Empowering Every Voice

Advocacy starts with one voice—but together, those voices create lasting change.

In this episode of DSACO Up for Discussion, Sarah Soell sits down with Wanda Felty, Assistant Director and Community Leadership & Advocacy Coordinator at the Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, for an inspiring conversation about advocacy, leadership, and empowering individuals with disabilities and their families.

Whether you're a parent just beginning your journey, a self-advocate, a professional, or someone passionate about inclusion, this episode is filled with practical advice, valuable resources, and encouragement to help you confidently navigate services and create meaningful change.

In This Episode

What advocacy really means—and why it mattersTips for navigating IEP meetings, healthcare, and disability servicesHow families can build confidence when speaking upThe importance of self-advocacy from childhood through adulthoodAn inside look at the Oklahoma LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) programHow LEND develops future leaders, professionals, family advocates, and self-advocatesThe Guide to Community Services in Oklahoma and why it's an essential resource for familiesHow organizations can work together to create more inclusive communitiesAdvocacy at the policy level and how every voice can make a differencePreventing burnout while continuing to advocate for those you loveResources Mentioned

• Oklahoma LEND Program: https://ouhsc.edu/thecenter/Projects/Training-and-Collaboration/OKLEND

• Guide to Community Services in Oklahoma: https://ouhsc.edu/thecenter/Publications/Publication-Details/guide-to-community-services

• Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL): https://ouhsc.edu/thecenter