Sooner SUCCESS Newsletter-December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

Photo of Mayor David Holt and three Sooner SUCCESS employees receiving award

Sooner SUCCESS Receives Award from Mayor David Holt's Committee on Disability Concerns

On November 7th, Mayor David Holt presented Sooner SUCCESS with the 2023 Inclusivity Award. This award recognizes an Oklahoma City area business, group, or public event that promotes activities with full accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Sooner SUCCESS was recognized for holding a first-of-its-kind, free, multi-night camp for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their typically-developing siblings. For the initial camp, 10 families were served with a total of 23 children in attendance. The children came from all over the state, but the camp was held in Oklahoma City at Camp Trivera.

The children enjoyed camp activities in combination with custom Sibshops activities geared especially for children who have siblings with special needs. All of the children were given every opportunity to participate in every activity. The sleeping quarters were accessible, and support staff was available for those who required it.

Sooner SUCCESS Fall Activities/Events

We've been busy helping families and hosting events around the state.

Family Fall Festival

On September 23rd, Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Department of Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics, Sooner SUCCESS, Woven Life, OUHSC, OU Parent Partnership Advisory Committee and many other community partners held the annual Family Fall Festival. Families from all across the metro came out for crafting, entertainment, games, food and fun.

Children painting small pumpkins under a tent

Family Caregiver Retreats

With the support of the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma, retreats were held at Roman Nose State Park Lodge in Watonga and the Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center in Sulphur. Forty nine caregivers from 15 counties were able to take time to relax and recharge. Care for the caregiver is vital for successful caregiving! Caregiver quote from the retreat: "Thank you so much for such a wonderful time this weekend and especially for your help/advice!! It is greatly appreciated!"

People standing around a table doing art projects

Wrightslaw Special Education and Advocacy Trainings

On September 26th and 28th, Sooner SUCCESS in partnership with ODMHSAS Systems of Care and Parent Promise held two Wrightslaw Special Education and Advocacy trainings in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Attorney Wayne Steedman provided information on special education law, advocacy, SMART IEPs and more. Parents, educators and professionals from across the state attended the events.

Family Caregiver Conference

On November 2nd, caregivers and professionals from across the state attended the 6th annual Oklahoma Family Caregiver's Conference. This year's theme was Caregivers Rock! It was held both in-person and broadcasted virtually. The five in-person sites were: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton, Enid and Muskogee. Hundreds of caregivers came together to be celebrated and supported for their selfless contributions to the care of their loved one. To watch the recorded broadcast visit OK Cares | Oklahoma Caregiver Coalition, Providing a Break

On the Road Family Perspective Conferences

We hosted a bilingual On the Road Conference in Lawton, as well as conferences in Ada and Tulsa. These are one day conferences that assist families, caregivers and providers who navigate a complex system. Resource providers and agencies from across the state are brought in to share information. If you are interested in having an On the Road in your area please email [email protected]

Inclusive Hispanic Heritage Dance

The Sooner SUCCESS Supporting Minorities with Disabilities Coalition hosted its first Inclusive Hispanic Heritage Dance on September 16th at Sellars Park in Oklahoma City. Dances were performed by talented self-advocates and there were traditional games, snacks and lots of dancing and fun.

There were over 250 in attendance. Families expressed their appreciation to having an opportunity to share and celebrate their cultural heritage. Plans are underway for future inclusive cultural events. One family shared this was the first time their children were able to participate in their cultural Hispanic dance.

Sibling Voices

We are excited to add this new sibling section to our newsletter. Our Statewide Sibshops Coordinator, Samanatha Basave, works to provide programming and supports to the siblings of children with special needs or special health care needs.

Sooner SUCCESS - Team Updates

Helping Families

Are you a family needing resources and information or a provider serving families and wanting to connect a family with us? If so, we have a new, more efficient phone system. When you call us at 405-271-2710, you will input your zip code and will then automatically be directed to the county coordinator serving in your location.

We also have a referral link on the top of our website pages titled "Make Referral" (see image below). Once you complete the form, it will be forwarded to the appropriate county coordinator who will reach out to assist.