Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed.

The growth and success of DRTC, is unparalleled in Oklahoma. The unique and innovative $18 million nonprofit agency is comprised of businesses, work projects and programs that provide training, in-house businesses and community jobs to approximately 1,000 teens and adults with disabilities each year.

DRTC is the largest facility of its kind in the Southwest. The agency began in 1953 and operates in multiple locations across Oklahoma. Its programs and work projects have grown beyond the traditional and also include: the Special Needs Program, federal contracts in food and custodial services and unique business lines like DRTC Awards, DRTC Framing, and a gift shop. The result is approximately 1,000 individuals and their families benefit as the people with disabilities earn close to $5.5 million a year in wages. Each year DRTC’s Employment Services Program places more than 160 people with disabilities in community jobs.

For more than 30 years the driving force behind these amazing accomplishments has been Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed. Having taught and lectured in New York and Australia, McGoodwin also ran a smaller but similar agency in Dallas, Texas. “Who knew,” says McGoodwin.  “I’m a Speech Pathology major with a Master’s degree in Education; I never thought I’d be developing and overseeing services, products and businesses.” McGoodwin gives her talented management team at DRTC a lot of the credit.