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About Us

Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center has proudly served Northwest Oklahoma for nearly 40 years, empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities. Our organization was originally established in 1986 as the Northwest Oklahoma Independent Living Center by Sandra K. Beasley, a passionate advocate for disability rights and independent living. Despite facing several disabilities of her own, Sandra dedicated her life to ensuring that people with disabilities had equal opportunities, access, and a voice within their communities. Sandra was a significant figure in the disability rights movement and was actively involved in the fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which became law in 1990. Her advocacy helped advance the rights of individuals with disabilities and laid the foundation for greater accessibility and inclusion across the nation. Following Sandra's passing in 1992, her brother continued her vision and leadership by renaming the organization the Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center in her honor. Since then, we have remained committed to carrying forward her legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and service. Today, the Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center serves individuals with all types of disabilities through the five core services of independent living:

• Advocacy and Outreach
• Information and Referral
• Peer Counseling and Peer Support
• Independent Living Skills Training
• Transition Services for High School Students and Individuals Transitioning from Nursing Homes to Community Living

Our services are provided free of charge and are designed to help individuals increase their independence, achieve personal goals, and access the resources they need to thrive.

At Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center, our mission is to help our community understand that support and services are available to assist individuals in achieving independence, regardless of their disability. We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to make their own choices, participate in their community, and live with dignity, confidence, and self-determination. As we continue serving our community, we remain dedicated to the vision that Sandra Beasley began nearly four decades ago: a community where barriers are removed, opportunities are expanded, and independence is possible for all.

We believe that every person with a disability deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive in their community.

Meet Our Team

At Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center, our team is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through advocacy, support, and community engagement. We are passionate about helping people achieve greater independence and access the resources they need to thrive. Together, we work to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their goals and live independently.

Katrinka Kuzniar headshot for executive director

Katrinka Kuzniar

Executive Director

Bre Solis headshot for administrative assistant

Bre Solis

Administrative Assistant 

Board Members 

Brad Pasby

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Dr. Jami Benton

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Cynthia Stevison: Vice President

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Frieda Kliewer-Dow: President

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Heather Franklin 

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Phyllis Mitchell

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Tom Tower

Mission Statement 

We empower individuals with disabilities to live independently, exercise their rights, and participate fully in society. Our services support people in reaching their full potential, expanding opportunities, and contributing their unique talents and creativity to their communities.

Vision Statement

To empower individuals with disabilities to achieve independence, inclusion, and full participation in their communities.

This website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $275,094.00 with 80.6 percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $66,209.12 amount and 19.4 percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

@ Copyright 2026 Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center. All rights reserved.

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