The Arc of Oklahoma promotes and protects the human rights of Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. The Arc is the state chapter of the nation’s largest advocacy organization, The Arc of the US, that advocates for and with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our services include: Special education advocacy, Residential advocacy, trainings for caregivers and individuals with disabilities, resource navigation, application assistance, bilingual support groups and inclusive volunteer opportunities.
PROGRAMS:
Mom’s & Dad’s Support Group – For parents of children with IDD focusing on nurturing and supporting families, encouraging positive strategies in dealing with challenges, and sharing in the joy of raising children. Meets in person or via Zoom last Thursday of the month 7 to 9 pm. No meeting in November. December meeting is the second Thursday. Contact Sherilyn at SWalton@TheArcOK.org.
Teen Connection – Teen Connection is a social group for middle and high school students (6th through 12th grade) with high-functioning autism. Students play board and video games where they can practice positive social skills. Meets in person last Wednesday of the month 4:30 to 6:00 pm in Tulsa. No meeting in December. Contact Sherilyn at SWalton@TheArcOK.org
Links – Links is a support/social skills group for adults with high-functioning autism. Monthly gatherings are designed to help participants build positive social skills as well as enjoy a variety of fun activities. Meets in person on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. in Tulsa. Contact Callie at CHall@TheArcOK.org.
Tulsa People First – Tulsa People First is a self-advocacy group run by, and for, Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Contact Callie at CHall@TheArcOK.org.
Oklahoma Advocates Involved in Monitoring – Want to help serve Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Become a residential monitor in our Oklahoma Advocates in Monitoring program.
The Arc recruits and trains monitors to look for quality-of-life issues in state-run group homes in all 77 counties every year. Visits made to Oklahomans receiving community-based residential services give monitors the opportunity to observe the quality of life in the home and then report those findings and suggest improvements, if necessary. To learn more about OK AIM training requirements, monitoring visits and compensation, contact Stacey at SFigueroa@TheArcOK.org and watch our video about the program.
Special Education Advocacy – The Arc of Oklahoma can help families learn more about the special education process and the rights that students and their families have in that process. Our expert staff will assist families and advocates in navigating the special education system, including understanding IDEA and early intervention services, IEPs and Section 504. For more information, contact Sherilyn at SWalton@TheArcOK.org.
Mental Health First Aid – Whether you’re a caregiver, health care worker, first responder, educator, family member, or any other supportive role – this training is for you. The Arc of Oklahoma is offering life-saving Mental Health First Aid courses across Oklahoma to help bridge the devastating gaps in mental health care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) like autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. You can get trained to:
-Recognize the warning signs of mental health crises in people with IDD;
-Understand the unique needs and challenges of adults with mental health needs;
-Respond appropriately during a potential crisis situation;
-Access resources and support for people with IDD and co-occurring mental health conditions.
This evidence-based training is a vital first step in remedying the systemic failures that have continually put the lives and wellbeing of the disability community at risk.
