Governor Fallin appoints McEntire to Okla. ODDC

Dec. 10--State Representative Marcus McEntire received appointment from Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, to take a seat on the Oklahoma Development Disabilities Planning Council (ODDC).

McEntire's term on the board expires Aug. 1, 2020.

"I am honored Governor Mary Fallin has appointed me to the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC)," McEntire said. "This council's work is important because it 'promotes quality services and programs that enable persons with developmental disabilities to realize increased independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in the community.'"

ODDC came to be in 1971 when Gov. David Hall issued executive order establishing the council, and every governor since has reauthorized the board which has a mission to "lead and advocate for system change in the field of developmental disabilities, leverage collaborations and partnerships toward improved services and supports for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities, and promote positive perceptions and attitudes toward people with developmental disabilities."

As part of its mission, ODDC works to "provide information and technical assistance to legislators, policymakers, states agencies, private organizations and advocates" and "provide assistance to individuals and organization to support individuals with developmental disabilities and family members."

Department of Human Services states at the end of October 6, 1985 disabled Oklahoma citizens remained on the waiting list for Home and Community Services, including "the average wait time is 13 years for disabled children and adults to get the services they need."

"I never expected to be working with families with developmentally disabled family members and other developmental disability advocates when I was first elected," McEntire said. "Since then, I have learned quite a bit about the intellectually and developmentally disabled population, but there is so much more to learn. I have heard their stories and many of those stories would keep you up at night. My hope is to see this population of citizens and their families thrive instead of merely getting by or falling into poverty. This will be difficult with the limited state funds available."

ODDC, federally authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Act of 2000, is located within of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, it's a designated state agency, although it is technically an independent agency.

"We must do better for the disabled population's safety, their families' financial security, and we must do better simply because it's the right thing to do," McEntire said.

For more information on the council, visit okddc.ok.gov.

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