Wednesday, March 5th- Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2008

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2008 is Wednesday, March 5th, 10 a.m.State Capitol, south steps N.E. 23rd St., Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City. Join people from around the state for a rally on the south steps of the State Capitol to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Oklahoma.

This is the day that people with developmental disabilities, families, advocates, professionals and providers join together to make their voices heard. It’s a great showing of strength and unity and a time to meet with your legislators about the issues that are important to you. The day begins with speeches and a rally on the south steps at 10 a.m. Then you’re off to visit with your legislators. It’s a good idea to call your legislators now and encourage them to attend this event or schedule an appointment to visit with them sometime during that day. If you do not know who your legislators are, call your local county election board or visit http://lsb.state.ok.us/ and choose "Find Your Legislator".

Accessible parking is located at the base of the south steps of the capitol. Public parking includes the south lot of the capitol, a parking lot east of the capitol (across Lincoln Blvd. at 23rd St. and Phillips Ave) and at the neighboring Jim Thorpe Building. For more information on this event, call the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division at (405) 521-3571.

Special security precautions to be observed: Please be aware that our state capitol may be placed at an increased level of security at any time. When entering the capitol building, you will be required to pass through a metal detector and run all purses and other bags through an x-ray scanner. You may also be asked to show a government issued photo I.D. For people who do not have a photo I.D., the I.D. of the group leader or personal assistant will suffice. Picket signs are allowed outside the capitol building but cannot be brought inside.

Supporters and participants in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day are: The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division, The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment, Oklahoma Community-Based Providers Association, Oklahoma Network of Community Options and Resources, Oklahoma People First, TARC, and the Tulsa Community Services Council Alliance on Disabilities.