After careful review of market trends, DRTC is making the difficult decision to close its framing division, DRTC Framing, at the end of June. We are no longer accepting new framing orders. Customers must pick up their finished frames by June 25. Read moreDismiss
Location: Will Rogers Theatre 4322 N Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK
DRTC invites you to join in celebrating disability inclusion by attending the annual Ability At Work Awards on August 15 at the Will Rogers Theatre.
The Ability At Work Awards recognizes and honors direct care providers and business partners who are making significant contributions to disability-inclusion in the workforce and community. This year, the event will be co-emceed by sisters Ashleigh and Danielle Robinson. Ashleigh, former Miss Oklahoma 2021, is a fierce advocate for Danielle, her younger sister with Down syndrome.
“Disability-inclusion in the workforce and community benefits everyone,” said DRTC Executive Director/CEO Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. “Our event highlights these successes, while also shining the spotlight on the stellar work being done in our community.”
Awards will be given to recognize people and employers in the following categories: Employment Services Client, Federal Contracts Staff, Direct Support Professional, Vocational Services Client, Emerging Employer, and the Ability At Work Awards Employer of the Year, which was awarded to JASCO last year. The Ability At Work Awards will be held at the Will Rogers Theatre (4322 N Western Ave., Oklahoma City) on August 15 from 7:30 – 9 am. Join us as a sponsor or buy tickets by visiting drtc.org/ability-at-work-awards. Your presence will support our mission and celebrate those promoting inclusion in our community.
Pictures from the 2024 Ability At Work Awards:
Ashleigh Robinson, Miss Oklahoma 2021, speaks at the podium during the DRTC Ability At Work Awards.Guests share smiles and stories over breakfast.Award recipients honored at the 2024 Ability At Work Awards.Celebrating abilities with style and smiles!
Congratulations to our 2024 AAWA Employer of the Year: JASCO
Mark Schaffner of JASCO accepting award alongside LaQuita Colbert, Dana Ganschow, Kathy Veros, Gary Roettge, and DRTC Executive Director/CEO Deborah Copeland.
Beginning in 2008 with building displays for Target, this 16-year relationship currently supports more than 100 people in the DRTC Production Center and 12 individuals who have worked onsite at their location with more than $200,000 in contracts. Today, Jasco, an industry leader in electronics, looks to DRTC as a partner for high-quality work in kitting, assembly, and packaging, placing R-F-I-D’s on products for placement in Walmart. As a company, Jasco aspires to improve people’s lives through partnerships that inspire change. We appreciate Jasco seeing our ability to be a valuable business partner, which is why Jasco is our Ability at Work—Employer of the Year.
Congratulations to all AAWA 2024 Spotlight Honorees!
Vocational Services
Nicholas Schildt
Excited about moving into Competitive Integrated Employment, Nicholas Schildt is determined and dedicated to his work. Working at the enclave Taylor Valve, Nick is recognized as a very skilled plug builder and PSI tester. Nick had an employment goal of moving into his own apartment where he is independent and lights up when talking about cooking some of his favorite recipes that come from his gaming system. He especially likes the recipe “Those Poor Unfortunate Rolls.” His dedication to working in the community and being an example for others moving into competitive integrated employment is why Nicholas Schildt is our Vocational Services Spotlight Honoree.
Employment Services
Isaiah Sweeney
Isaiah Sweeney has an infectious smile and laugh that immediately drew his coworkers and supervisors in. He has been a productive and dependable employee at Ross for almost one year. He is thorough when placing security tags and is willing to work in any department to stock merchandise on the floor. His eagerness to learn, willingness to work hard, and ability to adapt to various environments have made him a great employee, which is why Isaiah Sweeney is our Employment Services Spotlight Honoree.
Staff
Charles Young
A true advocate for a disability-inclusive workforce and the people he serves, Charles Young is known for his tenacity and follow-through to get the job done! He takes pride in his work and is a role model within the agency. He takes on each challenge with a positive “Can Do” attitude. At DRTC since 2012, Charles transitioned from Warehouse/Delivery Driver to Warehouse Manager and is currently Production Coordinator. He recently stated, “You don’t work a day in your life if you love what you do.” He exemplifies that daily and is a great asset to DRTC. Charles Young is one of our Direct Service Professional Honorees.
Sue Gill
It is no wonder that Sue Gill is a trusted advocate for the clients at DRTC. Sue came to DRTC in 2021 after a dedicated career in education and counseling. Sue helped develop and lead the DRTC Academy, while building partnerships with local nonprofits such as I-D-D Safe and Bethany Children’s Center to help give specific skills to the individuals she serves. Her compassion and empathy is seen in every interaction! This is why Sue Gill is one of our Direct Service Professional Spotlight Honorees.
Federal Contracts
Rachel Evans (TMC)
Rachel Evans always has a positive attitude. An AbilityOne employee at DRTC’s Tinker Maintenance Contract since 2010, Rachel has worked in many different buildings during her tenure and has adapted to each environment. She develops trust and great relationships with her coworkers, leads, supervisor, and Tinker personnel. While developing these relationships she maintains focus on her tasks, taking pride in her work daily. Rachel Evans is one of our AbilityOne Spotlight Honorees.
Milvian Hernandez-Tecun (FAA)
A dedicated employee at the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center since 2016, Milvian Hernandez-Tecun is very flexible and accepting of changes which makes her a versatile employee. Milvian’s quality inspections scores consistently exceed 90% which shows exceptional detail and gives confidence to her Supervisors to have her regularly travel to other buildings at FAA to help her colleagues. Milvian is very thorough in what she does and truly enjoys coming to work every day. She is always happy to see her peers as well as her lead and supervisor. Milvian Hernandez-Tecun is one of our AbilityOne Spotlight Honorees.
