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Category: Dale Rogers Training Center

Congresswoman Bice Recognized for Support of Disability Employment Program

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Congresswoman becomes Oklahoma’s third current delegate with the distinction.

Honoring her commitment to a federal program designed to increase employment opportunities of people with disabilities, Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), along with NewView Oklahoma, proudly presented the AbilityOne® Congressional Champion Award to Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) in her district office.

Congresswoman Bice demonstrated her support of the AbilityOne® Program through use of products made by partner agencies, as well as a site visit at Tinker Air Force Base in August, where she learned about DRTC’s custodial and food service contracts, and NewView Oklahoma’s products including wooden airplane chocks, hydraulic hoses and more.

“Supporting the AbilityOne® Program provides another voice that promotes disability-inclusion in the workplace and community,” said DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. “We’re thankful Congresswoman Bice has placed this priority on a historically under-represented part of the workforce.”

Congresswoman Bice joins Senator James Lankford and Congressman Tom Cole as Oklahoma’s current delegates to hold the distinction from the AbilityOne® Program, which employs nearly 60,000 people nationwide through 575 nonprofit agencies (SourceAmerica®, Fiscal Year 2022).

“I am honored to receive the AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award,” said Congresswoman Bice. “AbilityOne employees are crucial in the day-to-day operations at Tinker Air Force Base and at numerous other facilities throughout the United States. I was overjoyed to have the ability to meet many of these inspiring individuals and l will continue working to support them during my time in Congress.”

According to a recent Mathematica report, the AbilityOne® Program generates $2.66 to the federal government for every $1 spent on the program. DRTC has a total economic impact of $2 million through its federal contracts held through SourceAmerica®, an AbilityOne® Program (Mathematica Socioeconomic Impact Evaluation Report).

DRTC has held the food service contract at Tinker Air Force Base for 30-years, preparing meals for military and civilian personnel around-the-clock. In addition, DRTC holds custodial contracts at Tinker Air Force Base, the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, and the Federal Courthouse, Federal Post Office, the Oklahoma City Federal Building, and the Murrah Plaza in downtown Oklahoma City. Combined, nearly 300 staff work on these contracts.

NewView Oklahoma, a National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and AbilityOne® associated agency, 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.

Ability-Focused Job Fair Set for October 24th

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

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.

Ability-Focused Job Fair Coming to OKC

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

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

DRTC Installs 2021-2022 Board of Directors and Recognizes Former Executive Director

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), Oklahoma’s highly disability inclusive employer, installed its Program Year 2022 Board of Directors in a recent meeting. Ten members swore in to make key decisions for the agency as it continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic by providing an essential workforce for the Oklahoma City metro.

The following people will join DRTC’s Board of Directors for 2021-2022:

  • Frank Stone, President
  • Helen Stakem, 1st Vice President
  • Bradley Wallace, 2nd Vice President
  • Andrea Nguyen, Secretary
  • Cheryl Moore, Treasurer
  • Kevin Clifton
  • Eric Shannon
  • Kristi Wilson
  • Brian Smith
  • Angela Ables

In addition to the Board installation, the agency recognized former Board member Allen Brown’s 20 years of service to the Board, and presented a commemorative display in honor of former DRTC Executive Director Connie Thrash McGoodwin’s nearly 40 years with the agency. “The agency will be recognizing Connie’s lasting legacy at DRTC,” comments Deborah Copeland, M.Ed., Executive Director. Copeland was named DRTC’s Executive Director in January 2020, leading the agency since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, left, speaking to a group of people while standing in front of a commemorative display for her predecessor, Connie Thrash McGoodwin.
Former DRTC Executive Director Connie Thrash McGoodwin standing next to her commemorative display at DRTC.

Throughout the pandemic, DRTC has provided employees in critical infrastructure such as custodial and food service at its federal contract locations (Tinker Air Force Base, FAA, and federal buildings in downtown OKC), as well as in the community via its Employment Services Program, which receives funding through the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.

DRTC’s main campus programs and business divisions continue providing meaningful work experience for people with disabilities through a variety of subcontracting jobs, as well as manufacturing of awards, trophies, picture frames, screen printed apparel and more.

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 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.

#PWDAD2021

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

People with Disabilities Awareness Day is normally held in-person at the Oklahoma Capitol. This year, due to COVID-19, we had to change how we advocate. We still dressed up in green, but we also reached out to lawmakers via email so they know the impact of funding critical services has on the lives of folks at DRTC and across Oklahoma. Enjoy some of our photos from #PWDAD2021!

  • Carolyn gesturing to an office door that is decorated in green and says "People with Disabilities Awareness Day March 9th."
  • DRTC staffer wearing green taking a selfie.
  • Three DRTC staffers wearing green, holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign and giving the thumbs up.
  • Group of people wearing green, holding "#PWDAD2021" and "#DDAM2021" signs.
  • Woman wearing green, holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign and a dollar bill.
  • Two people wearing green, a woman on the left and a man on the right. The man is holding a "#DDAM2021" sign.
  • A woman wearing an elf shirt, holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman, left, and man, right, wearing green, holding "PWDAD2021" and "DDAM2021" signs.
  • A man wearing a green polo, facemask and face shield, holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman wearing a green shirt, holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A man wearing a green shirt, holding a "#DDAM2021" sign.
  • A woman holding two "#PWDAD2021" and "#DDAM2021" signs.
  • Awoman wearing a green shirt, holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman wearing green, holding a "PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman, left, and a man dressed in a Yoshi costume, right, holding "#DDAM2021" and "#PWDAD2021" signs.
  • A woman holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman, left, and a man in a Yoshi costume, right, holding "#PWDAD2021" signs.
  • A man in a Yoshi costume, left, an a man wearing a green shirt, right, holding "#PWDAD2021" signs.
  • A man wearing a Batman mask looking up at another man wearing a Yoshi costume next to him, holding "#PWDAD2021" signs.
  • A man wearing a John Deere camo shirt and facemask, holding a "#DDAM2021" sign.
  • A woman wearing a green shirt and facemask, while holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A man wearing a green shirt, and a Special Olympics medal, whole holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman, left, and a man in a Yoshi costume, right, holding "#PWDAD2021" signs.
  • A woman wearing a green shirt and green shamrock pants, sitting on a chair, with a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A man, left, giving the hand sign for "peace," and a man, right, in a Yoshi costume holding a "PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman sitting at a table with a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman wearing green, holding a "DDAM2021" sign.
  • A man wearing green, holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman sitting at a table with a "#DDAM2021" sign.
  • A woman sitting in a chair, holding a "#PWDAD2021" sign.
  • A woman wearing green, using an orbital sander on an acrylic award.
  • A woman wearing a green sweater, using an orbital sander on an acrylic award.
  • A man wearing a green shirt, buffing an acrylic award.
  • A DRTC staffer wearing a green shirt, holding a #PWDAD2021 sign.
  • Five people in a group photo, all wearing green, holding "#PWDAD2021" and #DDAM2021" signs.
  • Five women, wearing green, holding "#PWDAD2021" and "DDAM2021" signs.
  • DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland wearing a green shirt and a green polka-dot ribbon in front of a colorful painting.
  • Four staff members with DRTC's GSA federal contract taking a group photo.
  • Three staff members of DRTC's GSA federal contract wearing green ribbons or lanyards.
  • A large group of DRTC staffers at the GSA contract wearing green ribbons or lanyards.
  • A large group of DRTC staffers at the GSA contract wearing green ribbons or lanyards.
  • Four people wearing green at a cashier at DRTC's Food Service contract at Tinker Air Force Base.

State funding and work opportunities are important to folks on our main campus and federal contracts locations. It allows them to be independent, make important purchases, and instill confidence in their own abilities. Hear from them in their own words.

Earning a paycheck allows me to:

“…buy pens, purses, and go out to eat.” – Minnie

“save up money to purchase important things.” – Lindsey

“buy things I need – clothes, groceries.” – Timothy

Funding OKDHS/OKDRS is important to me because:

“I am on the In Home Supports Waiver that allows me to have help in my home, the community, and at work.” – Nicole

“I have state-funded services that allow me to attend my work program where I earn a paycheck, learn life skills and attend speech therapy.” – Courtney

“I can work and earn a paycheck and receive speech classes!” – Austin

“I am able to have a job that I love.” – Jason

Being an essential employee is important to me because:

“I help people to not get sick.” – Melissa

“I want to help people.” – Milvian

“I like to help in any way I can.” – Hannah

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

Essential Gratitude

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center
Essential Worker t-shirt being screen printed at DRTC.

Employees at Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) federal contracts have some new threads for the new year. DRTC, a private nonprofit agency that employs, trains and serves approximately 1,000 people with disabilities or limiting conditions in Oklahoma, recently distributed gifts bags that included shirts celebrating the essential workers. Those shirts were screen printed at DRTC’s main campus in Oklahoma City.

When the pandemic officially shuttered operations of several industries nationwide beginning in March 2020, one key group remained on the frontlines: essential workers. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has several categories of essential critical infrastructure workers, which includes food service and custodial staff. DRTC employs approximately 300 such staff at its federal contracts at Tinker Air Force Base, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center at FAA and federal buildings located in downtown Oklahoma City. These staff stepped up their game during the pandemic, cleaning areas more frequently and following site-based guidance regarding dining options, as well as proper safety protocols.

“We can’t thank the crews enough for their dedication during these trying times,” said DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed.

DRTC custodial crew

Employees at DRTC’s federal contract locations work in a variety of positions with many opportunities for advancement. These jobs are available through SourceAmerica®, which requires 75% of staff to have a documented disability.

“People with disabilities are an essential workforce in Oklahoma and now, more than ever, we understand how important their contribution is to our critical infrastructure,” said Copeland. 

View job openings and apply online at https://www.drtc.org/now-hiring. Our new Employment Guide featuring jobs at our Federal Contracts locations is online now!

Staff on cover image: Cody, Andrea, Sharon, LaShonda, Dylan, Corey

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

Fog advisory

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center
Closeup of Mark spraying a door and door handle.
Mark spraying a restroom door and handle

Oklahomans are no stranger to dense fog, but a different kind of fog is also becoming more common at Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC). Trained staff are fogging and misting office spaces in the name of safety during this era of COVID-19.

“The agency is attuned to the safety concerns brought on by COVID-19,” said DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. “We are happy to provide this additional service to keep staff as safe as possible, while still following recommended guidelines.”

While the imagery of a fogger or mister may lead one to conjure visions of dense fog, the result is actually quite the opposite. DRTC utilizes each method to disinfect areas: foggers produce more of a spray bottle effect, while electrostatic sprayers are more targeted when applied and create a fine mist. Another key difference is the sprayers can be used safely on electronics. Basically, the electrostatic sprayers positively charge the disinfectant that seeks out negatively-charged surfaces.

Mark spraying a table at DRTC. The mist is clearly visible.
Mark spraying a work table

Dozens of staff on DRTC’s main campus and federal contracts are trained in the use of these disinfectants, with the goal of having multiple people in each building capable of treating their area. In the future, operations may expand opening the way for people with disabilities to develop new skills with the equipment. DRTC employs approximately 300 people at its custodial contracts.

“Offering this training would encourage skill development and build confidence for our staff,” said Carolyn Thompson, DRTC Director of Custodial Services.

Cleaning Industry Management Standards (CIMS) has certified DRTC’s federal contract locations since 2012. The most recent re-certification, in 2020, again saw DRTC pass with honors. CIMS is sponsored by ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association.

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

DRTC celebrates workplace inclusion

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), Oklahoma’s leading nonprofit employment center for people with disabilities and limiting conditions, continues to promote disability-inclusion in the workplace during National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. DRTC employs, trains or serves approximately 1,000 people with disabilities in the OKC metro every year through the following programs:

“People with a disability are an essential workforce in Oklahoma,” said Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. “We specialize in accommodations to help people reach their employment goals, and can help employers fill their employment needs with talented and dedicated personnel.”

People of all abilities can view DRTC job openings at DRTC.org/now-hiring. Positions at federal contract sites are designated as critical infrastructure, pay more than minimum wage, and include great benefits. Last year, people with disabilities in all DRTC programs earned a combined $5.9 million. DRTC is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

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

Bradley’s Employment Journey

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center
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.

“We miss you tour”

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Staff with Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) visited vocational training program participants who have been staying safer at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff put together goodie bags and decorated an agency bus for the “We miss you tour” that stretched from Edmond to Moore, and Yukon to Del City.

 


 

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DRTC closed its main campus vocational training programs and divisions in late March in accordance with Governor Stitt’s Executive Orders. The agency is now implementing a phased approach to re-open the agency. DRTC’s divisions (Awards, Framing, Gift Shop and Promotional Items) are open and processing orders, offering curbside pickup during customer service hours of 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday.

Call or email us today:

Awards
405-946-1079
awards@drtc.org

Framing
405-790-1212
framing@drtc.org

Gift Shop
405-946-4489 x1600
giftshop@drtc.org

Promotional Items
405-946-1079 x1807
promosales@drtc.org

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 or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.

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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
Video: 405-445-7314

Fax: 405-267-6929 Email: pr@drtc.org

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