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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation has declared Thursday, March 17, as Disability Awareness Day. The Cherokee Nation vocational rehabilitation program will be hosting events at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex in Tahlequah to provide information and alternatives for disabled people.

"The public is invited to see what opportunities there are to help improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities," said James Ballard, manager of the Cherokee Nation vocational rehabilitation program.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the events will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at noon. Guest speakers include Paul Anderson, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services counselor, who will speak about visual services and Carla Lawson, executive director of Ability Resources for the Independent Living Center, whose topics will include the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Vendors will also set up displays on such topics as mental health, prosthetics, and patient benefits. Oklahoma ABLE Tech and Bill Willis Mental Health facilities will also be providing information. For more information on Disability Awareness Day, contact Cherokee Nation vocational rehabilitation, phone: 918-458-4415 or 800-256-4415.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org