OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, celebrates with Governor Kevin

Stitt for delivering big for Oklahomans with disabilities. The new law expands Oklahoma

Promise to set up scholarships for Oklahomans to attend qualified post-secondary programs

designed to support students with intellectual disabilities.

“This is an exciting day for our state, we are expanding laws to include Oklahomans that have

previously been left behind. When we support education opportunities for everyone, it

strengthens our entire state and workforce,” Hefner said. “I applaud the bi-partisan effort to get

this law across the finish line.”

Hefner was joined by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, Senator Ally Seifried, R-Claremore,

teachers and students from SoonerWorks at the University of Oklahoma, Opportunity Orange at

Oklahoma State University and the RiverHawks from Northeastern State University. Also

present were stakeholders and advocates from the ARC, Oklahoma Developmental Disability

Council, integral House Staff, and more. All these experts were instrumental in the passing of

this legislation.

“These programs at our state schools increase development and growth of academic, work, and

personal skills. Along with independent living, friendships, and self-advocacy. The outcome data

shows program participants are employed post-graduation at significantly higher rates with

higher average wages,” Hefner said.

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