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DRTC Academy

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

First Class of DRTC Academy Recognized 

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.  

Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Man and woman standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, man is holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Man and woman standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, man is holding certificate.
Man and woman standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, man is holding certificate.
Man and woman standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, man is holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Man and woman standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, man is holding certificate.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Man and woman standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, man is holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Man and woman standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, man is holding certificate and coin.
Two women standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, one woman holding certificate and coin.
Man and woman standing in front of DRTC branded backdrop smiling at camera, man is holding certificate and coin.
Large group photo in front of DRTC backdrop.
Rows of certificates laid out on a table.

Governor’s Disability Employment Awards 2022

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

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.

Volunteering for fun!

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) Camp Tumbleweed is winding down, but not without some more fun courtesy of Bishop McGuinness High School’s Social Justice course. Students took a tour of DRTC, learning about our history and what we do at the agency, and then volunteered at Camp T.

BMHS seniors and Camp T campers had a great time playing games!  Thank you for volunteering!

Learn more about exciting volunteer opportunities at DRTC.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

DRTC is in your corner

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Individuals in DRTC's programs smile at the 2015 United Way Campaign Kickoff
A group of individuals in DRTC’s programs attended the 2015 United Way Campaign Kickoff.

Individuals in Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) programs are active advocates for the agency. Whether it is by attending United Way Campaign Kick Off events, going to the Capitol for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, or just by spreading the word about the work being done at the agency, what better spokespeople to have than these!

There are plenty of opportunities to be advocates—when out on field trips with Camp Tumbleweed, at volunteer sites with Mobile Workforce, visiting work site locations with Transitions and beyond!

Chris holds a certificate of recognition making him an Honorary Public Relations Representative.
Chris became an Honorary Public Relations Representative for his efforts during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day.

One outstanding advocate is Chris—who participates in DRTC’s Mobile Workforce. Chris was an outspoken supporter of DRTC at this year’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, speaking with Oklahoma’s lawmakers about the importance of DRTC. He even invited them to come take a tour of our campus! He did such an amazing job, we made him an Honorary Public Relations Representative!

It’s easy being an advocate:

DRTC’s presence at various events and in the public in general sends a strong message to those in the community: We’re Oklahomans. We work. We contribute. We give back.

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

Life-changing decisions

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Planned budget cuts and adjustments may have been thrown another wrench courtesy of a bill approved by Oklahoma state lawmakers on the last day of session.

Senate Bill 694 spells out how the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) is to use its entire $2.2 billion budget (including $651.5 million in state-appropriated funds).

Section 3 of SB694 states OKDHS should fully fund several waiver programs, including the In-Home Supports Waiver (IHSW), “with all of the state, federal, and other existing financial resources available to the Department, including increasing state funds to make up for the loss of Federal FMAP funds so that total spending in FY-2017 is no less than FY-2016.”

Entrance sign at Dale Rogers Training Center
Dale Rogers Training Center

OKDHS announced plans to offset some of the $27 million reduction from FY16 levels by cutting $11 million from the IHSW. Slashing the IHSW would impact 31 of the families served through Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) programs at its main campus in Oklahoma City and dozens of other agencies across the state.

While both SB694 and SB1616 (appropriations bill for FY17) passed and now await Governor Mary Fallin’s signature, OKDHS is still faced with deciding how to fund its programs.

If OKDHS eliminates the IHSW, there will be no funding for 24% of the individuals participating in DRTC’s programs to come to the nonprofit agency and be contributing, tax-paying citizens.

An individual works on a subcontracting project in DRTC's Vocational Services Program.
An individual works on a subcontracting project in DRTC’s Vocational Services Program.

In DHS’ own words, reducing/eliminating the IHSW “could risk individual’s ability to remain at home, requiring 24-hour skilled nursing care.” Skilled nursing is far more expensive and moves people with disabilities toward segregated environments rather than toward federally mandated community integration.

Your advocacy is still needed

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Call/email DHS Director Ed Lake at 1-877-751-2972 or email inforeferral@okdhs.org

Tell Director Lake to provide services for persons with disabilities who live at home through the In-Home Support Waiver!

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

Life-changing decisions

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Planned budget cuts and adjustments may have been thrown another wrench courtesy of a bill approved by Oklahoma state lawmakers on the last day of session.

Senate Bill 694 spells out how the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) is to use its entire $2.2 billion budget (including $651.5 million in state-appropriated funds).

Section 3 of SB694 states OKDHS should fully fund several waiver programs, including the In-Home Supports Waiver (IHSW), “with all of the state, federal, and other existing financial resources available to the Department, including increasing state funds to make up for the loss of Federal FMAP funds so that total spending in FY-2017 is no less than FY-2016.”

Entrance sign at Dale Rogers Training Center
Dale Rogers Training Center

OKDHS announced plans to offset some of the $27 million reduction from FY16 levels by cutting $11 million from the IHSW. Slashing the IHSW would impact 31 of the families served through Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) programs at its main campus in Oklahoma City and dozens of other agencies across the state.

While both SB694 and SB1616 (appropriations bill for FY17) passed and now await Governor Mary Fallin’s signature, OKDHS is still faced with deciding how to fund its programs.

If OKDHS eliminates the IHSW, there will be no funding for 24% of the individuals participating in DRTC’s programs to come to the nonprofit agency and be contributing, tax-paying citizens.

An individual works on a subcontracting project in DRTC's Vocational Services Program.
An individual works on a subcontracting project in DRTC’s Vocational Services Program.

In DHS’ own words, reducing/eliminating the IHSW “could risk individual’s ability to remain at home, requiring 24-hour skilled nursing care.” Skilled nursing is far more expensive and moves people with disabilities toward segregated environments rather than toward federally mandated community integration.

Your advocacy is still needed

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Call/email DHS Director Ed Lake at 1-877-751-2972 or email inforeferral@okdhs.org

Tell Director Lake to provide services for persons with disabilities who live at home through the In-Home Support Waiver!

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

We did all that in 5 years, no way!

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Connie Thrash McGoodwinYes WAY, and it’s a credit to our established administrative team. But there is no rest for the wicked and we are down to 10 months and counting until our 60th Anniversary celebration on October 13, 2013. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU OR YOUR COMPANY AS A SPONSOR, just fill out and return the enclosed card between now and June.

JOBS
In five years we doubled the wages earned by our folks with disabilities to
5.9 million dollars and created hundreds of new jobs in the community. We’ve added new classes and support staff, and our main location on Utah increased by almost 20 staff members. Employment Services moved to the building on the corner, which provides staff with a much better space to do their jobs and offers easier access to those we serve, many of whom may have mobility issues.

WORK PROJECTS
We have added our first FAA contract at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and two contracts at the Armed Forces Reserve Centers located in Norman and Mustang, that’s about 53 new jobs for people with disabilities.

CERTIFICATIONS
Our Employment Services department was certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for their maximum award of three years. They will return in 2014 and certify the entire agency. Four members of the Board of Directors and myself went through four months of Standards of Excellence training through the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURISM
A few years ago we received the framing set aside for the state and bought the small wholesale framing company we were working with in Moore. Wyman Frame and Supply is now being moved on campus to the new Workforce Skills Training building. In October of 2013 we will add a retail component to the current wholesale model.
With the help of Cedar Hill Spices in Edmond and Anglin Public Relations, we created a line called Prairie Spices and started an online store. Over a dozen different items made or packaged by workers at Dale Rogers Training Center are available for purchase online or at the agency (https://drtc.org/commerce or call 405-813-9998), including GREAT GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION! New holiday cards and note cards are designed every year by folks in our workshop. Each gift has a note from an individual who packaged it.

Why do we work so hard? To try to diversify our income and stay ahead of any negative impacts on the economy. That fiscal pie only has so many pieces, so let’s say “we’re doing our own baking”. Our ultimate strategic goal is complete self-sufficiency.

Part of the secret of our success is the unique partnership between the Board of Directors and Dale Rogers’ professional staff. The Board of Directors meets monthly and does its due diligence on anything new, approves policy, oversights all strategic planning and handles all finances and investments. In addition, a Human Rights Committee, also from the community, reviews and protects the safety and rights of all individuals served in the Developmental Disabilities Services Division and Department of Rehabilitation Services programs.

“We have some of the most experienced and professional staff in Oklahoma. The professional integrity of the staff, the outcomes and our continued success is how we know this partnership works,” says Board President Becky Cook.

I get a lot of credit for our success and while I admit to being a catalyst for quality and innovation, it is my administrative team that makes it happen. You’ll hear more about my “Fab 5” these next few months (think Jerry, Deborah, Theresa, Lillian and Mark) not to mention the other 18 members of administration at all of our seven office locations.

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS, CUSTOMERS, CONTRACTORS, DONORS AND ADVOCATES!

We couldn’t be successful without you!

Looking forward to 2013 and seeing you at our 60th Anniversary Celebration,

Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M. Ed.
Executive Director

We did all that in 5 years, no way!

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Connie Thrash McGoodwinYes WAY, and it’s a credit to our established administrative team. But there is no rest for the wicked and we are down to 10 months and counting until our 60th Anniversary celebration on October 13, 2013. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU OR YOUR COMPANY AS A SPONSOR, just fill out and return the enclosed card between now and June.

JOBS
In five years we doubled the wages earned by our folks with disabilities to
5.9 million dollars and created hundreds of new jobs in the community. We’ve added new classes and support staff, and our main location on Utah increased by almost 20 staff members. Employment Services moved to the building on the corner, which provides staff with a much better space to do their jobs and offers easier access to those we serve, many of whom may have mobility issues.

WORK PROJECTS
We have added our first FAA contract at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and two contracts at the Armed Forces Reserve Centers located in Norman and Mustang, that’s about 53 new jobs for people with disabilities.

CERTIFICATIONS
Our Employment Services department was certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for their maximum award of three years. They will return in 2014 and certify the entire agency. Four members of the Board of Directors and myself went through four months of Standards of Excellence training through the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURISM
A few years ago we received the framing set aside for the state and bought the small wholesale framing company we were working with in Moore. Wyman Frame and Supply is now being moved on campus to the new Workforce Skills Training building. In October of 2013 we will add a retail component to the current wholesale model.
With the help of Cedar Hill Spices in Edmond and Anglin Public Relations, we created a line called Prairie Spices and started an online store. Over a dozen different items made or packaged by workers at Dale Rogers Training Center are available for purchase online or at the agency (https://drtc.org/commerce or call 405-813-9998), including GREAT GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION! New holiday cards and note cards are designed every year by folks in our workshop. Each gift has a note from an individual who packaged it.

Why do we work so hard? To try to diversify our income and stay ahead of any negative impacts on the economy. That fiscal pie only has so many pieces, so let’s say “we’re doing our own baking”. Our ultimate strategic goal is complete self-sufficiency.

Part of the secret of our success is the unique partnership between the Board of Directors and Dale Rogers’ professional staff. The Board of Directors meets monthly and does its due diligence on anything new, approves policy, oversights all strategic planning and handles all finances and investments. In addition, a Human Rights Committee, also from the community, reviews and protects the safety and rights of all individuals served in the Developmental Disabilities Services Division and Department of Rehabilitation Services programs.

“We have some of the most experienced and professional staff in Oklahoma. The professional integrity of the staff, the outcomes and our continued success is how we know this partnership works,” says Board President Becky Cook.

I get a lot of credit for our success and while I admit to being a catalyst for quality and innovation, it is my administrative team that makes it happen. You’ll hear more about my “Fab 5” these next few months (think Jerry, Deborah, Theresa, Lillian and Mark) not to mention the other 18 members of administration at all of our seven office locations.

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS, CUSTOMERS, CONTRACTORS, DONORS AND ADVOCATES!

We couldn’t be successful without you!

Looking forward to 2013 and seeing you at our 60th Anniversary Celebration,

Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M. Ed.
Executive Director

If you love us, be sure to ‘like’ us!

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Holiday Card 2012

Since you are already a fan of Dale Rogers Training Center , be sure to “Like” us on Facebook for a great chance at winning a set of holiday cards made by a person with a disability at DRTC.

All you have to do is simply ‘Like’ our page and leave a comment on the giveaway post answering the question. We will randomly select FIVE people to receive a free set of holiday cards! Winners will be announced this Friday at 8:00 a.m.

Liking us on Facebook will also give you real time access to all of the latest news, Prairie Spice recipes, event photos and other very exciting news coming in 2013 for DRTC.

We also appreciate you for “following” us on Twitter for the #GivingTuesday movement. You never know, you just might find a great photo or recipe pinned to our Pinterest, also!

Dale Rogers Center in Oklahoma City is undergoing makeover | NewsOK.com

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Dale Rogers Center in Oklahoma City is undergoing makeover | NewsOK.com.

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Dale Rogers Training Center, Inc.

2501 N. Utah Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73107

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Phone: 405-946-4489
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