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In the News

Voting is a fundamental right for all citizens and ensuring that people with disabilities can exercise this right is a critical component of an inclusive democracy. In Oklahoma, efforts have been made to improve accessibility and protect the voting rights of individuals with disabilities, but challenges remain.

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As Oklahomans prepare to go back to school this month, it stirs up excitement and anxiety for students and parents, especially for families of students receiving special education supports. This fall those families can start the school year off with a greater sense of hope thanks to new strides to strengthen educational opportunities.

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"Heartland Forward" has joined state legislators and government officials to announce the launch of the Heartland Health Caucus.

The caucus is a nonpartisan legislative and policy organization comprised of key health leaders across six heartland states: Oklahoma, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee.

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Oklahoma City And now OK STABLE has equal tax benefits to an Oklahoma college savings account… and this is another reason for Oklahomans with disabilities to save.This because of House Bill 2178, creating the tax deduction.

It was requested by Treasurer Randy McDaniel, and authored by Representative Kyle Hilbert and Senatory John Michael Montgomery. Governor Kevin Stitt recently signed the legislation into law.

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Oklahoma state House Representative Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, achieved approval of House Bill 3792 in early March.

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The bill creates the Oklahoma Access and Achievement Act, which expands Oklahoma Promise to set up scholarships for students with intellectual disabilities.

Ellyn with Governor Kevin Stitt in front of Oklahoma and USA flags at a ceremonial bill signing

People with disabilities are a large part of the population, and exist in every political party and demographic, yet their perspectives and the policies that shape their daily lives are consistently overlooked in candidate debates, interviews, and media narratives.

Ellyn's son William holding up a thumbs up at a voting booth

An Oklahoma Senator and House Representative joined a national group to help improve career opportunities for young people with disabilities.

Ellyn smiling next to Julia Kirt

More than half a million Americans are on waiting lists to receive long-term care in their homes. Most people on these lists have intellectual and developmental disabilities and sometimes need help with daily activities like cooking, maintaining a job or getting around town. Judy Woodruff spoke with families in Oklahoma waiting for the help they need. It's part of our series, Disability Reframed.

Ellyn and William walking the Capitol halls with a reporter
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