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.
DRTC specializes in employment for people with a disability or limiting condition by providing great jobs through our federal contracts. Certain Custodial and Food Services positions are set-aside specifically to employ people who qualify for the program.
Not all positions require people to qualify as a person with a disability or limiting condition, but these contracts, through SourceAmerica®, are a highly disability-inclusive workforce. DRTC provides enhanced access, accommodations, and training for people who have a disability or limiting condition who want to be successful in employment.
The following is a description of the SourceAmerica® definition and requirements for documentation of disability or limiting condition on the DRTC AbilityOneTM contracts:
“A residual, limiting condition resulting from an injury, disease, or congenital (condition) which so limits the person’s functional capabilities that the individual is unable to engage in regular competitive employment over an extended period of time.”
Functional Capability Areas:
Mobility, Communication, Self-direction, Work Tolerance, Self-care, Work skills
* An individual’s disability or limiting condition must affect at least one area of functional capabilities.
Applicants with previous Individualized Education Program (IEP) as documentation:
• Must include diagnosis (Intellectual disability; Specific Learning Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.)
• Objective statements completed
• Signature & credentials of a qualified examiner (Licensed Clinical Social Worker or School Psychometrist) required
• Psychological or Psycho-Educational Evaluations may also be needed
Applicants with a previous Section 504 Eligibility Form as documentation:
• All sections completed
• Team Signature section to include a licensed professional with credentials
Requirements for documentation of a physical or medical disability:
• Doctor’s statement with diagnosis (on official doctor’s letterhead)
• Signed by a licensed practitioner qualified to make the diagnosis
• Must state the areas of functioning affected
• States the nature and extent of the disability as it affects any one of the functional areas listed above
* Documents can be requested from school with signed releases.
With the anticipated phase-out of subminimum wages on the horizon, DRTC (Dale Rogers Training Center) recently highlighted the accomplishments of its first class to complete the new DRTC Academy. The agency recognized 28 job seekers currently employed at DRTC, a nonprofit agency that leads a more disability-inclusive workplace and community, during a ceremony on December 13.
“The DRTC Academy is designed as an educational outreach for people with disabilities and their families to support their transition to competitive employment,” said DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed.
A United Way of Central Oklahoma donor-directed grant established The DRTC Academy, which is being considered as a model in neighboring states. Participants advance through each self-paced module, which include navigating the challenges of employment, self-advocacy, and more. A Competitive Integrated Employment Case Manager provides individualized instruction and group support.
In addition to becoming better prepared for community employment, participants completing the pilot program courses received a stipend for their dedication to re-imagining their future in employment.
DRTC was well represented at the 35th Annual Governor’s Disability Employment Awards. Employment Training Specialists nominated award recipients Jeremy, Joshua, Peter, and businesses Epworth Villa and Crest Foods. The DRTC Employment Training Specialists who helped their clients achieve this recognition are Vivian, Caitlin, Kim, and Denise.
Jeremy and his Employment Training Specialist Vivian
Jeremy: Jeremy’s life has improved greatly after gaining integrated employment. Jeremy has purchased a car, paid off some of his debt, and has moved into an upscale apartment. Jeremy’s social life has also improved after reconnecting with family and friends. Jeremy is a member of a foosball tournament team and participates in events in both Oklahoma and Texas. Jeremy began his employment history at Administrative Advantage in Norman. During Jeremy’s work at Administrative Advantage, he had simple tasks verifying insurance documentation. His duties increased and became more complex by implementing solutions and problem solving issues with patients, doctors, and insurance companies. Jeremy’s confidence grew as he became more successful. His manager at one point moved Jeremy to the front area of the business because of his customer service skills and friendly personality. He then became an employee of Marriott as a full-time night auditor. Jeremy is extremely focused while performing his duties and has outstanding customer service skills. During his employment, Jeremy has improved his problem-solving skills and has learned when to express concerns to his supervisor. Jeremy demonstrates dedication to work daily with a positive attitude!
Joshua and his Employment Training Specialist Caitlin
Joshua: Joshua’s confidence has grown tremendously since he started working. He is now comfortable initiating conversations with customers and his coworkers. Joshua also looks forward to participating in company holiday parties, birthday parties, and participating in Employee Appreciation Days! Joshua started his very first job as a Sacker at Crest. He was initially uncomfortable interacting with others. Now he is able to provide excellent service to the customers and assist them confidently. Joshua quickly learned which items to sack together and is always cautious to handle the customer’s groceries with care. He demonstrates pride in his work and inspects it for quality after completion. Recently, Joshua has taken on additional responsibilities, including cart-pushing and stocking duties when the store is shorthanded. When stocking, Joshua will face each item and shelve it neatly. He also reorganizes other items on the shelf in disarray. Joshua’s supervisors stated that he is always willing to help wherever the store needs it!
Peter and his Employment Training Specialist Caitlin
Peter: Peter has been able to manage attending college classes and working. His self confidence has significantly grown due to his employment. Peter has learned to manage personal finances and demonstrates the ability to make responsible decisions based on personal needs. Peter has become more confident in interacting with others and will initiate conversation. Peter submitted a drawing for Autism Awareness Week which was recognized and posted in the cafeteria of the hospital. He still volunteers regularly in the stock room at another hospital where he has established more positive working relationships. Peter follows all hospital policy and procedures accurately when delivering patient trays and sanitizing. Peter has experience volunteering in a hospital setting, so this prepared him to navigate throughout the hospital and recognize signage easily. Peter has demonstrated competence in hospital policy and problem-solving abilities. Peter is able to navigate the hospital, deliver trays, sanitize required surfaces, and assist coworkers with minimal to no supervision. Peter takes it upon himself to ensure all food carts are stocked with condiments and sanitized properly. Peter is dependable and takes pride in his work!
Sherri, Employment Training Specialist Kim, and Anthony with Epworth Villa
Epworth Villa: There are three Epworth Villa Supervisors, Anthony and Sherri in Housekeeping, and Jamie in Dining Services who have been instrumental in the success of individuals with disabilities with disabilities working with them. They have been flexible in adapting the job tasks and work location for the two most recent individuals with disabilities working for them. When applicants are recruited and interviewed to work at Epworth, they are provided information about the job and what is expected. The interviews are not rushed and all questions are answered including whether there are work accommodations that might be needed in order for the person to work successfully. The job coach is also included in the interviews to assist in negotiating the needed accommodations. Epworth Villa has followed through with all requested accommodations. Epworth Villa is a business that supports and respects the desire for a person with a disability to become an employee who then contributes to the success of the facility. Epworth Villa is an employer that recognizes how individuals with disabilities can demonstrate their abilities at work!
DRTC Employment Training Specialist Denise, Dakota, and Tonya with Crest
Crest Foods: Crest Foods and Tonya have demonstrated the commitment to assisting persons with disabilities to expand their employment goals. Tonya leads a Crest management team of wonderful individuals who support, encourage, and expect the best from all their employees. Crest has been a leader in employing persons with disabilities as they have experienced many times the great employees they become. The most outstanding accommodation that Crest has provided to employees is the adjustment of work schedules. Crest is also known for their “Sacker School,” which not only trains employees on the proper way to sack groceries, but also helps to improve the efficiency and speed of serving the customer. Employees with disabilities participate as part of the Crest team. One specific example is the opportunity to attend the Crest employee day at Frontier City. All employees are expected to step up and fill in where needed and this includes the employees with disabilities. This enhances the workplace culture where all contribute to the store’s success.
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.
The event, held at Metro Technology Center’s Springlake Campus will feature the following accommodations:
American Sign Language (ASL) & Spanish interpreters
Accessible parking & wide aisles
Sensory-sensitive room
Visual aids/services
Vocational Rehabilitation Services 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!
Join the Northwest Chamber on Thursday, September 22nd from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Farmers Public Market (311 S. Klein, Oklahoma City) for the “Cirque du OK” Taste of Northwest Food Fest! There will be tantalizing flavors, entertainment, and prizes!
This event will feature staff from DRTC Federal Contract Food Services!
On the Menu:
Smoked salmon with avocado cream and caviar
Crab Ceviche w/pickled radish, Korean red pepper and lime
Pulled Pork Slider w/ cranberry apple slaw and blueberry BBQ sauce
As much as the conversation about innovating Oklahoma’s workforce should include people with disabilities, policy makers must also recognize the need for more specialized vocational learning opportunities for teenagers with disabilities. Transition services, which refer to students with disabilities transitioning from school to the workforce, are a key component to improving Oklahoma’s labor market.
Current programs designed to introduce basic skills and knowledge of work opportunities provide a solid foundation for this population entering the workforce. However, a noticeable gap in services between high school and employment exists that can and should be closed to strengthen Oklahoma’s pool of job candidates. Differences between available services in urban and rural areas also highlight the need for more community support to connect future job seekers with opportunities in their area. Focusing efforts on this group can yield big dividends for the state and community but not without making crucial adjustments first.
Background
Students with DRTC’s Transition School-to-Work Program visit several job sites to learn more about different options for work.
Every year, tens of thousands of teenagers in Oklahoma begin the transition from high school to the next step in life.[i] According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 85% of students in Oklahoma graduated high school on time, compared to 79% of students with disabilities.[ii] This latter group may take longer to graduate, seek an alternative diploma, or do not graduate at all.[iii]
In high school, students with disabilities may participate in Transition School-to-Work programs offered in conjunction with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Within these programs, students may develop work goals, participate in career exploration by visiting different job sites, and even receive assistance in applying for work, among other services.[iv]
Beyond high school, society generally expects graduates to either seek higher education or leap into the job market. Fewer than half of new high school graduates attended post-secondary education in 2016, leaving the remainder to decide how they would enter the workforce.[v] This can be a particularly daunting experience for teenagers with disabilities, especially if they are ill-prepared to navigate the challenges of employment.
DRTC (Dale Rogers Training Center), a nonprofit agency that promotes a more disability-inclusive workplace and community, is on the front lines of connecting students with resources and meaningful career exploration prior to full employment.[vi] Originally formed as an educational center, the agency has transitioned to an entrepreneurial business model with the expectation of competitive integrated employment in the community. Through expanded partnerships with nonprofit agencies, state agencies, schools and businesses, these programs have the ability to take Oklahoma to new heights and serve as a model for others.
Existing Services
Pre-ETS
One existing program currently serving high school students with disabilities is Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS), offered through the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Pre-ETS serves approximately 8,500 students in 140 schools throughout Oklahoma. Through various activities, students explore different components of work such as: job exploration, work-based learning, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and post-secondary counseling.[vii] Pre-ETS, which is designed to supplement but not replace transition services, largely introduces students and families/caregivers to the world of employment beyond high school. Current funding does not allow for Pre-ETS to assist with on-the-job training, creating a gap in services.
Project SEARCH
After high school, qualifying young adults with disabilities may participate in Project SEARCH, an unpaid internship-based program providing on-the-job skills training.[viii] This nine-month-long program offers real work experience in a variety of businesses, rotating every 10-weeks. However, one glaring issue with Project SEARCH is its limited scope. This program is only offered in Oklahoma City, Moore, Edmond and Enid. Other towns, notably in rural areas, are not included, creating a division of employment opportunity.
Re-imagining Services
Prior to COVID-19, DRTC operated an in-person Transition School-to-Work program through DRS, working with 17 schools in the Oklahoma City metro. Over time, however, participation and outcomes dropped, causing the agency to refocus efforts to better serve youth with disabilities. DRTC is now working with DRS to implement a new career exploration contract that would focus on transitioning into the workforce, pairing an employment training specialist with a single student or small group. Piloting a successful career exploration program would prove scalable in cities and towns throughout Oklahoma, helping connect students with disabilities to previously unconsidered career opportunities.
An added benefit of career exploration is that it places more emphasis on early intervention—as young as 16 years old. Students can apply for transition services as early as 15.5 years old, but Project SEARCH starts at 18. By providing job discovery opportunities at 16, teenagers with disabilities can have extra time to build skills needed to be successful at work.
Conclusion
Existing services offered in Oklahoma provide a baseline of job exploration for teenagers and young adults with disabilities. Improvements can certainly be made from the lengthy application process, to offering focused career exploration at an earlier age, allowing the necessary time for teenagers to begin laying a foundation that will lead to successful employment. The state’s flexibility with innovative programs such as career exploration should continue, focusing on job development to further close the gap in current services.
The other component to this equation is business buy-in. In the current labor market, companies can tap into an under-utilized workforce (see previous article by DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland) to fill their needs, while benefiting the local community. Simple innovations to adjust current practices can help usher in a new era of productivity statewide.
This article will be used in the Background Resource Document for the Oklahoma Academy’s 2022 Town Hall which will focus on Oklahoma’s Human Potential-Enhancing our Workforce for an Increasingly Innovative Economy.
