OKLAHOMA CITY – July 26 marks the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This landmark civil rights legislation guarantees civil rights protection to people with disabilities. These rights are similar to those provided on the basis of race, sex, national origin and religion.

The ADA guarantees equal opportunity in employment, public services, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications.

“We are all about total equality and antidiscrimination,” Melinda Fruendt, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services executive director, said. “A small amount of consideration can mean you have a great employee or more sales in your business – equality for everyone.”

“People with disabilities stay on the job longer and reduce turnover and training. They are assets that are often overlooked.”

In Oklahoma, 614,800 people ages five and over have disabilities that may qualify for ADA protection, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s “American Community Survey 2019.”

Celebrating the ADA year after year is DRS’ way of bringing awareness to the laws and to the employment assets that Oklahomans with a disability are, Fruendt said.

Individuals with disabilities wanting to go to work but need assistance with training or career counseling should check out the DRS website at www.okdrs.gov or call 800-487-4042 to talk with a vocational technician or counselor.

Businesses with employment staffing needs can contact DRS’ Business Services Program at 405 215-5614 or businessservices@okdrs.gov to learn about the advantages of hiring DRS clients.

The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides rehabilitation, employment and educational services for Oklahomans with disabilities. The agency also helps employers recruit qualified employees with disabilities and advises on workplace accessibility, assistive technology and tax incentives for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.