridge" by the locals. Classic 1930 construction, a historical site since its replacement with a new concrte bridge. 2401 NW 23rd St Suite 90 Oklahoma City, OK 73107