OKLAHOMA PEOPLE FIRST,INC. We are people first, our disabilities come second. Empowering People to Advocate for Themselves. Julie Miller Stillwater,OK

Transcription

1 Empowering People to Advocate for Themselves OKLAHOMA PEOPLE FIRST,INC. We are people first, our disabilities come second Julie Miller Stillwater,OK

2 ORGANIZATION Oklahoma People First, Inc. is a nonprofit, statewide self advocacy organization run by and for individuals with developmental disabilities. Oklahoma People First, Inc. is run by elected state officers who have developmental disabilities, an executive director, an elected board of directors with an advisory committee, and several state advisors. Local chapters are run by elected local officers who have developmental disabilities, and an advisor who is an associate member. Only members of Oklahoma People First, Inc. who have developmental disabilities can vote. MISSION The mission of Oklahoma People First, Inc. is: To promote equality; To assist each other in speaking for ourselves; To educate our communities; To hold meetings to educate ourselves; To support self advocacy in Oklahoma; and To create public support for People First, Inc.

3 The members of Oklahoma People First, Inc believe that: We create a better future for every one when we exercise our rights. People don't need to live in institutions, no matter what professionals say. People should live as independently as possible. People should let their voices be heard. People have the right to know, to choose, and to do as they wish. Transportation is something we should make available at all times. All people need equal services. People should be able to make their own meaningful decisions. People should be able to stand up for their rights without fear of being hurt or abused. We need to stop abuse of persons with disabilities. People should be able to obtain medical care when needed. People should have equal opportunity to access their communities and all services. We can do many things if just given the chance.

4 Oklahoma People First, Inc. Detach this portion and return it to: Oklahoma People First, Inc NW 4th St., suite 138 Oklahoma City, OK Please send me more information about Oklahoma People First. I am interested in starting a chapter of Oklahoma People First in my area. Name: Address: Mailing Address City State Zip Phone: Area code Phone number I am a: Self Advocate Service Provider Parent Educator/Professional Other

5 The Oklahoma People First, Inc. Executive Officers prepare for the upcoming year by outlining their goals and objectives at the 2008 annual Officer s Retreat at Quartz Mountain Lodge. (l to r) Dee Carr, secretary; Nancy Ward, vice president; Bobby Cooper, sergeant at arms; Linda Gonzales, historian; Will Watkins, treasurer; Michele Disario, president. "In People First, I learned that I could make my own choices. That was the best day of my life." Barbara Easlon Oklahoma City, Okla. Oklahoma People First, Inc. board of directors, officers, and members at the annual OPF, Inc. state conference. Self advocates learn new ways to empower themselves by discussing important issues relevant to their daily lives.

6 Oklahoma People First, Inc NW 4th St., suite 138 Oklahoma City, OK Office Phone: (405) Office Fax: (405) E mail: okpeoplefirst@coxinet.net Web site: Executive Director: Angela Kecseg ** OPF, Inc. is a non profit 501 (c ) 3 organization. Any donations will be tax deductible. OKDHS Pub. No Revised 2/08 This publication is authorized by the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services in accordance with state and federal regulations and printed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at a cost of $ for 700 copies. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. OKDHS offices may request copies on ADM 9 (23AM009E) electronic supply orders. Members of the public may obtain copies by contacting the OKDHS Records Center at (405) or (toll free).