Oklahoma City's Human Rights Commission (HRC) is gearing up for its July 23 meeting, and locals are encouraged to take part. The focus will be on public accommodations and disability rights, all taking place in the City Hall Council Chamber at 6 p.m. If you are planning to attend, head to the south entrance to make your way in. It's free and open to individuals of all ages, as equity knows no age limit.
During the event, attorneys from the Oklahoma Disability Law Center, alongside the city's ADA Coordinator, Scott Hodgden, will lead discussions. They'll be diving into the legal frameworks that protect the access to Oklahoma City amenities for all residents, including those with disabilities. The commission, as stated on their official announcement, believes that "Protecting human rights in our City means making sure that everyone who lives, works or visits here has access to all the community has to offer."
With the Oklahoma Disability Law Center's federal backing as the Protection and Advocacy System for Oklahomans with disabilities, they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Joy J. Turner, the Director of Investigation and Monitoring; Brian S. Wilkerson, the Director of Litigation and Legal Services; and staff attorney Nick Southerland, will be part of the knowledgeable lineup scheduled to speak.
Valerie Couch, HRC Chair, highlighted the importance of these educational meetings. She said, "We hope many people will join us at the meeting to learn about the scope of public accommodations required by law and the resources available to address residents’ needs." Her words signal a commitment to growing awareness and ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities are front and center in the city's continuous evolution, as per okc.gov.
The HRC, which meets bi-monthly, tasks itself with redressing discrimination across various spheres including race, religion, gender, and especially disability as it pertains to employment, housing, and public accommodations.
