The OSU Center for Developmental Disabilities advances accessibility and opportunity
Monday, November 10, 2025
Media Contact: Kirsi McDowell | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-8320 | kirsi@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University’s Center for Developmental Disabilities aims to expand access to higher education and equal opportunity in Oklahoma for individuals
with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
In 2022, the center established an inclusive postsecondary education program, called Opportunity Orange Scholars, that provides students with intellectual disabilities the chance to live on campus, pursue academic and career goals, and fully participate in the OSU Cowboy experience.
OOS students participate in campus life just like their peers, from living in the residence halls to joining student organizations and extracurricular activities.
“With Opportunity Orange Scholars, we’re expanding the Cowboy family and improving the lives of all students,” said Dr. Jennifer Jones, director of OSU’s Center for Developmental Disabilities. “They live, learn, work and play the same as any other OSU student.”
Jones emphasized that educational opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities open doors to greater independence and future employment. OOS faculty and staff work to strengthen students’ independent living skills and provide access to supported local internship opportunities.
The Center for Developmental Disabilities also prioritizes athletic opportunities for individuals across Oklahoma, in addition to social and academic pursuits. The center founded OSU Unified, also in 2022, in collaboration with the Department of Wellness and OSU Intramurals. The program joins Special Olympics athletes statewide with OSU students, faculty and staff who serve as team partners and volunteer coaches.
In this inclusive program, athletes and partners participate in Unified intramural athletic teams on campus and compete in sports including basketball, bocce, bowling, kickball and flag football. OSU Unified teams even compete in annual regional tournaments with the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association.
“Unified is about building community and friendship,” said Emma Roy, an OSU alumna and Unified partner. “You don’t have to worry about anything else when you’re there. The athletes always have the best attitudes and outlooks on life. It’s really encouraging.”
Roy received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Pre-Med, and explained that Unified was a highlight during her college experience.
“Unified has never been a box to check for me. It’s always been my fun, stress-reliever thing,” she said. “The people and connections I’ve made have lasted beyond college.”
That community will soon be showcased on the national stage. The OSU Unified flag football team, led by coaches Tim Jones and Dr. Stephen Clarke, has been selected to represent Oklahoma at the 2026 USA Special Olympics Games in Minnesota.
The Unified team consists of athletes — Dominic Adkins, Alex Fruits, Garrett Jones, Jared Lowry and Carter Pfieffer — and OSU partners — Shanovia Forbes, Gracie Maschmeier, Abby McNeely and Emma Roy.
The team has practiced twice a week since spring 2025, focusing on conditioning, drills and team building. Practices include unique traditions such as “Thankful Thursdays,” where teammates share something they are grateful for, helping strengthen bonds on and off the field.
“It’s about building a sense of belonging and learning alongside each other,” Jones said.
She spoke about the dedication and preparation ahead of the USA games.
“Being a part of the USA Games team is an incredible commitment and opportunity,” Jones said. “For most of our athletes, this is their first time traveling away from home for a full 10 days.”
On June 20, 2026, the team will join other Unified teams nationwide for opening ceremonies, followed by a week of competition before wrapping up at the closing ceremony on June 27.
Both the OOS and OSU Unified programs within the Center for Developmental Disabilities reflect OSU’s land-grant mission of providing opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities. OOS continues to grow, welcoming each new cohort in the fall, while OSU Unified expands its year-round programming and reaches new heights.
“Unified is worth your time and what you invest in it,” Roy said. “You’ll make lasting friendships, and it will probably end up being a highlight of your college experience, too.”
As she prepares with her teammates for the 2026 USA Special Olympics Games, Roy reflects on the impact of OSU’s Center for Developmental Disabilities. The opportunity the center provides through programs like OOS and OSU Unified can be life-changing for everyone involved.
“I’m especially excited for the Unified athletes who get to compete at the USA Games,” she said. “It’s a really big deal.”
Photos By: Kelly Kerr
Story By: Brittney Purcell | ASPIRE Magazine