A WOW: My Personal Report on The DSA of Central Oklahoma

Posted February 27, 2014

Workshop Last Weekend

Megan Winkler in the DSACO Computer Lab

Last weekend, I gave my “Meet Their Need and They Will Read” workshop in Oklahoma City. Just before I left for Oklahoma, I posted on FB that “I’ve always been impressed with the importance Oklahoma educators and parents tag onto reading, so I’m looking forward to this!” Well, I was not disappointed! The audience of 90 was split 50/50 between parents and educators. (Way to go, Oklahoma!)

The DSACO Gem

I was impressed by more than the audience…the DSACO has a gem in its Exec Director, Megan Winkler. Not only was the conference among the most organized, smoothly run workshops I’ve ever given, but the tour of the DSACO offices Megan gave me the next day absolutely blew me away.

The Long View of Part of the Computer Lab

In the 2 years since Megan joined the org, they have acquired the following: a 2,1000-square-foot office space, a computer lab with 10 HP touchscreen computers loaded with cool software like ABC Mouse and Touch Math, and–brand new–“Kylee’s Kitchen” with 10 microwave ovens to train future cooks to prepare food for themselves without fire. Kylee’s parents donated the kitchen in memory of their little girl, Kylee, and it’s just beautiful. So much thought went into this, including the height of the teens and adults with Down syndrome! No microwaves high up!

Kylee’s Kitchen for Training Future Cooks!

Thinking of All DSAs

Of course I wish this sort of growth and development for all DSAs. I asked Megan if I could give you her contact info, and if she’d be willing to share with others just how she’s done all she’s done. She said yes, which I hope she doesn’t regret!! And I’ve got a shout out to the DSAIA (Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action) to bring her to speak at next year’s DSAIA Conference, where she can share her know-how with other DSAs. It would be a perfect fit.

The DSACO website is www.dsaco.org. If you have questions for Megan, you can reach her at: executive director@dsaco.org, or by phone at 405.600.9981.