#PWDAD2021

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!

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.