Oklahoma ABLE Tech

03/16/2026

Oklahoma ABLE Tech's Device Reutilization Program has a Broda chair available!

This manual tilt-in-space wheelchair is infinitely adjustable and features sought-after Trendelenburg positioning capabilities. The Synthesis features a signature Comfort Tension Seating® system that provides all-day comfort. Additional positioning capabilities further redistribute pressure to prevent painful and costly pressure injuries. This wheelchair is perfect for long-term care and many other care settings.

The Broda chair also features:
- Front-pivot seat tilt enhances socialization and engagement
- Adjustable, removable lateral shoulder supports provide exceptional positioning
- Height-adjustable arm supports give each user a custom fit
- Adjustable length, articulating, and extending leg supports
- Split, flip-down foot supports with angle-adjustable footplates
- The 16-gauge, powder-coated, tubular steel frame

If you are interested in the Broda chair, fill out the Device Reutilization Program's online application for durable medical equipment on their webpage at https://bit.ly/3N3dUA1. Note: the device pictured is a stock image. Actual inventory may vary slightly.

03/13/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma Annual State Convention. The conference will be held from April 23 to April 25, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn -Oklahoma City Bricktown.

This year’s convention will focus on the basics of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Whether you are new to the movement or a long-time member, you will gain a deeper understanding of who we are, what we believe, and how NFB creates opportunities through organized blind action. The NFB of Oklahoma is honored to announce that Mark Riccobono, President of the NFB, will be attending to share the organization's national vision, challenge us to strengthen our affiliate, develop leaders, and advance equality for blind Oklahomans.

The registration fee is $115, which includes two lunches plus the banquet meal. The room rate is $129 per night plus state and county taxes. Register by March 23 to secure your meal preference. The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma will accept registrations after March 23, but can't guarantee meal preferences. Visit the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma's registration page at https://bit.ly/4rz2tlN, to secure your spot today!

03/05/2026

Oklahoma SoonerStart providers and participants are invited to share their story during SoonerStart Advocacy Day 2026 on March 11. Join SoonerStart providers and caregivers at Oklahoma's State Capitol to share your SoonerStart story.

"Little Steps, Big Futures" celebrates early intervention services for Oklahoma babies and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Check-in will be at 8:30 AM or 10:15 AM in the Supreme Court Hallway. Optional activities will follow. When Oklahoman SoonerStart families and advocates take little steps together, SoonerStart stories help shape big futures for Oklahoma families.

Visit https://bit.ly/3ZO1v8X to register for the event. Registration will close on March 10 at noon. If you have questions regarding the event, contact Jenny Hester, SoonerStart Parent and Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) Chair at 405-808-6392. Please text before calling Jenny.

Thank you for registering for the SoonerStart Advocacy Day on Wednesday, March 11, 2023, at the Oklahoma State Capitol

03/04/2026

The Financial Loan Program partners with Banc First of Stillwater and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) to provide short, flexible financing options for assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME). In addition to paying the full amount for an assistive technology (AT) purchase, these loans can help cover co-pays, insurance gaps, or upgrades to AT not covered by insurance.

Hearing aids and modified vehicles are frequent loan requests, but they represent only a portion of what the program can finance. The Financial Loan Program also funds items such as:
- sensory boards for individuals with autism;
- smart glasses for people with vision disabilities;
- lift chairs to assist with mobility;
- adaptive computer equipment;
- home modifications;
- and other AT that promote independence.

To learn more about how to purchase AT devices for you or someone you care for, visit the Financial Loan Program's webpage at https://bit.ly/3YhjPpn.

02/27/2026

Check out the February ABT Newsletter to check out vehicle modification AT highlights, learn about how to acquire specialty durable medical equipment (DME), see how our visit to the new Soaring on Hope Smart Home Demonstration Site went, and more!

Read the entire newsletter on our website at https://bit.ly/4aJYN9x.

02/26/2026

Every year, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) awards more than $300,000 in scholarships to students who are blind or have low vision. Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists are announced in the spring and will attend the NFB national convention in July in Austin, TX. The application deadline is March 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, please visit the NFB's Scholarship Program webpage at https://bit.ly/3kx9kPi.

02/25/2026

Check out this free hearing screening opportunity if you're an Oklahoma State University student, faculty, or staff member!

👂✨ Free Hearing Screenings Available On Campus! ✨👂

The Department of Wellness and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders are partnering to provide FREE hearing screenings for students, faculty and staff.

Schedule your appointment to reserve your spot today: http://okla.st/hearingscreening

02/24/2026

As educators and administrators plan for next school year, remember all curriculum materials must be created or adapted so they are accessible to all students. If your school district is planning on purchasing materials, contract language should be included speaking to the publisher’s obligation to provide the materials in an accessible format. Contracts should request that curriculum files be placed in the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC) at the time of purchase. This ensures the materials are available to all students promptly.

Note: Any materials a school district purchases that are on the state-approved textbook adoption list must be available in an accessible, digital format for students. This is because the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) requires publishers to submit their book files to NIMAC, making them available to Accessible Media Producers (AMPs), such as Bookshare.

Parents and students are encouraged to use Bookshare’s audiobooks and ebooks for students with learning disabilities! "Bookshare audiobooks and eBooks are transformative. They make it easier for students with learning disabilities to read with powerful assistive reading features. Students can listen to books, follow with word-level highlighting, read in large text or braille, and customize their reading experience to learn in ways that work for them."

Bookshare is an excellent resource for teachers and administrators when considering accessible educational materials (AEM).

Search Bookshare at https://www.bookshare.org/ for available titles and fill out a book request if you don’t see what you need. Visit the NIMAC website at https://nimac.us/ to learn more about AEM. Oklahoma ABLE Tech can assist with searching the NIMAC and other databases to request accessible files from publishers when necessary. Email Dr. Joshua Hawkins, joshua.hawkins@okstate.edu, with any questions you may have.

This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (Award Number H327D220002). Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the U.S. Department of Education.Bookshare® and Benetech® are register...

02/19/2026

On Thursday, February 12, Oklahoma ABLE Tech staff attended the grand opening of Soaring on Hope Pediatric Therapy Center's Smart Home Demonstration Site in Tulsa. Soaring on Hope Pediatric Therapy Center collaborated with Bethany Children’s Health Center, Oklahoma ABLE Tech, and Oklahoma Human Services – Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) on this project.

Soaring on Hope Pediatric Therapy Center’s smart home demonstration site marks the fourth smart home established through this statewide collaboration, further expanding access to hands-on demonstrations of home-based supports that provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to be more independent and/or receive remote support from family members or caregivers.

If you are interested in learning more about smart home demonstration sites or scheduling a tour, please visit each location’s website for the following locations:

Soaring on Hope, Tulsa
Bethany Children’s Health Center, Bethany
Oklahoma ABLE Tech – Oklahoma City and Stillwater

These demonstration sites provide Oklahomans with the opportunity to explore how smart home technology can enhance safety, independence, and overall quality of life. To learn more about the newest demonstration site at Soaring on Hope, visit their website at https://bit.ly/4kHlBLC.

02/17/2026

Oklahoma ABLE Tech is set to host a virtual training opportunity, "Assistive Technology (AT) Guidance for Administrators," on March 12, 2026, from 10 AM to noon on Zoom.

The webinar is designed for public school education administrators to learn about essential requirements for the provision of AT devices and services. The training will cover:
- System-level considerations
- Specific operational procedures
- Best practices to ensure effective implementation and legal compliance

Register at https://bit.ly/4tQ6h3A. We hope to see you there!

02/13/2026

Applications are open for the 2026 Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum. This annual program offers a fun, hands-on learning experience that builds leadership, confidence, and advocacy skills for high school-aged students.

To be eligible for the Oklahoma YLF, a student must:
- be in ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade;
- have demonstrated leadership potential in the school and community;
- live in Oklahoma, and
- have a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act
- have an interest in working with others who have a disability, or have a family member with a disability (such as a brother, sister, or cousin).

Applications are due March 1, 2026. Audio and video applications are accepted when all information is included. Applicants may call to dictate their answers, and someone will complete the form with them. Complete the online Oklahoma YLF Delegate Application at https://bit.ly/4khfXPX. If you have any questions regarding Oklahoma YLF 2026, email Bradley Mays at bradley.mays@okdhs.org.

02/11/2026

Our final Empowering Educators Through AT workshop of the spring is almost here! The workshop is set for February 20, 2026, at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.

This hands-on training is designed for teachers, teaching assistants, SLPs, OTs, counselors, behavioral specialists, school leaders, reading specialists, instructional coaches, college faculty, and students preparing for these careers.

You’ll learn how to:
- Choose the right assistive technology (AT) tools and services
- Support students in accessing curriculum in the least restrictive environment
- Ensure access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE) through informed AT decisions

This workshop has been approved for Project 613 reimbursement funds through the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Eligible Oklahoma educators can apply for reimbursement for travel, lodging, and substitute teachers.

Learn more and register now on our website at https://bit.ly/42RPhho!