Disability benefit programs in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma residents with a disability can get help from several different organizations. The state or partner non-profit agencies provide everything from basic needs to financial aid for income qualified residents and employment training. While most of the benefits are administered by the Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Development Disabilities, there are a few different options as well.
The state will work with individuals, their caregivers and family members to ensure that they have the support and assistance they need. Help is offered for both short term needs as well as longer term case management and self-sufficiency services. More information on some of the assistance programs is below.
The Oklahoma Development Disabilities - Department of Human Services, administers many of the resources. They are often the first place that residents contact for help, referrals, and information. Some of their leading benefits include the following.
Job training and placement from Community Integrated Employment (CIE) helps coordinate short or long-term support. This aid can help individuals in finding and maintaining employment within their Oklahoma town or county. Assistance is provided in an integrated setting in the community. Having a job will also usually not impact any SSDI financial aid payments.
Cash payments from the Family Support Assistance program is for families with children under the age of 18. The exact amount paid out will depend on how many disabled members live at the home. Oklahoma residents that are qualified can decide to receive this cash assistance over other Community-Based or government benefits and/or services Medicaid Home. Funds can be used for basic needs such as food, housing/rent, or utility bills. The disabled in Oklahoma often benefit from various federal assistance programs such as LIHEAP for their utility bills. It operates year round for summer and winter bills. More on Oklahoma LIHEAP utility bill help.
The Department of Human Services runs Group Homes and provides living arrangements as well. These will tend to be single-family homes located as close as possible to their current community and loved ones. The agency or group home receives reimbursement from the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) for supporting the programs and the residents of the home.
Assisted Living is an option for individuals with mental retardation who do not receive any other assistance or social services through a Home or Community-Based Services Waiver. Clients will also be required to receive minimal support in order to live safely in their own home.
Sheltered Workshop (Center Based Services) coordinates work and training in a controlled environment with many other individuals and families with disabilities. Qualified workers are paid in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as well as their individual production. What may be offered includes intake, assessment, job training and other transitional services. The goal is to have this lead to community job placement at the proper time. Funding for these sheltered workshops comes from Community-Based Services Waivers as well as government grants.
Respite worker vouchers is a cash payment for caregivers. Financial assistance is for those that are caring fulltime for adults or children with a medical condition or developmental disabilities. The benefit pays for care so that the provider or caregiver can get a temporary break, relief or rest from full time care. Human Services offers this for a fulltime caregiver of an individual with developmental disabilities. Note that there are income requirements in place and also respite care receivers cannot be receiving DDSD Waivered Services.
Other programs include Guardianship Assistance, which includes assessment of the need for a guardian, help to locate a volunteer or family member to serve as guardian, and vouchers for attorney’s fees to set up a program. Job training and vocational support is offered. Also get information on applying for federal benefits.
All of the programs and resources above are overseen by the Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Development Disabilities. Call your local service office or dial (405) 521-3646 for more details.
The state’s Department of Human and Social Services also oversees the cash assistance programs. This can be federal government or state funded, or a combination of the two. Low income families with a disability may apply or qualify for the following.
Child Care Subsidies can pay a portion of day care costs if you are working or in job training. Utility bill assistance for the disabled is offered from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Other benefits and financial support is offered from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) as well as Food Stamps and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Or inquire into public health care from Medicaid. Dial (405) 521-3646.
Low income families in Oklahoma, whether disabled or not, can get help from federal government daycare programs too. There is direct financial aid, help in finding safe child care providers, and many other services arranged. Learn more on government free daycare programs.
The Department of Health’s Children with Special Health Care Needs coordinates specialty services for children diagnosed with conditions such as sickle cell anemia and other disabilities. The department will coordinate respite care services, formula for children with PKU, and also outreach clinics in rural areas. The address is 2400 Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Call (405) 521-3679.
The Oklahoma Human Services’ Aging Services Division focuses most of its aid on seniors, but assistance is also available for adults with a disability. Some of the benefits provided include Adult Day Services, which is a community-based program to help older people with functional impairments. They will be provided a care plan to gain stability.
Another option is the ADvantage Services, which provides government assistance and Medicaid benefits to help older, disabled individuals stay at home instead of going to a nursing home. Another aging services program is the Pharmacy Connection Council, which will work to improve access for income qualified and disabled citizens with no or inadequate health insurance. The program will assist them with the purchase of medically necessary prescription drugs. Other assistance can include transportation, help with daily living, State Plan Personal Care, and others. Call (405) 521-2281.
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services oversees government supported medical care that addresses mental health and related services. The organization will coordinate a broad range of assistance, including community mental health centers. They will offer outpatient services and also often host sites for other specialized programs. Telephone - (405) 522-3908. The Oklahoma Department also partners with free community clinics in Oklahoma.
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is the department that focuses on assisting qualified residents individuals with disabilities get prepared for employment. The state will help them get employed and hold the job.
While the primary job training and vocational rehabilitation services are guidance and counseling for placement, other employment and social services may also be provided as needed, such as assistive technology evaluations, physical or mental restoration; vocational, college or other training; any needed equipment and training; information on government disability benefits and more. Individuals may also get personal assistance services, such as transportation, while receiving vocational rehabilitation services. There is also transition school-to-work services for youth with disabilities. Call (800) 845-8476.
The purpose for Vocational Rehabilitation Services is to help eligible individuals with disabilities prepare for work and become gainfully employed. Case managers offer guidance, counseling and other services for job placement. Other benefits are Vocational, college or other training; Personal assistance services while receiving VR services; assistive technology evaluations, equipment and training; transportation; Transition school-to-work services for youth with disabilities; and other services and referrals. Also work with an Oklahoma Vocational Rehabilitation to create and Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Call (800) 845-8476.
The Disabled in Oklahoma often need medical equipment too. There may be modifications to their house to make it safe and livable. Or maybe crutches, wheelchairs, CPAP machines, handrails, and other items for rehab. The state as well as non-profits will try to help. As an example, find CPAP machine assistance programs.
The Oklahoma Division of Visual Services is an agency that will focus on those that are blind or that have a vision impairment. Some examples of the assistance include assistive technology evaluations, equipment and training. Another major program is run by the Instructional Services for People who are Blind. This group that is part of visual services helps clients regain or maintain maximum independence and self-sufficiency through communication methods, instruction in personal and home management, skills for reading and writing Braille, keyboarding skills, adaptive devices and techniques, and recreation activities and also low vision technology. Oklahoma also offers the Older Blind Independent Living Program, which expands independent living services for people 55 years old or older and that are legally blind.
Job training and employment benefits for the blind and hard of seeing include transportation, assistive technology, personal assistance, and information on other government and non-profit disability resources. The main phone number is (405) 951-3493.
Other government and non-profit organizations for the disabled
Ability Resources, Inc. Main address is 823 South Detroit Avenue, Suite 110 Tulsa, OK 74120 Toll-free (800) 722-0886
Autism Society of Central Oklahoma P.O. Box 720103 Norman OK 73070 (405) 370-3220
Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma P.O. Box 88 Hillsdale, Ok 73743 Call (800) 444-6443 for information.
Learning Disabilities Association of Oklahoma P.O. Box 1134 Jenks, OK 74037 Main number is (918)298-1600
Mid-America Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America Address: 6108 NW 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 Toll-free (800) 321-5041
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Oklahoma Chapter 4606 East 67th Street, Building 7, Suite 103 Tulsa, OK 74136 Telephone - (918) 488-0882
The New View Oklahoma 501 North Douglas Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (405) 232-4644
Oklahoma Department of Education 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Call (405) 521-3301
Oklahoma Department of Health, Injury Prevention Service, Traumatic Brain Injury Lead Agency 1000 NE 10th Street, Room 408 Oklahoma City, OK 73117 Toll-free number is (800) 522-0204
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, Oklahoma Commission for Rehabilitation Services 3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Toll-free (800) 845-8476
The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council 2401 NW 23rd Street, Suite 74 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Toll-free (800) 836-4470
Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Services Division Address is Sequoyah Memorial Office Building, 2400 North Lincoln Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Call (405) 521-6267
Oklahoma Health Care Authority - Medicaid Agency 4545 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 124 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 For information on benefits, dial (405) 522-7300
Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns 2401 NW 23rd, Suite 90 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Toll-free (800) 522-8224
Oklahoma School for the Blind Main address is 3300 Gibson Street Muskogee, OK 74403 Toll-free in Oklahoma (877) 229-7136
Oklahoma School for the Deaf 1100 East Oklahoma Avenue Sulphur, OK 73086 1-888-685-3323
TARC Main address: 2516 East 71st Street, Suite A Tulsa, OK 74136 Toll-free (outside Tulsa) (800) 688-8272
United Cerebral Palsy of Oklahoma 10400 Greenbriar Place, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73159 Toll-free (800) 827-2289
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD Main address is 800 NE 15th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Toll-free (800) 627-6827
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