Governor’s Disability Employment Awards 2022

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 who is holding his certificate and Vivian from DRTC
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 with his arm around Caitlin from DRTC.
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!

Caitlin and Peter who is holding his certificate.
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 who is holding a certificate, Kim, and Anthony.
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!

Denise from DRTC, Dakota, and Tonya from Crest Foods.
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.

DRTC and Volunteers Host Annual Fall Festival 🎃

  • Woman dressed as Snow White leaned over table picking up rubber duck while woman dressed as an M&M watches. Plants over their heads in background.
  • Group of people dressed in costumes standing in front of DRTC branded wall outside.
  • Woman dressed as rabbit and other woman wearing pumpkin costume smiling in front of DRTC branded wall.
  • Large group of people dancing outside.
  • One man dressed as a jester and three women standing side by side smiling in front of DRTC branded wall.
  • Man wearing inflatable eagle costume posing with man wearing an OKC Thunder shirt in front of DRTC branded wall.
  • Woman with pink wig smiling while pushing another woman in a wheelchair.
  • Group of six people holding silly props up to their face in front of DRTC branded wall.
  • Up close of three people dancing in the shade, others dancing in background in the sun.
  • Woman dressed as rabbit posing with man dressed as Batman in front of DRTC branded wall.
  • Woman smiling being handed candy, others in background outside.
  • Woman shooting a basketball while three men watch with anticipation.
  • Woman dressed as rabbit smiling with another woman in front of DRTC branded wall.
  • Man dressed as Spider-Man smiling while being handed candy.
  • Man dressed as Elvis standing between his mom and dad in front of DRTC branded wall.
  • Man dressed as Batman, woman dressed as a cat, and man dressed as Spider-Man standing in front of DRTC branded wall smiling.
  • Group of four women holding small Halloween props smiling for picture in front of DRTC branded wall.
  • Group of people wearing costumes standing in front of a food truck.
  • Group of people in costumes standing in front of Nick's Tamales food truck.
  • Woman standing next to woman dressed as a hippie in front of DRTC branded wall.
  • Two men one dressed as batman and one woman standing in front of DRTC branded wall outside.

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Ability-Focused Job Fair Coming to OKC

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!

What: Ability-Focused Job Fair

Where: Metro Tech Center’s Springlake Campus

STEM Building

1901 Springlake Dr.

Oklahoma City, OK 73111

When: October 11, 10am-1pm

Three people, right, visitng with Goodwill staff, left, with a long table between them at the Ability-Focused Job Fair.
Ability-Focused Job Fair at the State Fairgrounds, February 2022

Providing Essential Workers During the Pandemic and Beyond

Frontline workers at DRTC (also known as Dale Rogers Training Center) have been extremely busy since the pandemic, picking up the now familiar title essential worker along the way.

DRTC holds federal contracts providing custodial at Tinker Air Force Base, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center at FAA, US Marshals and several federal buildings in downtown Oklahoma City. Chances are, if you’ve passed through these areas, DRTC played a role in its upkeep—all 7.1 million square feet! In addition, DRTC provides food service through another federal contract at Tinker Air Force Base, serving a wide variety of meals to military personnel 24/7/365.

Total, DRTC employs approximately 300 at these federal contract locations. As part of these contracts through SourceAmerica®, 75% of those employees have a disability. They provide mission-support to help keep vital government and military functions running smoothly. Through innovative internal programs, DRTC provides tailored on-the-job training, job advancement and employment opportunities.

Spearheading many of these changes is DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. Since officially stepping into her role at the beginning of 2020, Copeland has navigated the agency through the pandemic, pivoting services and programs, but never losing sight of the agency’s mission of supporting people with disabilities through employment opportunities. Additionally, Copeland has become a leading voice in disability-inclusive workplaces as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Founded in 1953, DRTC is making plans for a 70th Anniversary celebration in 2023 that will honor disability-inclusive employers. If your business needs assistance with hiring and diversifying your talent pool, we have the right applicants for your needs. DRTC’s Employment Services Program helps transition qualified applicants into new jobs throughout the metro at no additional cost to employers. We’re also a great resource for accommodations and accessibility! Learn more at DRTC.org.

DRTC (Dale Rogers Training Center), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, promotes a more disability-inclusive workplace and community. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains, serves, or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.

Fresh Look, Same Purpose

Leading the Community Toward a More Disability-inclusive Workforce

DRTC logo with three blue swooshes extending up and to the left, with three dots at the end. Ability at work

DRTC is excited to announce a refreshed brand identity to reflect the innovative and forward-thinking nature of our organization. Through careful analysis of our organization’s values and a comprehensive assessment of community awareness and perceptions, we created a fresh new look that includes a logo, color scheme and tagline. While our mission, programs and services remain the same, the updated DRTC brand identity more clearly illustrates who we are today and heralds the future of our organization.

The refreshed DRTC logo reflects a more modern look and conveys our core message of leading the community toward a more disability-inclusive workforce. The logo evokes feelings of forward movement, innovation, energy and excitement. The three blue forward arcs represent the foresighted and progressive nature of DRTC’s entrepreneurial business model and employment opportunities. As the arcs unite together, the logo also reflects DRTC’s important mission of inclusivity, while the blue discs symbolize the people whom DRTC serves.

The tagline “Ability At Work” conveys the concept that DRTC is creating a workforce that is accessible and inclusive of people of all abilities. The blue color scheme of the logo communicates trust, loyalty, reliability and integrity, while the red tagline is energetic and powerful.

DRTC (Dale Rogers Training Center), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, is Oklahoma’s leading community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. The private agency promotes diversity and inclusion of persons with disabilities within our Oklahoma workforce and communities. Visit us online: DRTC.org.

Bradley’s Employment Journey

Bradley

One of our Employment Services Program participants is reaching new goals through his job. We first told you about Bradley in the June Quarterly Newsletter. He started as a Sales Associate at CVS Pharmacy during the height of the safer-at-home guidelines, and has since been promoted to Shift Supervisor.

Working in an essential business, Bradley experiences the demands of customer service.

“(I’m grateful) to have an essential job… to continue to work and to provide food, supplies and medicine to those in need,” said Bradley.

Lisa and Bradley in CVS.

Lisa, Bradley’s Employment Training Specialist, commends his work ethic for his success.

“Brad doesn’t let his wheelchair stop him from working,” said Lisa. “He helps to unload the trucks and to stock as well as do the front counter work.”

Now that Bradley has reached one of his goals in the form of his promotion in just a few months’ time, he now has his sights set to the future. Next up? Go to college and take courses in psychology as he pursues a Bachelor’s degree. In the meantime, Bradley stays focused during the pandemic through exercise and video games.

Bradley’s employment success serves as a reminder of the importance of an inclusive workforce. Qualified applicants need the opportunity to shine and put their abilities on display.

Is your business ready to welcome a more inclusive workforce? Contact us at supportedemployment@drtc.org.

Learn more about DRTC in our 2019-2020 Annual Report.

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, is Oklahoma’s leading community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains, serves and employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.

A new swagger at DRTC

Youth sporting over-sized, custom championship rings; working professionals taking meeting notes in pad folios; agencies handing out branded health-related promotional items at trade shows. What do they all have in common? The Swag Team working in DRTC Promotional Items.

Our detail-oriented team carefully inspects each item that passes through DRTC, ensuring quality while providing an extra level of benefit for customers across the state and beyond Oklahoma’s border. Promotional items companies typically ship orders directly to customers. At times there can be errors with the imprint, functionality, or even quantity; at DRTC, you know your order is 100%!

Three ladies inspecting padfolios while sitting around an oval table in DRTC's awards showroom. Various trophies and medals are in the background.
Pad folio inspection

On this day, a large order takes over most of one work floor. Individuals are removing pad folios from a cardboard box, inspecting the zipper, and making sure they include a pad of paper—300 in all. Each one is pored over, looking for imperfections. If it doesn’t pass the test, it doesn’t go to the customer.

“We catch issues with the items,” said Shon, who proudly recounts providing quality control. She says depending on the item ordered, she can go through a whole box of up to 1,000 items.

“I like to have fun with it,” added Shon.

Dennis enjoys the pace of the job. “It’s fast and furious,” he jokes.

Lindsey inspecting reflective shirts for ODOT. A large stack is in front of her, as well as at the end of the table.
Lindsey inspecting reflective shirts

Lindsey agrees. She’s also on the Swag Team and has helped check all kinds of items, from custom-branded apparel to medicine containers and even emergency kits.
“I think it’s pretty awesome,” said Lindsey.

Their work is well known and greatly appreciated. Among the most notable jobs: custom youth baseball championship rings. Moore Youth Baseball Association (MYBA) is a repeat supporter of DRTC. Last year, MYBA ordered 2,400 championship and finalist rings for its tournament. In 2020, they ordered 4,000.

“Those went over like a hit,” said MYBA Tournament Director Matt Purser. “It’s been a smashing success.”

 

Closeup of 10 Moore Youth Baseball Association championship rings.

MYBA first started working with DRTC in 2011 through a trophy order. Over the years, though, the need for tournament trophies shifted to championship rings. The larger-than-life rings feature a custom MYBA design in various colors and stand out for the young athletes who earn them on the field. For Matt, the partnership extends beyond the diamond.

“We try to do as much local (business) as we can,” said Matt. “You guys are running a good business and that’s why we keep coming back.”

The District Attorney’s Council (DAC) is another repeat supporter of DRTC and stands behind the work of the Swag Team. Dale Rogers Training Center has several items listed in the State Use Program which provides work opportunities for people with disabilities.

“Quality and workmanship (are) fantastic,” said Tina Harman with DAC. “We truly love that your mission embodies putting people to work.”

Back at DRTC, quality control continues as workers discuss their favorite Pokémon characters (Lindsey & Shon prefer Pickachu, while Dennis likes Charizard, by the way).
They’re bringing a new kind of swagger to businesses, agencies, and nonprofits alike.

How can your group provide more work opportunities at DRTC? Email PromoSales@drtc.org, visit our website PromoPlace.com/DRTCpromos, or stop by in person to learn more.

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.

Governor’s Awards 2019

Congratulations to all of the 2019 Governor’s Disability Employment Awards winners! DRTC was well represented at the 34th annual awards ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion: five Employment Services Program participants and seven partnering businesses received honors. DRTC’s Employment Services Program works with Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services to match individuals’ capabilities and skills with job openings in the area, helping them learn the job at no additional cost to the employer. Do you own a business and want to partner with our award-winning program? Email SupportedEmployment@drtc.org.

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Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.

Educational opportunity

Eager job seekers listen intently, take notes and soak up information hoping it will help them in their next employment opportunity.

It’s a break from the typical job hunt through Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) Employment Services Program, which helps people with disabilities find, train for, and keep jobs in the community. Today, a group of University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) students is putting on a presentation to educate them about what to do and not to do when seeking a job and working.

DRTC Employment Services Program participants and UCO students.
DRTC Employment Services Program participants and UCO students.

Elyse Barnett, Abby Graham and Jordan Michela, all seniors at UCO, developed the presentation as part of their Corporate Training and Consulting class, led by Dr. Christy Vincent. Working in tandem with Linda Sechrist, DRTC Employment Services Manager, the students conducted a training needs assessment and developed their topics and activities based off this feedback.

“The presentation was well planned, and the materials and handouts were appropriate for individuals in attendance,” said Linda. “The activities were not only instructional but also fun.”

Presentation praise

LaQuoya, seated left, enjoys the presentation by UCO students on job readiness.
LaQuoya, seated left, enjoys the presentation by UCO students on job readiness.

LaQuoya, who has done housekeeping work for 10 years, enjoyed the presentation, particularly the sections on being respectful and body language.

“I like to work,” LaQuoya said. “I want to do an office job.”

The topics covered also served as a refresher for some participants, like Evan, looking to find their next work opportunity.

Employment Services Program participants learn about job skills and readiness.
Evan participates in the UCO students’ presentation.

“I’m always on time,” Evan beamed. “I hope to work in the medical field.”

Employment Services Program participants learned about several topics, including the importance of making a good first impression, professionalism, and communicating with colleagues, customers and bosses.

“We hope you’re successful in that first day and beyond,” Jordan told program participants during her portion of the presentation.

“I felt like I had a personal investment in it,” said Elyse, whose sister has Prader-Willi syndrome.

“I think we had a passion for it,” Abby said of their collaboration.

More training to be done

For Abby, Elyse and Jordan, this is the culmination of months of preparation. However, their work doesn’t end here. Their full presentation will be used by DRTC’s Employment Services Program as part of its vocational preparation class and could even be used for the agency’s Transition School-to-Work Program which helps provide job training to high school juniors and seniors with disabilities.

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DRTC/UCO partnership

This isn’t the first time Dale Rogers Training Center has teamed up with students from the University of Central Oklahoma. Students with UCO’s Speech and Hearing clinic have provided therapy sessions, with guidance of a speech pathologist, every semester for people in DRTC’s various on-campus programs since 1999 on a weekly basis.

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.

2016 Governor’s Awards

The Governor’s office honors the hard work and dedication of people with disabilities in the workforce, as well as efforts by employers in fostering an inclusive environment in their respective businesses.

Congratulations to the 2016 Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence winners, including DRTC Employment Services Program participants Markus Mullin and Clay Stephens who both work at St. Ann’s Retirement Center, and to Ken Holt with Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma, who received a Business Award for hiring people with disabilities.

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Denise Young, DRTC Employment Training Specialist, said in her nomination of Stephens, “His upbeat personality and willingness to work hard has really impressed the staff at St. Ann’s.”

Mullin, who also works at St. Ann’s, also received a Award of Excellence. “He anticipates what needs to be done and does it before being asked,” said Young in her nomination letter.

Embassy Suites in Norman was one of several companies receiving an award in the Business category. The hotel hires individuals through DRTC’s Employment Services department. Embassy Suites is also the business partner for Project SEARCH to provide job skills training, support and career exploration in a variety of entry level positions and internships. Project SEARCH at Embassy Suites also includes  Norman Public Schools, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and the National Center for Disability Education and Training.

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.