Unity Forward Oklahoma

06/17/2026

Happy Universal Wednesday!

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is about creating flexible learning experiences that work for all students.

✔️ Multiple ways to learn new information
✔️ Multiple ways to participate and engage
✔️ Multiple ways to show what you know

When education is designed with flexibility in mind, it removes barriers and opens doors for more students to succeed. UDL helps learners of all abilities access content, stay engaged, and demonstrate understanding in ways that work best for them.

Because when learning is accessible, everyone gets the chance to thrive. 🌟

06/16/2026

🎉 ADA Anniversary T-Shirts are now on sale! 🎉

Power Print, part of Think Ability Inc., is creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities—and you can support that mission while celebrating the ADA in style!

Get your ADA Celebration 2026 shirt today and help us celebrate 36 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

🛒 Order here: https://powerprintshop.co/collections/ada-2026/products/ada-2026-short-sleeve-t-shirt

📅 Orders due by July 10 to ensure your shirt is ready in time for ADA Celebration events beginning July 20th!

👕 Shirt details:
Front screen-printed design: “Designing a World for Everyone – ADA Celebration 2026”

Color options: Heather Indigo & Heather Navy
Printed on a Gildan Softstyle Unisex T-Shirt

Let’s celebrate belonging, accessibility, and opportunity together. 💙

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

The Oklahoma State Department of Health is hosting a Newborn Screening Symposium on Fri. June 26th at the NCED Conference Center in Norman!
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⏰️ Register Now:
https://opqic.org/registration/
💕 This event is offered at no cost to professionals, families, and advocates.
📍This will be an incredible day bringing together parents, primary care providers, specialists, birthing facilities, midwives, and county health departments - all working toward stronger systems and better outcomes for Oklahoma families.
💛 Whether you’re a provider, advocate, or parent, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and join the conversation about newborn screening in our state!

06/16/2026

🌊🏖️ Unity Forward Oklahoma is excited to partner with Oklahoma Family Network , CREOKS Behavioral Health Services , and NAMI Tulsa for an upcoming Parent Cafe on August 4th!

At Unity Forward Oklahoma, we believe families thrive when they have opportunities to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Parent Cafes provide a welcoming environment where parents and caregivers can build relationships, reflect together, and strengthen their families through meaningful conversations.

🍽️ Dinner will be provided by CREOKS.
🎨 Activities for children ages 5–11 will be available during the event (registration required for child activities).
⚠️ Registration is limited, so reserve your spot today!

We are grateful to collaborate with organizations that share a commitment to supporting families and creating inclusive, connected communities.

🔗 Register here or scan the QR code below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parenting-is-a-beach-surfing-the-waves-together-tickets-1991107607453?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

For questions, please contact:
📧 Erin Parks – [email protected]
📧 Molly Ziriax – [email protected]

06/16/2026

💙 Just Autistic Moms is a new support group for neurodivergent mothers in Oklahoma, created to uplift and support autistic moms through connection, shared resources, and community.

They provide a welcoming space to navigate both the challenges and rewards of parenting -- together!

As more women are being diagnosed with autism in adulthood, this group is especially committed to supporting mothers who received a diagnosis—or began exploring their neurodivergence—after their child’s diagnosis.

They host in-person meet-ups in Tulsa and also offer a statewide Facebook group for ongoing support and connection.

📅 Their next meet-up is this Saturday—we’d love to see you there!

🔗 Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1684784775825476

Please feel free to share with anyone who may benefit from this space 💫

06/16/2026

Mobility is more than movement; it’s about access, independence, and participation in everyday life.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps make mobility possible in community spaces by requiring accessibility in areas like ramps, curb cuts, elevators, accessible parking, transportation, and building entrances. These features are part of what allows people with disabilities to navigate their communities more independently and safely.

Before the ADA, many public spaces were not designed with mobility in mind. Today, accessibility features are a standard expectation, but they exist because of advocacy and the protections of the ADA established in 1990.

As we continue our countdown to the ADA’s anniversary on July 26, we’re highlighting how these everyday design choices help create a world designed for everyone.

06/15/2026

Starting soon! We can't wait to connect with you today.

📚✨ There's still time to join us!

Mark your calendars for Monday, June 15th at 12:00 p.m. for our upcoming Lunch & Learn, "From Rights to Resources: Advocacy Across Education, Employment, and Services."

Presented by Deidra Edwards, Educational Consultant & Family Advocate with Resolute Advocacy and Interventions, LLC and Chair of the Education & Advocacy Task Force for Unity Forward Oklahoma, this session will provide practical tools and strategies to help families and advocates navigate systems and connect to meaningful supports.

Participants will learn:
📣 Practical advocacy tools and scripts
📝 Effective ways to document needs and access services
🤝 Resources to support success in education, employment, and beyond

Whether you're a parent, educator, advocate, provider, or community member, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!

How to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8191062190?pwd=NXdqRllxLzQwVXNkd2dSK2lwSmVsUT09

Meeting ID: 819 106 2190
Passcode: 3niw3d

Bring your questions and join us for an empowering hour of learning and connection!