For the past four years, Nancy Ward has called Acclaim Independent Living in Oklahoma City home. But to those who know her, she is so much more than a neighbor. She is a leader, a listener, and a lifelong advocate. Recently, Nancy was honored with the Pay It 4Ward Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to helping others. Her story is one of purpose, resilience, and love for the community around her.
Before retirement, Nancy spent years helping people with disabilities understand their rights, especially the right to vote. Through her work with the Oklahoma Disability Law Center, she became a trusted voice and tireless advocate.
“From 1971 to 1990, before the Help America Vote Act, I couldn’t vote,” Nancy shared. “That’s what inspired me to help others. Voting isn’t just a right. It’s a responsibility.”
Nancy played a pivotal role in advancing disability rights by advocating for the Help America Vote Act, a key piece of legislation that improved voting access for people with disabilities. She worked alongside influential national figures, including Justin Dart, often referred to as the “Godfather of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).” Reflecting on a defining moment after the Help America Vote Act was passed, Nancy recalls asking Dart, “You didn’t think we’d be able to do this, did you?” Dart replied, “No.” Nancy says that exchange is something she’ll never forget and serves as a lasting reminder of how advocacy and perseverance can drive real change in disability rights and accessibility.
Today, Nancy continues to make a difference while enjoying life at Acclaim. Though she’s retired, her mission remains strong. She’s helping make local transportation safer for people with disabilities and has co-developed training programs for medical students at OU, teaching them how to connect more compassionately with those they care for.
“One of the reasons I like being at Acclaim so much is because everybody cares about everybody else,” she said. “It’s like we’re a big family. We support and check in on one another.”
Nancy also hosts Oklahoma People First meetings at Acclaim and is helping to create a one-stop resource center. Her goal is to make it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to access trusted services like the Areawide Aging Agency and local housing resources.
Nancy believes there’s a misconception that moving to a senior living community means giving up independence. Her experience at Acclaim has been the opposite.
“People often don’t understand that they’re not giving up their freedom when moving into Acclaim. It’s a community. We eat together, we do activities together, and everything here is done for every resident in mind.”
From traveling to 16 countries to speaking about advocacy, to being invited to the White House, Nancy has lived a life full of purpose. And today, she continues that purpose right here in Oklahoma City.
“What brings me joy is being able to help people who may need support,” she shared. “I never thought this is what I’d be doing with my life. It has allowed me to go to sixteen different countries to advocate for people with disabilities.”
Nancy’s lifelong commitment to disability advocacy has taken her around the world. Throughout her journey, she has met with several U.S. presidents and influential leaders, including Clinton, Obama, Reagan, and Ford. Her work continues to inspire others and shows how senior living can help older adults continue thriving and live a life that’s impactful to them.
About Acclaim Independent Living – Oklahoma City
Acclaim Independent Living offers warm, maintenance-free living for active seniors who want to stay connected, engaged, and supported. Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, it’s a place where stories like Nancy’s continue to grow and inspire.