OSU-OKC Disability Services Coordinator Elected Vice Chair of Department of Rehabilitation Services Governing Board

Oklahoma City resident Emily Cheng was recently elected vice chair of the Commission for Rehabilitation Services.

The Commission is the governing board for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). The agency serves more than 83,400 Oklahomans with disabilities.

Commissioner Cheng advanced quickly to her new leadership role following her August appointment to the Commission by Governor Mary Fallin.

She is currently employed as the disability services coordinator and an academic advisor at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City.

As a person with cerebral palsy, Cheng used DRS’ post-employment services in the past to maintain her job at OSU-OKC.

Cheng earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Tulane University and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Both universities are located in New Orleans.

She is also a certified rehabilitation counselor and previously worked for DRS’ counterpart agency, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.

April Danahy, a bank vice president and community leader from Enid, was recently elected chair of the Commission.

Oktaha resident Jack Tucker, a retired teacher and principal from DRS’ Oklahoma School for the Deaf, completed his second term as chair and will serve as member of the commission.

DRS provides career planning, employment, independent living, residential and outreach education programs determines medical eligibility for disability benefits. For more information, visit www.okdrs.gov or phone 800- 845-8476.