Oklahoma

The data below provides a snapshot of the state’s population of people with I/DD and older Americans, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waitlists, and the collective impact of the BADN collaboration.

Oklahoma’s State Alliance Team (OK-SAT) is focused on embedding the principles of empowerment throughout the lifespan. Our commitment is to actively ensure that every Oklahoman, particularly those with developmental disabilities and their families, genuinely has their voice heard and respected. This includes a concerted effort to educate our communities on the full spectrum of options beyond traditional guardianship, fostering independence.

Oklahoma’s SAT goals include:

• Reviewed and suggested changes to the Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) individual plan (IP) to include more futures and goal planning, along with tips and links for more information. These changes are approved and are being integrated into the IP. 
• Creation of an informational website called Continuum of Decision Making: Alternatives to Guardianship. This website provides information and resources about alternatives to guardianship:  https://okcares.org/guardianship/
• Begin discussions about potential legislation to improve a petitioner’s knowledge of the alternatives before guardianship and the continuum of decision-making before they petition for guardianship is sought. 
• Development of a self-paced online learning module that informs on the continuum of decision-making.
• The SAT team currently includes family members, persons with developmental disabilities, service professionals, and tribal populations.

“As the Director of Legal Empowerment for the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation, it is my duty and honor to empower Oklahomans, especially those who are vulnerable and overlooked, to meaningfully participate in the civil justice system. It is integral that this community-individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their caregivers, and loved ones, are aware that they can curate a legal plan tailored to the strengths and limitations of the aging individual without stripping them of all legal rights with a general guardianship. It is also imperative that they are informed of their legal rights and options in plain language and have timely, verified, and vetted resources readily available. It has been a highlight of the past year to enthusiastically participate in this collective of dedicated and impressive organizations, agencies, and families.”

– Tiffani Armendariz, Director of Legal Empowerment, Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation

“This partnership is a critical lifeline, making aging with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oklahoma easier to navigate. Together, we are enhancing access to services across the lifespan for individuals and their dedicated caregivers.”

– Talena M. Ford, Community Engagement & Coalitions, Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services, OKDHS

“Oklahoma’s dedication to the Bridging Aging and DD Networks grant is a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusive communities for families across the lifespan. This work has been possible through the exceptional team collaboration we’ve developed. Our diverse group of agencies and passionate individuals has truly come together, breaking down silos and building a cohesive front. By strengthening the ties within our aging and disability networks, we are building a more seamless and supportive system for all Oklahomans, ensuring every individual can age with dignity and access the resources they need.”

– Jenifer Randle, Executive Director, Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma

Miranda Hutchison

Programs Administrator

Developmental Disabilities Services (OKDHS)

Jenifer Randle

Executive Director

Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma

Tiffani Armendariz

Director of Legal Empowerment

Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation

 

Mat Bisbee

Indian Health Services

 

Dee Blose

Family Member

 

Wanda Felty

Assistant Director

Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD

 

Jennifer Jones

Director

Center for Developmental Disabilities, Oklahoma State University

 

Aaliyah Mobley

Child Welfare Specialist

Child Welfare, OKDHS

 

Jarvis Rolfe

Person with Lived Experience

 

Marshell SourJohn

AARP