As DRTC proudly celebrates its 70th Anniversary, we’re taking a moment to honor and recognize those individuals whose commitment embodies the organization’s core mission of leading the community toward a more disability-inclusive workforce.
Federal Contract AbilityOne Employee – Myra Denson-Hartsock
With an impeccable work ethic and heartwarming smile, Myra Denson-Hartsock clearly sets the standard for excellence and customer service. For almost 20 years, Myra has been a devoted team player and mentor at the downtown GSA contract. Myra believes in ‘paying it forward’ not only for her co-workers, but also for her federal customers, who feel like part of her family. Myra’s dedication to her work is unmatched and that is why Myra Denson-Hartsock is our AbilityOne, Spotlight Honoree.
Federal Contract Employee – Jason Kelleher
Capable of assembling data from 2,700 building inspections per month, Jason Kelleher spearheaded the current high-tech Quality Assurance Program for all custodial federal contracts. Beginning his career with DRTC as a Floor Tech in 2007, Jason has continued to advance his expertise to become a powerful force, enhancing the integrity and reliability of quality outcomes for the contracts. Embracing new concepts with a positive outlook drives his support of the mission.
Breaking Barriers to Competitive Integrated Employment
As DRTC proudly celebrates its 70th Anniversary, we’re taking a moment to honor and recognize those individuals whose commitment embodies the organization’s core mission of leading the community toward a more disability-inclusive workforce.
Passionate about his work, Kermit Walker exudes an excitement that is contagious. Fiercely independent and determined, Kermit never says ‘no’ to a new opportunity. In addition to 20-years’ experience in the DRTC Production Center, Kermit also volunteers his time serving the community.
Direct Service Professional Spotlight Honoree – Angela Waldrop
A trusted advocate for the rights of the people she serves, Angela Waldrop is known for her ‘out of the box’ thinking in breaking barriers down for others. At DRTC since 2016, Angela transitioned to a Case Manager as a new challenge in her career. Since that time, she has championed those she serves, truly meeting people where they are.
CIE Employer Champion – OKC Zoo
One distinctive and colorful opportunity offered unique jobs for people at DRTC. The Oklahoma City Zoo was searching for Wayfinders for their Festival of Lights and DRTC answered that call. Nights, weekends, holidays, and cold weather couldn’t hinder the DRTC Enclave from directing thousands of attendees through the park. The Oklahoma City Zoo has welcomed the DRTC team as a vital part of their operations, 2-years running.
ATC Drivetrain Recognized as Inaugural Employer of the Year
DRTC, also known as Dale Rogers Training Center, celebrated its clients, employees, partners and donors, as well as 70 years of DRTC’s impact and achievements at its 70th Anniversary Gala.
DRTC, founded in 1953 by a group of parents as an educational center for children with disabilities, has since transformed into a vocational and employment center. Every year, the private 501(c)3 nonprofit agency trains, serves, or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities. Last program year, people employed across DRTC’s vast programs earned more than $6 million in wages.
The event, held at the Embassy Suites Oklahoma City Downtown Medical Center, was emceed by 2021 Miss Oklahoma Ashleigh Robinson, who is a fierce advocate for Danielle, her younger sister with Down syndrome.
DRTC recognized the efforts of several people as well as business partners during the event across several categories: Equitability (Breaking Barriers), Capability (Business Partnerships), Employability (Disability-Inclusion in the Workplace), Dependability (Essential Heroes), culminating in the inaugural DRTC Ability At Work Employer of the Year Award, which was awarded to ATC Drivetrain, a world leader in remanufacturing of transmissions.
“Employers like ATC Drivetrain have embraced an inclusive workforce and we are thankful for their continued support of DRTC and hiring people with disabilities,” said Deborah Copeland, M.Ed., DRTC Executive Director/CEO.
DRTC is planning additional special events throughout 2023 to continue the celebration with clients, their caregivers, as well as employees at its federal contracts locations.
Job seekers of all abilities have an opportunity to connect with inclusive employers at the upcoming Ability-Focused Job Fair, co-hosted by DRTC (Dale Rogers Training Center), NewView Oklahoma and Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma.
The event, held at the OSU-OKC Community Impact Center will feature the following accommodations:
American Sign Language (ASL) & Spanish interpreters
Accessible parking & wide aisles
Sensory-sensitive room
Visual aids/services
Parking lot transportation to the event
Separate Interview Space
Sighted guides
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (OKDRS) will be at the event, along with Employment Training Specialists to help job seekers navigate the job fair and interview for open positions. This event is open to the public so there is no need to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you there!
What: Ability-Focused Job Fair
Where: OSU-OKC Community Impact Center
900 N Portland Ave
Oklahoma City, OK. 73107
When: October 24th 11:00am-2:00pm
Vendors: Interested in having a booth? There are limited spots available – Register Here!
Booth registration includes a catered lunch for up to two representatives.
Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) spent part of her August recess learning how people with disabilities serve as a critical component for the federal government and the United States military.
Rep. Bice recently toured Vanwey Dining Facility, operated by Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), at Tinker Air Force Base. DRTC has held the food service contract through SourceAmerica®, an AbilityOne® Program, for 30-years, preparing meals for military and civilian personnel around-the-clock. In addition, DRTC holds custodial contracts at TAFB, cleaning 188 buildings on base in support of the mission at Tinker.
NewView Oklahoma, a National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and AbilityOne® associated agency, participated in Rep. Bice’s visit as well. NewView Oklahoma provides employment for individuals who are blind or living with low vision. The agency employs 120 full-time employees through AbilityOne® contracts, and 186 employees organization-wide. Those employees serve in various capacities through service contracts at military installations across the country, including Tinker Air Force Base. NewView also offers employment through their Oklahoma City manufacturing plant where they manufacture a diverse range of products including wooden airplane chalks, DLA hoses, hydraulic hoses, high pressure hoses, sanitation products, survival kits, first aid kits, and more.
AbilityOne® Program employees from both DRTC and NewView Oklahoma spoke with Congresswoman Bice about the importance of the employment program in their lives. Rep. Bice also learned more about the AbilityOne® Program from DRTC Executive Director/CEO Deborah Copeland, M.Ed., and NewView Oklahoma President & CEO Lauren Branch and how people with disabilities have gained meaningful employment through contracts via SourceAmerica® and NIB.
DRTC employs approximately 200 people at Tinker Air Force Base, among its three contracts on base.
“Through employment, our staff have been able to support their families, advance their careers, and develop their skills,” said Deborah Copeland. Executive Director and CEO of DRTC. “The AbilityOne® Program continues to prove its worth, generating $2.66 to the federal government for every one-dollar spent on the program.” (Mathematica Socioeconomic Impact Evaluation Report)
The unemployment rate for Americans living with vision-related disabilities is 67%; that equates to more than 48,000 Oklahomans eligible but not participating in the workforce. “The AbilityOne® program is a vital federal program that protects and encourages the employment of individuals living with disabilities. Without it, many of our neighbors would remain unemployed,” said Lauren Branch, President and CEO of NewView Oklahoma.
DRTC recognized Col. Abigail Ruscetta, Commander, 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Congresswoman Bice, and Senator Markwayne Mullin (whose staff attended the event) with a commemorative acrylic manufactured at the agency’s headquarters located at 2501 N. Utah Ave. in Oklahoma City.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) continues to celebrate its 70th year in operation, this time with a re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) demonstrating excellence in services provided to people with disabilities.
Surveyors conducted virtual visits of the agency, complete with a live tour, as well as interviews with clients, staff and board members and a thorough review of agency policies and procedures. This is the fifth three-year accreditation from CARF. DRTC has maintained the certification since 2011.
“Before, during and after the pandemic, DRTC has demonstrated successful outcomes for disability-inclusive workplaces,” said DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed.
DRTC received its latest re-accreditation for the following programs:
Community Employment Services: Employment Supports – Employment Services/Mobile Workforce
Community Employment Services: Job Development – Employment Services
Organizational Employment Services – Vocational Services/Mobile Workforce/Special Needs Program
“This re-accreditation reflects DRTC’s commitment to providing quality services for people with disabilities in their employment journey,” added Copeland.
CARF surveyors noted several strengths of DRTC, including its commitment to a healthy and safe environment, community training opportunities through its DRTC Academy, the Board of Directors’ dedication to the agency’s mission, among many others.
Sights will be set skyward when the Tinker Air Show takes flight, but also important is ground-level activity.Custodian crews with Dale Rogers Training Center, Inc. (DRTC) are tasked with maintaining the grounds during the award-winning Tinker Air Show, July 1-2.
DRTC, a 501(c)3 private nonprofit organization, leads a more disability-inclusive workforce, assisting people with disabilities reach their employment goals. Nearly 300 people work at DRTC’s federal contract locations through SourceAmerica®, an AbilityOne® Program to employ people with disabilities.
“We’re excited to once again provide custodial services for the Tinker Air Show,” said Deborah Copeland, DRTC Executive Director. “This event provides another great opportunity to showcase the partnership between Tinker Air Force Base and DRTC, as well as the capabilities of our essential personnel.”
Custodians will be positioned throughout the event, ensuring clean operations for the two-day event. DRTC also provided custodial services at the 2019 Tinker Air Show.
The nonprofit agency, celebrating its 70th year in 2023, recently finalized a 10-year contract with the Department of Defense to continue providing custodial services on base.
DRTC has provided custodial contract services at Tinker AFB since 2001, and contract food services at TAFB since 1993. In addition, DRTC also provides contract custodial services at the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, as well as the federal complex (Courthouse, Post Office, Oklahoma City Federal Building and the Murrah Plaza).
For questions regarding media access to the Tinker Air Show, call 405-739-2025 or email 72abw.pa.workflow@us.af.mil.
A new partnership between DRTC and IDD Safe aims to ensure safe encounters between people with disabilities and law enforcement. Participants of Camp Tumbleweed Academy had the opportunity to learn from retired law enforcement officers during their summer day camp activities. This initiative aims to equip these young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate encounters with law enforcement in a safe and respectful manner.
During Camp Tumbleweed Academy, participants engaged in various activities focused on fostering safe interactions with the police. Retired law enforcement officers taught essential skills such as understanding body language, effectively communicating a disability, and participating in mock demonstrations within a safe environment. By learning these skills, the campers gained confidence and a better understanding of how to navigate encounters with law enforcement personnel.
In addition to the hands-on training received during the camp, campers and their families were provided with reference cards to carry with them at all times. These cards will serve as a quick reference guide, offering helpful tips and reminders on interacting with law enforcement. Furthermore, the campers were introduced to the De-escalating Officer Patrol Encounters (D.O.P.E.) app, developed by IDD Safe instructor Lt. Stan Campbell (Ret., OKCPD) and actress Tisha Campbell. This app provides de-escalation training for both citizens and officers, fostering better understanding and cooperation between the two parties.
Through the partnership between DRTC and IDD Safe, youth with disabilities that participated in Camp Tumbleweed Academy gained essential knowledge and skills to interact safely with law enforcement. By involving retired law enforcement officers and providing practical training, this program empowers campers to navigate encounters with confidence and respect. The distribution of reference cards and the introduction of the D.O.P.E. app further support the campers and their families in promoting safer interactions. This partnership represents a positive step toward fostering understanding and inclusivity within communities and encourages further efforts to ensure the well-being of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Job seekers of all abilities have an opportunity to connect with inclusive employers at the upcoming Ability-Focused Job Fair, co-hosted by DRTC (Dale Rogers Training Center) and Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma.
American Sign Language (ASL) & Spanish interpreters
Accessible parking & wide aisles
Sensory-sensitive room
Visual aids/services
Parking lot transportation to the event
Separate Interview Space
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (OKDRS) will be at the event, along with Employment Training Specialists to help job seekers navigate the job fair and interview for open positions. This event is open to the public so there is no need to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you there!
What: Ability-Focused Job Fair
Where: OKC Fairgrounds
Hobbies, Arts & Crafts Building
3100 General Pershing Blvd,
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
When: April 25, 12-2:30pm
Vendors: Interested in having a booth? There are limited spots available – Register Here!
Oklahoma, Thank you for your longtime support of Dale Rogers Training Center Inc. (DRTC) and your advocacy for creating inclusive working opportunities for everyone. The past few years have brought both challenges and new opportunities for our community. Moving forward, we are excited about several areas of potential growth for DRTC that will position us for even greater impact.
Throughout 2023 we will celebrate DRTC’s 70th anniversary. We have dedicated resources to increase community awareness for both our current successful core programs that provide opportunities for individual growth each year, as well as new and innovative programs to re-imagine the future of disability-inclusive employment.
