Registration is now open for the 2022 sessions at Camp ClapHans, a summer camp in Norman for kids with disabilities.
The camp is open to kids ages 8 to 20 and is an outreach program of the J.D. McCarty Center for children with developmental disabilities.
Camp Director Bobbie Hunter said plans are to offer the same camp schedule as in years' past but "due to constant changes in circumstances involving COVID-19 and other factors that could affect our summer sessions, we have not scheduled specific dates for camp. We'll know more in the upcoming months," Hunter said.

   A historic symbol of gratitude is receiving repairs and renewed interest and appreciation from the community.
   The boxcar displayed in front of the J.D. McCarty Center for children with developmental disabilities in Norman is undergoing repair work that includes new boards, a fresh coat of paint and new decals.

The J.D. McCarty Center offers an outpatient neurology clinic for children.
The clinic is led by Cindy Carter-Kappus, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with extensive experience in pediatric neurology, and Dr. Marc Hille, a pediatric neurologist.
The clinic is open and accepting referrals. The clinic also offers referrals for therapy services, orthotics and psychology services.

Neurology clinic services
Our services include the diagnosis, treatment and management of the following conditions:

Get ready to roll again.
The annual Norman Conquest bicycle tour is set for July 10 at the J.D. McCarty Center for children with developmental disabilities.
The ride starts at 7 a.m. and will begin and end at the center at 2002 E. Robinson St.
This year’s ride will have a few changes to accommodate a shorter planning time for the event and pandemic protocols, said Todd Hamm, president of the Norman Bicycle League and chairman of the event. The league hosts the annual ride.

(Note: Connor Petty is a new RN at the center. He wrote this article about a longtime friend and their
exciting adventures together.)

We're excited to announce a special summer program that will be hosted at Camp ClapHans this year! The program will feature camp activities and therapeutic services for kids.
Children in the program will stay overnight at the camp, participate in camp activities and visit the J.D. McCarty Center for therapy
sessions.
The camp sessions will be:

The J.D. McCarty Center recently hosted a mask design contest among employees. The winning design is now featured on cloth masks that have been given to each employee.
Victoria Mittasch, a direct-care specialist, won the design contest with a puzzle-piece theme.
Mittasch said her love for art motivated her to enter the contest. Whenever she has downtime at work or at home, she loves to doodle or draw.

The J.D. McCarty Center has implemented new initiatives to benefit employees and help enhance their safety during the coronavirus pandemic.
One of those programs is offering employees’ children an online learning setup at the center.
Employees were given the option to sign up to bring their children to campus for online learning. The center hired teachers and aides to work with the children, who are receiving online instruction through their assigned school district.

The McCarty Center's therapists and dietary interns have compiled a list of resources for families and activities that can benefit children with disabilities while at home.
 

The Lexington High School wrestling team recently raised $300 for the McCarty Center through their "Pin for Autism" campaign.
The team had "Pin for Autism" singlets made, and the student wrestlers reached out to sponsors to donate for every pin that each wrestler achieved.
Amy Hughes has a son, Colton, who is a senior on the team and is high-functioning autistic. His coach, Jared Garrett, decided to do something to honor Colton and this was his idea, she said.