People with disabilities advocate for support at Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Michael Bryant said the Bios program has meant a lot to him since he's joined it. The program teaches people with disabilities the basic skills needed to live independently.

"It impacted several things in my life," Bryant said. "It gave me a place to stay, more friends and more friends in the community."

Bryant said his life has improved since he moved into the full care facility in Oklahoma City a few years ago.

On Tuesday, he came to the People with Disabilities Awareness Day at the state Capitol to gain more support.

"We have been kind of laid off, kind of cut and kind of transportation-wise," Bryant said. "We'd just like to get our funding back."

Nancy Ward, a board member with Oklahoma People First, said there are some requests they have for the legislature. These include Medicare and Medicaid money and better transportation.

"I think with some of the members we're being heard so I think that's going to help us create a bill to be able to help people," Ward said.

Ward said having disability funding go to the right place is a major priority. Bryant said this can continue to have a positive effect on people like him and his friends.

"To see other people succeed like us," Bryant said. "To know that they can't discriminate but they can always work more in the community."

Ward said she's hoping to create a caucus to have issues related to people with disabilities heard more by the state legislature. She said their issues being heard is key to providing the services they need.