Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – Cherokee Nation has declared Tuesday, March 21, as Disability Awareness Day. Cherokee Nation Career Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation Program will host events at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Chambers in the main building of the Tribal Complex in Tahlequah to provide information and alternatives for disabled people.

“The public is invited to attend 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. Events, presentations and talks will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 12 noon. Guest speakers will include Robyn Thorne, State Dept. of Rehabilitation Services Counselor, who will discuss “Learning Disabilities”; Donna Shockley, vocational rehabilitation consumer, who will share her personal story; and Dr. Sherril York, Oklahoma ABLE Tech, who will discuss “Equipment Loan and Demonstration Program.”

Learning disabilities affect people’s ability either to interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. Current statistics show that approximately 4.5 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 have learning disabilities.

Thorne’s discussion will address diagnosing learning disabilities, the tests utilized for diagnosing them, the impact learning disabilities have on people’s lives and how vocational rehabilitation may help. Shockley’s topic will highlight how the services she received through the Cherokee Nation’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program helped her achieve success. Dr. York’s talk will also include a device demonstration that will show consumers and agencies how they can try devices before they buy them, an approach that is intended to improve access to assistive technology to those who need such technology the most.

Vendors will include Connie Campbell of Hangar Prosthetics/Orthotics; Sherril York of Oklahoma ABLE Tech; Nick Alberty with LSI Footcare (Diabetic); and Brenda Fitzgerald of Workforce Oklahoma. Complimentary gift bags will be distributed to attendees.

For more information on Disability Awareness Day, contact the Cherokee Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program, phone: 918-453-5004.

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