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# Disability Rights Oklahoma, Inc. (DROK)

Formerly Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC).  Same services. New name.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://drok.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Updates](https://drok.org/updates/) - Updates from Disability Rights Oklahoma
- [Important Dates For Oklahoma's June 16th Election](https://drok.org/important-dates-for-oklahomas-june-16th-election/) - Oklahoma's Next Election Primary Election and Special Elections Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Polls Open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Important Deadlines: Register to Vote - May 22 Request an Absentee Ballot - June 1 EARLY VOTING IS JUNE 11 - 13! You can register, verify your registration status, or see your sample ballot using the Oklahoma
- [Spring Training Series Announced](https://drok.org/spring-training-series-annonced/) - Join the Center for Learning and Leadership and Disability Rights Oklahoma For our 2026 Spring Learning Series On Home and Community Based Waiver Services: April 08 - Basics of Waiver Services in Oklahoma Noon - https://bit.ly/3P1vw2K 6:00 PM - https://bit.ly/4nknyhP April 15 - Using LifeCourse Tools to Plan for Waiver Services Noon - https://bit.ly/4lszqwB April
- [We Want to Hear from YOU!](https://drok.org/we-want-to-hear-from-you/) - Each year DROK’s board of directors adopts priorities and objectives for its programs. If you would like to provide public comment on what the board should consider for priorities and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year, please complete our Request for Public Comment Survey.
- [ODLC Is Becoming Disability Rights Oklahoma](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-is-becoming-disability-rights-oklahoma/) - We are pleased to announce that Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC) is becoming Disability Rights Oklahoma (DROK). Our new name better reflects the work we do every day: protecting the rights of people with disabilities in Oklahoma. It also aligns us with Protection and Advocacy organizations across the country, many of which already use the
- [DOJ Finds State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma City Police Violated Civil Rights of People with Behavioral Health Disabilities](https://drok.org/doj-finds-state-of-oklahoma-oklahoma-city-and-oklahoma-city-police-violated-civil-rights-of-people-with-behavioral-health-disabilities/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DOJ Finds State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma City Police Violated Civil Rights of People with Behavioral Health Disabilities [Oklahoma City, OK] – January 6, 2025: The Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC) welcomes the findings issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) following its investigation into the treatment of individuals
- [Historic Settlement Reached in Briggs v. Friesen: A Victory for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness in the Oklahoma Justice System](https://drok.org/historic-settlement-reached-in-briggs-v-friesen-a-victory-for-individuals-with-serious-mental-illness-in-the-oklahoma-justice-system/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 15, 2024 Historic Settlement Reached in Briggs v. Friesen: A Victory for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness in the Oklahoma Justice System [Oklahoma City, Oklahoma] – The Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) is proud to announce a historic settlement in the class action lawsuit Briggs v. Friesen, a case that
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. requests Governor Stitt immediately ensure all future COVID-19 press briefings are accessible for nearly 395,700 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Oklahomans](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-inc-requests-governor-stitt-immediately-ensure-all-future-covid-19-press-briefings-are-accessible-for-nearly-395700-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-oklahomans/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2020 PRESS CONTACT: Brian Wilkerson, Director of Litigation and Legal Services 918-347-5146 brian@drok.org Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. requests Governor Stitt immediately ensure all future COVID-19 press briefings are accessible for nearly 395,700 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Oklahomans Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) is requesting Governor Stitt and
- [With Oklahoma experiencing freezing temperatures we want to remind everyone that Service Animals are allowed in Shelters.](https://drok.org/with-oklahoma-experiencing-freezing-temperatures-we-want-to-remind-everyone-that-service-animals-are-allowed-in-shelters/) - Warming stations are set up in Tulsa and Oklahoma City: Tulsa- John 3:16 Mission 506 N. Cheyenne Ave Salvation Army Center of Hope 102 N Denver Ave Tulsa Day Center, 415 W. Archer Street Denver Avenue Bus Station 319 S Denver Ave. Oklahoma City- Homeless Alliance Day Shelter 1729 N.W. 3rd St. City Rescue Mission
- [ACL funded Link Center Announces Shared Learning Groups](https://drok.org/acl-funded-link-center-announces-shared-learning-groups/) - Join Shared Learning Groups on Supports for Trauma for People With Cognitive Disabilities and Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions January 23 & 24, 2024 The ACL-funded Link Center invites you to participate in its quarterly Shared Learning Group virtual gathering series. January’s webinars are focused on the topic of supports for trauma. These groups are an opportunity to
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center Launches Investigation into Allegations of Horrendous Abuse at the Robert M. Greer Center.](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-launches-investigation-into-allegations-of-horrendous-abuse-at-the-robert-m-greer-center/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT RoseAnn Duplan, 405-409-5781 roseann@drok.org Oklahoma Disability Law Center Launches Investigation into Allegations of Horrendous Abuse at the Robert M. Greer Center. Oklahoma City (November 17, 2023) – The Oklahoma Disability Law Center (“ODLC”), is the designated Protection and Advocacy (“P&A”) system of Oklahoma. ODLC became aware of the allegation of
- [Family and Community Training Series to Start Next Week](https://drok.org/family-and-community-training-series-to-start-next-week/) - The Oklahoma Disability Law Center and The Center for Learning and Leadership will continue our training series on Waiver Services in Oklahoma beginning May 3. We will also offer training on Oklahoma ABLE accounts, OKSTABLE, this training will be offered twice, once in May and again in June. Please join us for one of these
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) and ACLU of Oklahoma (ACLU -OK) Welcome the Department of Justice investigation into Oklahoma’s Failing Mental Health Services System and Oklahoma City Police Department’s Response to Mental Health Crises](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-inc-odlc-and-aclu-of-oklahoma-aclu-ok-welcome-the-department-of-justice-investigation-into-oklahomas-failing-mental-health-services-system-and-oklahoma-c/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2022 MEDIA CONTACTS: RoseAnn Duplan, ODLC 405-409-5781 roseann@drok.org Cassidy Fallik, ACLU of Oklahoma 913-748-1278 cfallik@acluok.org OKLAHOMA CITY – ODLC and ACLU-OK were pleased to hear the Justice Department announcement that it has opened an investigation into the State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD). Earlier this
- [EARLY VOTING STARTS TODAY, DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?](https://drok.org/early-voting-starts-today-do-you-have-a-plan/)
- [Disability Advocates Respond to Investment to Clear Waiting List for Services](https://drok.org/disability-advocates-respond-to-investment-to-clear-waiting-list-for-services/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dena Drabek, The Arc of Oklahoma DDrabek@TheArcOK.org; (405) 590-5889 Disability Advocates Respond to Investment to Clear Waiting List for Services OKLAHOMA CITY (May 17, 2022) - The Oklahoma Legislature and Department of Human Services (DHS) announced a historic investment of $32.5 million to support Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental
- [Let's Talk About the Waiting List](https://drok.org/lets-talk-about-the-waiting-list/) - We spoke with Andy Moore and his co-hosts at "Let's Pod This" about the Waiting List for HCBS waivers and the report released by the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency. If you have questions or need more information please call us! 800-880-7755 Historic Settlement Reached in Briggs v. Friesen: A Victory for Individuals with Serious
- [THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES TELLS OKLAHOMA HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY IMPOSITION OF A 5-YEAR RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR THE RECEIPT OF HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED WAIVER SERVICES IS NOT PERMITTED](https://drok.org/the-centers-for-medicare-and-medicaid-services-tells-oklahoma-health-care-authority-imposition-of-a-5-year-residency-requirement-for-the-receipt-of-home-and-community-based-waiver-services-is-not-perm/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2021 PRESS CONTACT: RoseAnn Duplan, 405-409-5781 roseann@drok.org THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES TELLS OKLAHOMA HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY IMPOSITION OF A 5-YEAR RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR THE RECEIPT OF HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED WAIVER SERVICES IS NOT PERMITTED Today the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a formal
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center Praises OCR’s Prompt Investigation into Concerns Oklahoma’s Restrictions on School Mask Mandates May Be Preventing Schools from Meeting Their Legal Obligations to Students with Disabilities.](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-praises-ocrs-prompt-investigation-into-concerns-oklahomas-restrictions-on-school-mask-mandates-may-be-preventing-schools-from-meeting-their-legal-oblig/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2021 PRESS CONTACT: RoseAnn Duplan 405-409-5781 roseann@drok.org Oklahoma Disability Law Center Praises OCR’s Prompt Investigation into Concerns Oklahoma’s Restrictions on School Mask Mandates May Be Preventing Schools from Meeting Their Legal Obligations to Students with Disabilities. Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC) is pleased with the Office for Civil Rights’
- [HB 2899 DURATION OF RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR HCBS](https://drok.org/hb-2899-duration-of-residency-requirements-for-hcbs/) - UPDATE 5/19/21: In addition to the legal concerns we identified previously, with further research we now find that HB 2899 also violates the terms set forth by CMS for states receiving increased federal Medicaid money under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. "CMS expects states to demonstrate compliance with section 9817 of the
- [ODLC wants to help ensure Oklahomans with disabilities can access the COVID-19 Vaccine](https://drok.org/odlc-wants-to-help-ensure-oklahomans-with-disabilities-can-access-the-covid-19-vaccine/) - Are you a person with a disability who is having trouble getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Oklahoma? Let us know how we can help!
- [The U.S. Department of Education Issued Additional Guidance to Address Special Ed Issues Related to COVID-19](https://drok.org/the-u-s-department-of-education-issued-additional-guidance-to-address-special-ed-issues-related-to-covid-19/) - The U.S. Department of Education issued question-and-answer documents in recent weeks in response to questions the Education Department has received from stakeholders across the country about how to provide services to students with disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Two guidance documents were issued, the first guidance document is aimed at services for older students and
- [Oklahoma County Detention Center Reaches Monitoring and Investigation Agreement with Oklahoma Disability Law Center](https://drok.org/oklahoma-county-detention-center-reaches-monitoring-and-investigation-agreement-with-oklahoma-disability-law-center/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2020 PRESS CONTACT: Brian Wilkerson, Director of Litigation and Legal Services 918-347-5146 brian@drok.org Oklahoma County Detention Center Reaches Monitoring and Investigation Agreement with Oklahoma Disability Law Center The Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Oklahoma County Detention Center (OCDC) to promote
- [60 Minutes reports on how thousands of people with disabilities are being systematically denied the right to vote](https://drok.org/60-minutes-reports-on-how-thousands-of-people-with-disabilities-are-being-systematically-denied-the-right-to-vote/) - Wesley Lowery reports from Oklahoma, with the story of how thousands of people with disabilities are being systematically denied the right to vote. If you have questions about your voting rights, call our Voter Hotline 855-468-VOTE(8683)
- [Prisoners Ruled Eligible for Economic Stimulus Checks](https://drok.org/prisoners-ruled-eligible-for-economic-stimulus-checks/) - Please Note: ODLC is unable to assist prisoners applying for stimulus payments, or provide advice regarding these applications. On September 24, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued an injunction, and certified a class of prisoners incarcerated from at least March 27, 2020, that enjoins the U.S. Treasury from withholding Covid-19 stimulus checks
- [Learn More About Our Representative Payee Review Program](https://drok.org/learn-more-about-our-representative-payee-review-program/) - Protecting Beneficiaries of Social Security Disability Benefits ODLC is working in collaboration with the Social Security Administration to monitor representative payees throughout Oklahoma. Through this collaboration, ODLC has expanded protection of Social Security beneficiaries by educating representative payees of their responsibilities and identifying cases of misuse. Rep Payee Outreach Powerpoint 9-1-20 (2)
- [National Organizations Join Oklahoma Disability Law Center and State Disability Groups to File Disability Discrimination Complaint Challenging Oklahoma’s Medical Rationing Plan](https://drok.org/national-organizations-join-oklahoma-disability-law-center-and-state-disability-groups-to-file-disability-discrimination-complaint-challenging-oklahomas-medical-rationing-plan/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2020 PRESS CONTACT: Melissa Sublett, Executive Director 918-830-5559 melissa@drok.org National Organizations Join Oklahoma Disability Law Center and State Disability Groups to File Disability Discrimination Complaint Challenging Oklahoma’s Medical Rationing Plan As COVID-19 cases have been increasing across the country, Oklahoma finalized its “Hospital Crisis Standards of Care” Plan. This plan
- [Oklahoma Watch Answers Important Questions About the June 30th Primary](https://drok.org/oklahoma-watch-answers-important-questions-about-the-june-30th-primary/) - Do you have questions about the upcoming June 30th Primary Election? Wondering what's on the ballot? Need to know when early in-person voting starts? Have questions about absentee ballot requirements? Oklahoma Watch has put together answers to many common questions about the June 30th Primary Election: What You Need to Know About Voting in the
- [Important Information for the June 30th Primary/Special Election](https://drok.org/important-information-for-the-june-30th-primary-special-election/)
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. Tells Governor Stitt Immediate Action is Needed to Ensure People with Disabilities Are Receiving Legally Required Accommodations in Oklahoma Hospitals](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-inc-tells-governor-stitt-immediate-action-is-needed-to-ensure-people-with-disabilities-are-receiving-legally-required-accommodations-in-oklahoma-hospitals/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2020 PRESS CONTACT: Melissa Sublett, Executive Director 918-830-5559 melissa@drok.org Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. Tells Governor Stitt Immediate Action is Needed to Ensure People with Disabilities Are Receiving Legally Required Accommodations in Oklahoma Hospitals Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) issued a letter warning Governor Stitt that many Oklahoma
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. Urges Governor and Oklahoma Supreme Court to Protect Oklahomans from Evictions Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-inc-urges-governor-and-oklahoma-supreme-court-to-protect-oklahomans-from-evictions-amid-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2020 PRESS CONTACT: Melissa Sublett, Executive Director 918-830-5559 melissa@drok.org Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. Urges Governor and Oklahoma Supreme Court to Protect Oklahomans from Evictions Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) sent a letter Tuesday asking Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma Supreme Court to investigate why
- [OKLegalConnect.org is here!](https://drok.org/coming-soon-oklegalconnect/) - OKLegalConnect.org is here! Oklahoma Disability Law Center has partnered with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Legal Services to bring you OKLegalConnect.org. OKLegalConnect.org is a simple way to find free or low cost legal help for those who qualify. Each partner organization has specific eligibility criteria and may have restrictions on what type
- [ODLC Services Continue During COVID-19 Outbreak, Offices Closed to the Public](https://drok.org/odlc-services-continue-during-covid-19-outbreak-offices-closed-to-the-public/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2020 PRESS CONTACT: Melissa Sublett, Oklahoma Disability Law Center Executive Director 918-830-5559 melissa@drok.org OTHER HELPFUL NUMBERS: Applying for our legal services or clients who have open cases: 1-800-880-5575 ODLC Continues Providing Services During COVID-19 Outbreak Offices Closed to the Public, Temporary Operational Procedures in Place Tulsa—Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc.,
- [Coronavirus Tips for Staying Healthy](https://drok.org/coronavirus-tips-for-staying-healthy/) - Here are some important tips for staying healthy from our friends at the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. Sends Letter to Governor Opposing Discriminatory Medical Rationing Policies – Expresses Need for Statewide Guidelines Preventing Discriminatory Allocation of Life-Saving Medical Care](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-inc-sends-letter-to-governor-on-need-for-statewide-guidelines-preventing-discriminatory-allocation-of-life-saving-medical-care/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2020 PRESS CONTACT: Melissa Sublett, Executive Director 918-830-5559 melissa@drok.org Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. Sends Letter to Governor Opposing Discriminatory Medical Rationing Policies – Expresses Need for Statewide Guidelines Preventing Discriminatory Allocation of Life-Saving Medical Care Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) urges Governor Stitt to immediately adopt and
- [SoonerCare's Failure to Cover ABA Therapy Garners National Attention](https://drok.org/soonercare-failure-to-cover-aba-therapy-garners-national-attention/) - “We don’t want people having to leave our state just to get better services,” said the girl’s attorney, Brian Wilkerson, director of litigation and legal services at the Oklahoma Disability Law Center. “If your only coverage is through SoonerCare, we’re leaving a large number of citizens that need these vital services out in the cold.”
- [ODLC and ALRC Respond to OHCA's Proposed Rules for SoonerCare Coverage of ABA Therapy](https://drok.org/odlc-and-alrc-repsoned-to-ohcas-proposed-rules-for-soonercare-coverage-of-aba-therapy/) - On March 3, 2019 the Oklahoma HealthCare Authority (OHCA) posted proposed rules for the coverage of Applied Behavior Analysis Services. ODLC has serious concerns about the proposed rules as written. We have partnered with the Autism Legal Resource Center to submit public comment to OHCA detailing these concerns. Our joint public comment follows: ALRC OKDLC
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC) Successful in Pursuit of ABA Coverage for Oklahoma SoonerCare Beneficiaries](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-odlc-successful-in-pursuit-of-aba-coverage-for-oklahoma-soonercare-beneficiaries/) - January 30, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oklahoma City, OK- Today, Administrative Law Judge, Joseph H. Young, issued a decision on a hearing held in December 2018 compelling the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy for children covered by the state’s Medicaid program, SoonerCare. Brian Wilkerson, Director of Litigation and
- [Deadline Extended for Voter Survey](https://drok.org/deadline-extended-for-voter-survey/) - The GoVoter Project is investigating issues around voting for people with disabilities. GoVoter has developed a survey to help them better understand the barriers voters with disabilities face when voting. The deadline for completing the survey has been extended until January 15, 2019. If you are a person with a disability and voted in the
- [Election Day Resources](https://drok.org/election-day-resources/) - Are you ready to cast your Vote tomorrow? Here are some helpful resources: Find Your Polling Place and Sample Ballot— The Oklahoma Election Board Online Voter Tool allows you to confirm your voter registration, find your polling place, view sample ballots, and track absentee ballots. Candidate Guides — If you need more information on the candidates running
- [Voter Registration Deadline Approaches](https://drok.org/voter-registration-deadline-approaches/) - NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2018 CONTACT: State Election Board PIO Bryan Dean, (405) 522-6624 bdean@elections.ok.gov Voter registration deadline approaches (Oklahoma City) – Oklahoman’s have until Friday to register to vote or update their registration in time for the Nov. 6 General Election, State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said today. “It’s critical that people confirm
- [Election 2018 - Important Dates](https://drok.org/election-2018-important-dates/) - For more information check out the Oklahoma Election Board's Online Voter Tool
- [National Disability Employment Awareness Month](https://drok.org/national-disability-employment-awareness-month/) - ODLC Encourages Oklahomans to Participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and all Oklahomans are encouraged to participate. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Held annually, National
- [The Next DDS Waiting List Meeting is September 6, 2018](https://drok.org/the-next-dds-waiting-list-meeting-is-june-14th-2018/) - You are invited to a meeting for families who have a loved ones on the DDS Waiting List. DDS (Developmental Disabilities Service) is under DHS and offers assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities to be able to live in the community and stay with their family. DDS waivers offers job training, skill building and health
- [Let's Talk Accessiblity](https://drok.org/lets-talk-accessiblity/) - The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations to provide goods, services, and programs to people with disabilities on an equal basis with the rest of the public. Some people think that only new construction and alterations need to be accessible and that older facilities are “grandfathered,” but
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center, ACLU of Oklahoma,  Applaud State Officials for Rescinding Termination of Services for Oklahomans with Disabilities, but Note that Major Challenges Remain](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-aclu-of-oklahoma-applaud-state-officials-for-rescinding-termination-of-services-for-oklahomans-with-disabilities-but-note-that-major-challenges-remain/) - March 29, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Allie Shinn, Director of External Relations, ACLU of Okla., ashinn@acluok.org, 405-525-3831 Gary Taylor, Legal Director, ODLC, gary@drok.org, 405-436-8211 Oklahoma City, OK – Following the State of Oklahoma’s passage of supplemental funding to avoid its threatened termination of community disability services, the federal district court dismissed Anderson v. Lake,
- [Systemic Advocacy Projects](https://drok.org/systemic-advocacy-projects/) - ODLC engages in systemic advocacy as a means of achieving our mission of protecting, promoting and expanding the rights of people with disabilities in Oklahoma. Through systemic advocacy, we seek to influence and change systems such as legislation, government or agency policy, services practices and community attitudes. In order to effectively address systemic issues, ODLC
- [Former ODLC Executive Director Passes Away](https://drok.org/kayla-bower/) - It is with heavy hearts and great sadness ODLC announces the death of our long time Executive Director, Kayla Bower. Kayla passed away yesterday following a long and brave battle with cancer. Kayla served as the Executive Director of ODLC from 1995 until her retirement last year. Kayla was a charismatic leader and caring, compassionate
- [Disability Rights Network Stands Ready After Federal Audit Finds Abuse and Neglect in Group Homes](https://drok.org/disability-rights-network-stands-ready-after-federal-audit-finds-abuse-and-neglect-in-group-homes/) - January 17, 2018 For Immediate Release WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General issued a report that found numerous incidents of abuse and neglect of people with developmental disabilities living in group homes. In response, NDRN Executive Director Curt Decker issued the following statement: “I would like to
- [ODLC Investigates Allegations of Discriminatory Practices in State Scholarship Program](https://drok.org/odlc-investigates-allegations-of-discriminatory-practices-in-state-scholarship-program/) - January 22, 2018 - ODLC was alerted to a series of articles written by Oklahoma Watch reporter Jennifer Palmer regarding disability discrimination by schools that offer tax credit tuition scholarships, which are administered by the Oklahoma’s Opportunity Scholarship Fund (OSF). Following publication of these articles, ODLC received a complaint regarding these schools and the alleged
- [ACLU of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Disability Law Center, File Legal Action Against State Officials Over Termination Of Disability Services](https://drok.org/aclu-of-oklahoma-oklahoma-disability-law-center-file-legal-action-against-state-officials-over-termination-of-disability-services/) - NOVEMBER 17, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OKLAHOMA CITY--The ACLU of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Oklahoma’s federally funded Protection and Advocacy system, filed today an action against public officials of the State of Oklahoma seeking to ensure Oklahomans with disabilities receive the critical services required by federal law. On October 31, the Oklahoma
- [ACLU of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Amend Legal Action Against State Officials over Termination of Disability Services](https://drok.org/aclu-of-oklahoma-oklahoma-disability-law-center-amend-legal-action-against-state-officials-over-termination-of-disability-services/) - NOVEMBER 6, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oklahoma City, OK-- The ACLU of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Disability Law Center filed an amended petition today in Anderson, et. al. v. Lake, the case challenging the Oklahoma Department of Human Services threatened termination of critical waiver services for thousands of Oklahomans with disabilities. After informing over 20,000
- [Oklahoma Disability Law Center to Hold Public Listening Sessions](https://drok.org/oklahoma-disability-law-center-to-hold-public-listening-sessions/) - OKLAHOMA DISABILITY LAW CENTER PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY/SESSION The Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC) is seeking public comment on our Priorities and Objectives. Our Priorities and Objective are the types of cases our office accepts, and our office seeks your input as we determine which issues are important to the people of Oklahoma. We encourage you
- [ODLC Needs To Hear From You!](https://drok.org/odlc-needs-to-hear-from-you/) - If your family member is currently on the In-Home Support Wavier for Adults and loss of those services on December 1, 2017 will make safely caring for your loved at home no longer possible, please take our brief survey: https://tinyurl.com/y7dpfl8e Please share with families who may be affected by the elimination of this waiver.
- [DEAF CITIZEN’S LAWSUIT PROCEEDS AGAINST OKLAHOMA](https://drok.org/deaf-citizens-lawsuit-proceeds-against-oklahoma-denying-deaf-citizen-access-to-state-senate-and-house-implicates-first-amendment-rights/) - IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 2017 Denying Deaf Citizen Access to State Senate and House Implicates First Amendment Rights Oklahoma City, OK - A federal court has ruled that claims filed against the State of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Senate, the Oklahoma House of Representatives and state officials for discrimination against a deaf citizen may proceed. In a critical
- [State Budget Cuts Put Oklahomans With Disabilities at Risk of Institutionalization](https://drok.org/state-budget-cuts-put-oklahomans-with-disabilities-at-risk-of-institutionalization/) - The Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) is deeply concerned that the elimination of two Oklahoma Home and Community Based Waiver Programs are putting thousands of Oklahomans with disabilities at imminent risk of institutionalization. Elimination of these services will harm Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens and literally put lives at risk. Termination of service notices were

## Pages

- [Home](https://drok.org/) - Formerly Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC). Same services. New name. A system of Protection & Advocacy for persons with disabilities
- [How We Help](https://drok.org/what-we-do/) - How We Help Disability Rights Oklahoma (DROK) helps protect and advance the rights of Oklahomans with disabilities. Here are the main ways we can help: Client Advocacy We help resolve disability rights problems through advocacy and negotiation. In some cases, we can provide representation in hearings or court. Systemic Advocacy Some problems affect many people.
- [Accessibility](https://drok.org/accessibility/) - Accessibility Statement Effective Date: May 4, 2026 Disability Rights Oklahoma (DROK) is committed to making our website accessible to all individuals, including people with disabilities. We are actively working to improve the accessibility and usability of our website so that everyone can access information about our services, programs, and resources. Our Commitment We strive to
- [Funding Acknowledgments and Disclaimers](https://drok.org/funding-acknowledgments-and-disclaimers/) - Funding Acknowledgments and Disclaimers This website was developed at U.S. taxpayer expense. The following federal authorities share in cost of funding this website: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Administration for Community Living and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration); by the U.S. Department of Education (Rehabilitation Services Administration); and by the
- [Privacy Policy](https://drok.org/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy Effective Date: May 4, 2026 Disability Rights Oklahoma (DROK) is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website and individuals who interact with our organization. We safeguard online information with the same care and diligence that we use to protect information obtained through other means. We do not sell or give
- [Priorities and Objectives](https://drok.org/what-we-do/priorities-and-objectives/) - Each year DROK’s board of directors adopts priorities and objectives for its programs. If you would like to provide public comment on what the board should consider for priorities and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year, please complete our Request for Public Comment Survey. Clients of ODLC are also asked to complete our Client Satisfaction
- [Help America Vote](https://drok.org/what-we-do/help-america-vote/) - Disability Rights Oklahoma (DROK) is the Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) program for Oklahoma and was created by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). HAVA is a federal law passed by Congress in 2002 to improve our country’s election system. HAVA’s main goal is to make the voting process more inclusive and accessible so that more Americans
- [Social Security Ticket to Work](https://drok.org/what-we-do/social-security-ticket-to-work/) - Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Our P&A Program, known as Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS), serves Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries with disabilities who want to work by helping to remove barriers to employment. Services offered by the PABSS include but are
- [Staff](https://drok.org/our-staff/) - Our Staff Melissa K. Sublett, Executive Director Brian Wilkerson, Director of Litigation and Legal Services RoseAnn Duplan, Policy & Communications Specialist Joshua Skobel, Managing Attorney - Monitoring and Investigations Gunner Janes, Staff Attorney Holly Wyers, Staff Attorney Michelle Kruse, Investigator Rebekah Webster, Investigator Chris Swift, Representative Payee Program Manager Jess Baker, Representative Payee Reviewer Stephanie Mills,
- [Contact Us](https://drok.org/contact-us/) - Oklahoma City Office 4334 NW Expressway, Suite 124 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: (405) 525-7755 (V/TDD) Toll Free: (800) 880-7755 (V/TDD) Fax: (405) 525-7759 Tulsa Office 2816 East 51st Street, Suite 300 Tulsa, OK 74105 Phone: (918) 743-6220 (V/TDD) Toll Free: (800) 880-7755 (V/TDD) Fax: (918) 743-7157 Media Contact RoseAnn Duplan 405-652-1113 roseann@drok.org The material on this website is
- [About DROK](https://drok.org/about-drok/) - Oklahoma's Protection & Advocacy Agency Disability Rights Oklahoma is a private, non-profit corporation with a federal mandate to protect and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities across the state of Oklahoma. Our Mission The mission of Disability Rights Oklahoma (DROK) is to protect, promote, and expand the rights of people with disabilities
- [Public Policy](https://drok.org/what-we-do/public-policy/) - Disability Rights Oklahoma (DROK) advocates for legislation and public policy that will protect and increase the independence, safety, and integration of people who have disabilities. This includes: Educating state and federal legislators about issues impacting people with disabilities to ensure that new laws support these goals Working closely with Oklahoma’s state administrative agencies to pursue
- [Investigation and Monitoring](https://drok.org/what-we-do/investigation-and-monitoring/) - Special Investigatory Authority of DROK The PADD and PAIMI statutes provide the P&As extraordinary investigative access authority. The PAIR and TBI statutes both contain language incorporating the authority found in the PADD statute. DROK has: Routine access to all individuals with developmental disabilities in facilities providing services. Access (within 3 days of request) to all
- [Programs and Funding](https://drok.org/programs-and-funding/) - Federal funding statutes Disability Rights Oklahoma is authorized and funded by Congress, as well as several other government agencies. DROK administers the following programs: Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) See 42 U.S.C. § 15041-15045 See 45 C.F.R. § 1386.19-1386.25 PADD is the first P&A program, created by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill
- [Systemic Projects](https://drok.org/what-we-do/systemic-projects/) - Systemic Advocacy DROK engages in systemic advocacy as a means of achieving our mission of protecting, promoting and expanding the rights of people with disabilities in Oklahoma. Through systemic advocacy, we seek to influence and change systems such as legislation, government or agency policy, services practices and community attitudes. In order to effectively address systemic

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