OKLAHOMA CITY – Emileigh Jackson from Broken Arrow was recognized last Tuesday by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services as part of DRS’ 30th People with Disabilities Awareness Day.
More than 630 participants visited legislators at the State Capitol and attended a resource fair with 70 exhibitors followed by the award ceremony at the Oklahoma History Center.
Secretary of Education Nellie Tayloe Sanders was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony.
Commission for Rehabilitation Services Vice Chair Theresa Flannery and Commissioner Janet Barresi presented the awards as DRS Executive Director Melinda Fruendt emceed the ceremony.
Representative Stan May presented a citation to Jackson honoring her achievements.
Jackson, who is a senior, has attended DRS’ Oklahoma School for the Blind for four years. She has a 3.91 grade point average and is concurrently enrolled at Connors State College in Muskogee .
Jackson plays keyboard in the award-winning OSB Jazz Band, serves as cheer squad captain and is active in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She qualified for a State Star Event in Children’s Literature and is a runner on the OSB track team.
“Emileigh rises above challenges and is a positive role model to other students,” Fruendt said during the ceremony. “She has matured, advocates for herself and become more independent since coming to OSB. “
Jackson is the daughter of Michelle and Samuel Lord.
“Our People with Disabilities Awareness Day awards highlight the value of investing in Oklahomans with disabilities so they can overcome barriers to their educational and career goals,” Fruendt said after the event. “The individual services our clients receive level the playing field so qualified jobseekers who really want to work can become taxpaying citizens who no longer need government assistance.”
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services served 96,178 people through employment, education and independent living training programs as well as determination of medical eligibility for Social Security disability benefits in 2023.
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