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Category: Programs

Congratulations to the 2025 Ability At Work Award Spotlight Honorees!

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Vocational Services Spotlight

The Vocational Services Spotlight is given to a person in DRTC’s Vocational Services Program, which is funded in part by United Way of Central Oklahoma. This is DRTC’s legacy program providing skills training and workforce development both at DRTC’s main campus and within the community. While many jobs are located on DRTC’s main campus, around 82% of the agency’s programs happen throughout the community, including Vocational Services for people living with disabilities—where people are part of the workforce for other companies and also give back through volunteering at several fellow nonprofits throughout the Oklahoma City metro.

Sandra Ketner – Vocational Services Client

Recognized for her dependability in the workplace, Sandra Ketner consistently answers the call when the need arises. Sandra works on a variety of contracts at DRTC in our Production Center, as well as the Mobile Workforce where she goes to businesses, like previous DRTC Ability At Work Awards Employer of the Year A-T-C Drivetrain. Sandra also volunteers at Bethany Children’s Health Center, where she has gained a reputation for being someone they can always count on.  It’s obvious Sandra takes great pride in her work and in being a strong voice, advocating for herself and others living with disabilities.

Sandra is looking forward to finding a job where she can help people who need support. She has a servant’s heart and is truly happy when helping others.

Sandra has proven to be an integral part of the success of DRTC. She serves on the Safety Committee and the ACT Committee which is a client-based group that organizes events and fundraisers benefitting several causes around the metro. As a member of the Safety Committee, Sandra keeps an eye out for her surroundings and the safety of her coworkers, alerting them of any hazards she sees on the work floor.

She is an excellent ambassador of DRTC, raising awareness for the agency and its mission.

Direct Service Professional Spotlight

Direct Service Professionals are the boots on the ground personnel who work one-on-one with DRTC clients helping them reach their employment goals, all while navigating the everyday challenges of life. They lend a helping hand, listening ear, and sound advice. Their work is vital to the success of people served throughout DRTC.

Janie Tuttle

A positive attitude, great work ethic, and leader describes our first Direct Service Professional honoree: Janie Tuttle.

Janie’s forward-thinking ideas have improved DRTC’s Production Center by starting a Learning Session for people when they are between projects. People engage in real-time situations for skills used in everyday life.

Janie also helped develop Safety Material Trays to promote a safe work environment and build morale. These trays include necessary personal and safety materials. Janie continually identifies areas to build strengths and ability for individuals to navigate the community and workplace.

Through support and uplifting others, Janie feels her encouragement leads to significant transformation. One example is a person who at first struggled with self-confidence, but with Janie’s guidance they gained new confidence and quickly became a valued member of the team in their new job at a local business.

Janie says the work is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Her positive attitude is contagious, and her work ethic motivates others around her to excel. She brings dedication and insight as a Direct Service Professional.

Amber Reed

Described as “passionate about employment,” Amber Reed is our next Direct Service Professional spotlight honoree.

Amber is an Employment Consultant who works directly with Employment Services Program clients as they navigate and realize their career goals. By helping light the way for her clients, she ensures they are well-prepared for success in the workplace. Amber believes in the power of everyone to advocate for themselves both in the workplace and in their personal lives.

She leans into her clients’ vision of their employment success, and puts in the work to make sure their employment is a good fit. Sometimes that takes creativity, and Amber is thankful for her community of her peers who work together to help clients reach their goals.

Amber also sees strength in the workforce community, recalling how several coworkers told her they would take care of her client once he was on the job. Amber was reassured her client’s community picked up where she left off and cares for his success as much as she does.

Amber represents DRTC’s commitment to equitable and accessible employment through her optimism and positive vision when working with clients, businesses and partners.

Emerging Employer Spotlight

The Emerging Employer award recognizes an employer who is embracing an equitable and accessible workforce while acknowledging the talents, strength and contributions of people living with disabilities to their operations.

As employers across the state and nation grapple with workforce shortages, some are leading the way to create new opportunities for people living with disabilities.

Veritiv

This year, Veritiv is our inaugural Emerging Employer honoree.

What makes Veritiv an Emerging Employer? The company is asking great questions about accommodations and offering additional assistance as DRTC works to fulfill their contract. They are constantly on the lookout for accessibility needs and are eager to help provide the necessary tools to complete the job. Veritiv’s focus on accessibility to allow more people to work on their project highlights this commitment.

Joshua is one of DRTC’s clients, and works on several of Veritiv’s jobs. He says he “likes gluing and making trays,” and when he finishes a full pallet, he feels like he accomplished his work.

We are committed to this amazing new partnership to continue building the Veritiv workforce of tomorrow!

AbilityOne Spotlight

The AbilityOne Program is a national procurement program designed to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities through services rendered or product manufacturing. Nationwide, more than 39,000 people living with disabilities are employed at approximately 400 nonprofit agencies, providing critical products and services that provide mission support. As an AbilityOne federal contractor, DRTC employs approximately 300 people at Tinker Air Force Base, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center at the Federal Aviation Administration, the federal building complex in downtown Oklahoma City, and the US Marshals office in Oklahoma City. Our essential personnel at these locations support the mission at each location through food service at Tinker Air Force Base where we serve military and civilian personnel 365 days a year, and custodial services at all locations, ensuring smooth operations throughout.

Falesha Oliver

Our first honoree in this category has a big heart for others, and that big heart may have saved a co-worker’s life.

Falesha Oliver works at DRTC’s GSA contract.

Falesha has gone above and beyond for the people she works with and was the first to visit one of her co-workers who had an unexpected and traumatic medical emergency. Her co-worker was recovering from a leg amputation and Falesha was a great comfort and support during their time of recovery.

Not long after the co-worker returned to visit, Falesha’s sixth sense was buzzing. Something didn’t seem right. Her instincts led her to call the hospital to have someone look at her friend. The same co-worker did indeed need immediate medical attention and Falesha’s actions likely saved his life. Today, Falesha keeps looking for ways to assist her co-worker and friend.

She lives by the Golden Rule and believes a positive atmosphere brings positive results.

If you couldn’t tell Falesha has a wonderful caring heart, and in the words of her contract manager, she’s a tremendous leader. Falesha is someone her team can count on to step up when needed, and lend a helping hand or understanding ear.

She is unselfish and truly cares for others, and her fellow co-workers have learned valuable habits from her.

Susan Smith

Our next AbilityOne Spotlight honoree is Susan Smith… who lives by the proverb: “don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today.”

Susan is one of DRTC’s custodians at Tinker Air Force Base, and her dedication and integrity are on display daily. Her contract manager described Susan as selfless— recalling a time Susan clocked back in after leaving work early so she could finish her responsibilities in support of the mission at Tinker Air Force Base. Customers on Base also recognize her work. They’ve praised her attention to detail and efforts in ensuring their buildings really shine.

Susan says her work is very important and her customers always come first. DRTC and Susan are proud to support the mission at Tinker Air Force Base every day.

Susan’s commitment to her work is evident to others and is why she’s being recognized as our second AbilityOne Spotlight honoree.

Employment Services Spotlight

DRTC’s Employment Services Program serves as another pathway to workplaces for people living with disabilities to achieve their employment goals.  Employment Consultants work one-on-one with job seekers to learn about their skills and interests, providing assistance as needed through the application, interview and onboarding process. Successfully transitioning into employment is worthy of celebration all of the time, and our Employment Services Spotlight Honoree is no exception.

Sergio Martinez

Sergio Martinez loves working at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and goes to great lengths to make sure museum guests have the best possible experience.

One example was when Sergio provided a guided tour in Spanish for a family of visitors to the Museum. Sergio’s action that day helped create a memorable experience for those guests. Sergio loves being around other people and connecting with them, adding their job allows them to build and maintain independence.

Sergio is reliable and dependable and has a positive attitude that is simply infectious. They are also a good example for new team members at the museum, and challenges themself to improve every day. Through their job, Sergio feels they are making a useful contribution to the lives of others.

Employer of the Year

Th Employer of the Year award is given to a company that has consistently made great strides to recognize the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

Petra Industries

Petra Industries has partnered with DRTC since 2008, and is the most consistent customer of the Production Center during that time. Every individual on the main campus has worked on Petra jobs, and the company trusts DRTC to meet its needs for accessory kitting and fulfillment.

DRTC appreciates the long-term partnership of Petra Industries… and looks forward to continued success in the years to come!

Congratulations to Petra Industries for being named DRTC’s Ability At Work Employer of the Year!

DRTC to host Autism Awareness Safety Night with OKCP, Autism Foundation and IDD Safe

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Date: Tuesday, April 29th at 6:30pm

Location: DRTC 2501 N Utah Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Join us for an event designed especially for individuals with autism and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.

Alongside IDD Safe, Autism Foundation of Oklahoma and the OKCPD, we hope to build trust and improve understanding between the police and the disability community with this opportunity to connect, learn, and feel safe – together.

Reserve a spot
Join the Facebook Event group
DRTC logo
IDD Safe logo
Autism Foundation of Oklahoma logo
Police Oklahoma City logo

Online course promoting safe police encounters set to launch

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

First-of-its-kind certification for people living with disabilities

DRTC alongside IDD Safe are preparing to launch a new program that will teach people living with disabilities across the United States how to have safer interactions with law enforcement.

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) and IDD Safe, in conjunction with LearningQ, an accessible learning platform, are producing a multi-unit certification unit called “Safety and Police Encounters.” This self-paced, five-badge course includes 25 topics within:

  • You and the police
  • Being safe with police
  • Proper identification
  • Your rights
  • Police encounters

DRTC has partnered with IDD Safe since 2022 providing in-person police safety training to more than 100 people. The online format, featuring video tutorials and interactive elements, will help empower more people living with disabilities across the country to interact confidently and safely with police.

“We’re excited to provide this first-of-its-kind training to people living with intellectual or developmental disabilities beyond our agency,” said DRTC Executive Director/CEO Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. “Whether it be an emergency, routine traffic stop, or security at an airport, anyone can find themselves in situations involving law enforcement. Our goal is to provide needed information for navigating these stressful events.”

Ret. Lt. Stan Campbell and Ret. Sgt. Rob High, both retired Oklahoma City Police Department officers, co-founded IDD Safe to deliver de-escalation training for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“Offering this level of training nationwide allows us the opportunity to reach a broader audience in the name of safety and increase the chances of favorable outcomes during police encounters,” said IDD Co-founder Lt. Campbell.

Safety and Police Encounters is expected to launch February 2025, with pre-registration available now at learningq.org/#/products/safepolice. Participants will have three months’ access to the training material, with an option for ten weeks of live instruction from experienced instructors.

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.

Congresswoman Stephanie Bice tours AbilityOne® Program at Tinker Air Force Base

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) spent part of her August recess learning how people with disabilities serve as a critical component for the federal government and the United States military.

Rep. Bice recently toured Vanwey Dining Facility, operated by Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), at Tinker Air Force Base. DRTC has held the food service contract through SourceAmerica®, an AbilityOne® Program, for 30-years, preparing meals for military and civilian personnel around-the-clock. In addition, DRTC holds custodial contracts at TAFB, cleaning 188 buildings on base in support of the mission at Tinker.

NewView Oklahoma, a National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and AbilityOne® associated agency, participated in Rep. Bice’s visit as well. NewView Oklahoma 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. Those employees serve in various capacities through service contracts at military installations across the country, including Tinker Air Force Base. NewView also offers employment through their Oklahoma City manufacturing plant where they manufacture a diverse range of products including wooden airplane chalks, DLA hoses, hydraulic hoses, high pressure hoses, sanitation products, survival kits, first aid kits, and more.

AbilityOne® Program employees from both DRTC and NewView Oklahoma spoke with Congresswoman Bice about the importance of the employment program in their lives. Rep. Bice also learned more about the AbilityOne® Program from DRTC Executive Director/CEO Deborah Copeland, M.Ed., and NewView Oklahoma President & CEO Lauren Branch and how people with disabilities have gained meaningful employment through contracts via SourceAmerica® and NIB.

DRTC employs approximately 200 people at Tinker Air Force Base, among its three contracts on base.

“Through employment, our staff have been able to support their families, advance their careers, and develop their skills,” said Deborah Copeland. Executive Director and CEO of DRTC. “The AbilityOne® Program continues to prove its worth, generating $2.66 to the federal government for every one-dollar spent on the program.” (Mathematica Socioeconomic Impact Evaluation Report)

The unemployment rate for Americans living with vision-related disabilities is 67%; that equates to more than 48,000 Oklahomans eligible but not participating in the workforce. “The AbilityOne® program is a vital federal program that protects and encourages the employment of individuals living with disabilities. Without it, many of our neighbors would remain unemployed,” said Lauren Branch, President and CEO of NewView Oklahoma. 

DRTC recognized Col. Abigail Ruscetta, Commander, 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Congresswoman Bice, and Senator Markwayne Mullin (whose staff attended the event) with a commemorative acrylic manufactured at the agency’s headquarters located at 2501 N. Utah Ave. in Oklahoma City.

Man smiling in front of kitchen smiling wearing DRTC shirt.
Rep. Bice smiling listening to DRTC employees speak in kitchen area.
Man smiling in dining hall wearing DRTC collared shirt.
DRTC CEO Deborah Copeland handing award to Rep. Stephanie Bice.
Rep. Bice smiling listening to DRTC employees speak.

DRTC earns Three-Year CARF Accreditation

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

CARF seal logoDale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), Inc., a nonprofit agency that provides training and jobs for people with disabilities in Oklahoma, earned a Three-Year Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International.

The Three-Year Accreditation, which is the highest level awarded by CARF, is DRTC’s third consecutive certification at the three-year rating since 2011.

“The results of our latest CARF survey are a testament to our commitment to person-centered philosophy, as well as to the hard work and dedication of the staff at DRTC who ensure quality services for those served by the agency,” said Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed., DRTC executive director.

Surveyors visiting DRTC witnessed the agency’s commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality. In their report, they mentioned strengths in many areas, including customized services for clients, a high level of satisfaction from the parents & caregivers of those served, and an engaged and dedicated Board of Directors.

“This was one of the most thorough CARF surveys DRTC has ever been part of and we are absolutely thrilled with the results,” added Thrash McGoodwin. “The latest accreditation further solidifies DRTC as a champion of promoting the unique capabilities of people with disabilities whom we help gain independence through employment and work opportunities.”

Learn more about the CARF Accreditation process.

About DRTC: 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.

About CARF International: Founded in 1966, CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Through accreditation, CARF assists service providers in improving the quality of their services, demonstrating value, and meeting internationally recognized organizational and program standards. Learn more about the accreditation process at CARF.org.

Developmental Disabilities Services in Jeopardy

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

How do you tell someone they no longer have a job? What about thousands of people?

How do you tell a person they won’t have necessary support at his/her group home and may end up homeless?

What would you say to people with disabilities who may not understand why these things are happening, but are suddenly thrust into a position no fault of their own?

These questions, and many more, loom as state agencies face the unenviable task of slashing budgets in the midst of the current funding shortfall in Oklahoma.

Since 1953, Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) has provided more than training and jobs for people with disabilities. DRTC has, among other things, offered a chance for those served to connect with one another, to grow personally and professionally, and to learn to advocate for themselves. The added benefit helps create hundreds of tax-paying citizens every year, who also contribute in many other ways in the community.

However, the funding well continues to pump ever so slowly in a state that hangs its hat on the oil and gas industry.

Countdown to zero

The most pressing concern now is funding the last two months of the current fiscal year. Without supplemental funding, agencies like the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) will have zero dollars to provide necessary programs and services to people, many of them vulnerable, statewide.

Funding measures are currently working through the legislature in an attempt to close the FY17 gap.

Contributing Oklahomans

DRTC Employment Training Specialist Vivan (pictured, right) helps an individual through the job search process
A DRTC Employment Training Specialist helps an individual through the job search process.

Dale Rogers Training Center, Oklahoma’s oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities, serves 1,100 people every year. Last program year, the people with disabilities in its programs earned $5.3 million, paying taxes and not relying on government subsidies. They work in the community with you. They volunteer at many of the other nonprofits you’ve heard about. They are contributing Oklahomans.

Of the 1,100 people DRTC serves, 123 people work on the nonprofit’s main campus—located within six miles of the Capitol where costly decisions are being made. The rest of the individuals work in the community and on federal contracts.

Funding levels

State funding—which applies to 60 people at DRTC—provides opportunities in the Vocational Services Program, before and after hours care, and group training classes.

In Home Supports Waiver (IHSW)—impacts 32 people at DRTC —provides opportunities in DRTC’s Employment Services, Mobile Workforce, Special Needs and Vocational Services Programs, while also allowing for job coaching and services, transportation and additional areas of support that promote training and employment. These waivers receive federal matching dollars (approximately 60 cents for every 40 cents Oklahoma contributes), based on a review of the previous three years. Adults on IHSW receive just $20,671 a year to spend on all services (including vocational training and supports).

“Terrible to unthinkable”

The response to Oklahoma’s budget shortfall has already taken its toll.

Agencies have been asked repeatedly to slash budgets, make adjustments, and find ways to continue providing services with less and less money.

Already, agencies have been asked to submit budget proposals factoring a 14% reduction in services.OKDHS logo

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services recently submitted its proposal for Fiscal Year 2018—with cuts described by OKDHS Director Ed Lake as, “…ranging from the terrible to the unthinkable.”

Slashing OKDHS services up to 14% would reduce the agency’s operating budget by an expected $147 million and force tough decisions to either reduce or eliminate entire programs including State funded community services and the IHSW.

Statewide, OKDHS serves more than 3,100 children and adults with disabilities with these two programs alone.

These proposed cuts could lead to an even greater number of those without a job—the people who care for people with disabilities through IHSW and the caregivers who may have to quit work to care for their loved ones.

Waiting in line

Additional state agencies that help people with disabilities are also feeling the effects of the failing budget.

OKDRS logoOklahoma’s Department of Rehabilitation Services (OKDRS), which contracts services with DRTC’s Employment Services Program, set up a waiting list in January 2017 for two groups of applicants with less severe disabilities due to rising costs and state budget cuts. Two months later, the agency expanded its waiting list to all new applicants for vocational rehabilitation and employment services.

These people are now “in line” to receive services to find work in Oklahoma. OKDRS will release those on the wait list, making them available for services, as funding becomes available.

According to OKDRS, staff helped 2,125 people find jobs in FY16. These individuals each paid, on average, $3,144 in taxes, reducing their need for disability benefits and social services.

Advocates needed

As DRTC helps promote self-advocacy skills to people with disabilities, the same is needed from you.

Bottom line: cutting services for people with disabilities will further hurt the state’s bottom line.

Advocate early. Advocate often. Advocate for the people of Oklahoma.

About Dale Rogers Training Center

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.

Educational opportunity

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

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.

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

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

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.

DRTC Employment Training Specialist Josh, right, listens to the description from an Employment Services Program participant during a communication exercise.
DRTC Employment Training Specialist Josh, right, listens to the description from an Employment Services Program participant during a communication exercise.

DRTC Employment Training Specialists assist program participants in an activity during the UCO students' presentation.
DRTC Employment Training Specialists assist program participants in an activity during the UCO students’ presentation.

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

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.

DRTC celebrates National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month

Posted on by Dale Rogers Training Center

In conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) honors the accomplishments and dedication of not only employees with disabilities, but also their employers who are promoting inclusion in the workplace.

DRTC, a nonprofit agency that provides training and jobs for people with disabilities, serves 1,100 people annually. In addition to its on campus programs and Work Projects locations, Dale Rogers Training Center’s Employment Services program helped place 120 people in jobs throughout the OKC metro last year.

Among all DRTC programs, participants earned $5.3 million last year, allowing them to become contributing, tax-paying citizens, while reducing subsidies.

“Individuals who find employment through DRTC’s programs perform meaningful, quality work day in and day out,” said Executive Director Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed. “We also applaud the various businesses for employing this vital part of the workforce.”

The annual Governor’s Awards of Excellence for Disability Employment will be given during a ceremony October 18th. DRTC is excited to announce all three of its nominees will be honored:

  • Markus Mullin – a DRTC Employment Services participant and employee at St. Ann’s Retirement Center
  • Clay Stephens – a DRTC Employment Services participant and employee at St. Ann’s Retirement Center
  • Ken Holt – an employer with Embassy Suites in Norman who hires people with disabilities

What does inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce look like? Use #InclusionWorks to find out!

About Dale Rogers Training Center

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.