Oklahoma School for the Deaf staff were honored Tuesday with the 2024 Community Involvement Award during the 31st annual People with Disabilities Awareness Day in Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services hosted the event that was held at the Oklahoma History Center and brought together hundreds of people with disabilities, their families and their supporters.
OSD staff were honored for supporting their community after a tornado struck downtown Sulphur and a neighborhood near the school in April 2024.
The tornado caused extensive damage and deeply impacted OSD’s staff, students, and families, many of whom lost their homes or sustained significant property damage. The school itself did not escape unscathed, as several buildings suffered significant water damage.
Despite these challenges, the entire OSD community — administration, staff, and teachers — came together to become a cornerstone of the recovery efforts. Recognizing the needs of affected families and first responders, the school used its resources to provide daily meals, including breakfast and lunch, from its supply dock.
Staff members delivered meals directly to families, prioritizing those most in need. Additionally, the school created a welcoming space on campus where families and first responders could gather for communal dining.
OSD staff worked closely with Murray County Emergency Management and FEMA to provide critical support through accessible communication and resources to the Deaf community.
OSD teachers quickly adapted, transitioning to a virtual learning model after facilities sustained internal damage. This proactive measure ensured that students’ education continued uninterrupted.
The Oklahoma School for the Deaf staff were one of 12 individuals and groups honored at the event.
Other award winners included:
•Vocational Rehabilitation Client of the Year – Mason Hightower
•Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Client of the Year – David Joy
•Oklahoma School for the Blind Student of the Year – Piper Conner
•Oklahoma School for the Deaf Student of the Year – Alex Layton
•Workforce Partner of the Year - Shelly Rentz from Central Technology Center
•Workforce Partner of the Year - Michelle Murray from Kiamichi Technology Center
•Agency Partner of the Year - OMES Risk Management
•Agency Partner of theYear - OMES Construction and Properties •Excellence in Communications - Channel 6 KOTV
•Business of the Year Award – TTEC
•Lifetime Achievement Award – Jody Harlan “This year’s People with Disabilities Awareness Day was a celebration of Oklahomans building strong foundations for their own lives, and the groups and people who have helped that journey along,” DRS Executive Director Melinda Freundt said. “Their efforts make it possible for Oklahoma’s future to grow brighter every day.”
Follow the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services on social media including @OKDRS on Twitter and Facebook and @ okdrs on Instagram.
Last year, DRS served 85,947 individuals with disabilities with career preparation, employment, residential and outreach education, independent living programs and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits. The agency helps job seekers with disabilities face barriers to employment, such as inaccessible worksites, lack of transportation or the need for specialized equipment or training. For more information, visit http://www.okdrs.gov or phone 800-845-8476.
