The Oklahomans for Independent Living (OIL), a nonprofit, consumer controlled, free standing organization was formed in the Spring of 1985 as the direct result of a public forum on disabilities sponsored by the City of McAlester's Mayor's Committee on Disability Concerns and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Rehabilitation Division. The Mission of OIL is to encourage individuals of all ages, with all types of disabilities, to increase:

- personal independence

- empowerment and self determination and

- integration & participation in their work, community, school & home activities.

Information/Referral

Do you need information on: Housing, Legal Concerns, Education Health and Social Services, or Attendant Services?

Are you interested in support groups such as: Women’s Disability, OIL Social Group?

If so, contact staff member: Leanna Amos - Service Management Specialist or Stephen Strickland - Independent Living Specialist.

Independent Living Skills

Do you need information on: Computer Word Processing Skills, Reading

Skills, Typing Skills, Money Management, or Household Management?

If so, contact staff member; Leanna Amos – Service Management Specialist or Stephen Strickland – Independent Living Specialist.

Peer Counseling

Do you need Information on: Individual Counseling, Peer Support,

Support Groups, or Family Counseling? If so, contact any staff members you

feel comfortable with.

Advocacy

Do you need information to learn Self-Advocacy or System Advocacy

Techniques; or do you need Verbal Support or Representation in obtaining

access to a Business, Services, Programs or Benefits that you are entitled

to as a person with a disability. If so, contact: Pam Pulchny - Executive Director/ADA Specialist.