Two disability advocates from Oklahoma have been selected to represent their state at a major national advocacy event in Washington, D.C., where campaigners and policymakers will meet to discuss legislation and funding priorities affecting millions of Americans with disabilities.
Summer Parrish of Enid and Meske Owens of Oklahoma City will attend the American Association of People with Disabilities’ (AAPD) 3rd Annual Disability Power on the Hill event from 11–15 May 2026.
The pair were chosen following their recent completion of the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma’s Partners in Policymaking programme, a nationally recognised leadership initiative designed to equip advocates with the skills and policy knowledge needed to engage with lawmakers at both state and federal level.
The programme focuses on strengthening leadership among people with disabilities, parents, carers and community advocates, helping participants navigate legislative systems and influence public policy decisions.
During the Washington event, Parrish and Owens will join advocates from across the United States to discuss disability policy issues and meet directly with members of Congress and congressional staff.
Dr. Bradley Mays, Oklahoma Partners in Policymaking Director, said the two delegates demonstrated the qualities needed to represent the state effectively at a national level.
“Summer and Meske possess the purpose, knowledge, and passion needed effectively advocate for positive changes to help people with disabilities live better lives,” said Dr. Mays.
The annual AAPD event is designed to provide participants with practical advocacy training while creating opportunities for direct engagement with federal policymakers. Organisers say the initiative aims to strengthen disability representation in national policy discussions and ensure advocates can communicate the lived experiences of disabled Americans and their families.
Jenifer Randle, Executive Director of the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma, said disability advocacy is most effective when led by those directly impacted by policy decisions.
“As Oklahomans, we know that real change happens when people with disabilities lead the way,” said Randle. “Summer and Meske embody the courage, clarity, and commitment that define our state’s advocates. Their voices matter, and their leadership will help ensure that federal policy reflects the lived experiences of people with disabilities and their families in Oklahoma and across the country.”
AAPD said advocates participating in this year’s programme will focus on several national policy priorities, including eliminating asset limits and marriage penalties tied to Supplemental Security Income, protecting Medicaid funding and securing stronger federal investment in disability-related services.
Additional priorities include ensuring continued support for programmes administered through the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, as well as full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
According to AAPD, the 2025 edition of Disability Power on the Hill brought together 95 advocates from 33 states, with participants meeting representatives from 126 congressional offices in what organisers described as broad bipartisan engagement.
Parrish, a disability advocate, speaker and digital creator, is known for her work supporting children with disabilities and their families. As the mother of a child with Down syndrome, she combines personal experience with policy advocacy and public engagement.
She also co-hosts “Where the Ramp Ends”, a platform focused on disability policy, inclusion and community issues, and reaches more than 50,000 people through her social media presence.
Speaking about her participation in the Washington event, Parrish said advocacy work can have a direct impact on the opportunities available to children with disabilities.
“As the parent of a child with Down syndrome, I know firsthand how policy decisions shape the opportunities our children have. I’m honored to join advocates from across the country to speak up for families like mine.”
Owens, meanwhile, works at the intersection of trauma, disability and family policy. A Certified Protective Factors Trainer and Legislative Champion for VOICES OKC, she has focused much of her work on improving trauma-informed domestic violence policy and expanding access to developmental screenings for children.
She also works alongside the Oklahoma Family Network, helping families navigate mental health and disability systems, while contributing to local initiatives aimed at improving infant and maternal health outcomes.
Owens said policy discussions in Washington have real-world implications for families and communities.
“Policy isn’t abstract, it’s personal,” Meske says. “Every decision made in a committee room ripples into a family’s daily life. My goal is to make sure those ripples move us toward connection, not struggle, so Oklahoma’s children have the developmental and educational foundations they deserve.”
