People with disabilities seeking self-employment will have more opportunities to reach their goals, thanks in part to pandemic relief aid.
The Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners recently approved $100,000 in pandemic relief aid via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for DRTC to create an incubator/accelerator program designed to support people with disabilities to become self-employed.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to pave their own path and receive the resources needed to be successful in business,” said Deborah Copeland, M.Ed., DRTC Executive Director/CEO.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a disability were more likely to be self-employed (9.5%) than those with no disability (6.1%).
DRTC’s Hub Business Incubator Program, with a tentative launch date in late 2023, will provide support and training for people with a disability interested in becoming entrepreneurs. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop their ideas through a business planning process. Another component involves mentorship comprised of established business leaders to provide guidance, support and advice for the entrepreneurs. Applicants interested in participating in the program should contact pr@drtc.org or call 405-946-4489 x1431.
As DRTC proudly celebrates its 70th Anniversary, we’re taking a moment to honor and recognize those individuals whose commitment embodies the organization’s core mission of leading the community toward a more disability-inclusive workforce.
Employment Services Client Spotlight Honoree – John Hamilton
Over and over John Hamilton has proven to be a flexible and adaptive employee for the OU Children’s Hospital. He is known for his consistently high-quality work over the past two years. An active listener and skilled communicator, John contributes positively to the overall performance of his team and company. Quiet and focused, it’s easy to see why he’s a valued staff and mentor for his co-workers.
Employment Services Direct Service Professional Spotlight Honoree – Vivian Naegeli
As an Employment Training Specialist and Supervisor for 18 years, Vivian Naegeli has supported more than 400 individuals with disabilities in their employment journey. Throughout her employment, Vivian has consistently assisted the most individuals in obtaining employment across the community. Proficient in American Sign Language and individualized support for people who are Deaf, Vivian is an unstoppable force in creating a more disability-inclusive workforce and community for Oklahoma.
Employment Services Employer Champion – Sodexo
A global leader in quality-of-life services essential for individual and organizational performance. Sodexo supports equal opportunity for all employees. Since 2016, DRTC has successfully partnered with Sodexo as an employer for more than 35 individuals with disabilities across 13 locations. Year after year, Sodexo’s commitment to hiring a disability-inclusive workforce through the DRTC Employment Services Program shines through.
As DRTC proudly celebrates its 70th Anniversary, we’re taking a moment to honor and recognize those individuals whose commitment embodies the organization’s core mission of leading the community toward a more disability-inclusive workforce.
State Use Champion – Oklahoma Department of Transportation
A valued customer within the State Use Program for many years, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has placed their trust in DRTC for many special projects as well as regular orders. From apparel, to plaques, to kitting, this long-standing relationship has provided more than one million dollars in job opportunities for the folks at DRTC Awards, Framing, & Promos. Loyalty to the mission of the State Use Program in providing employment for people with disabilities in Oklahoma is why the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is our State Use Champion.
Business Partnership Champion – JASCO
Beginning with building displays for Target, this 15-year relationship currently supports 100 people in the DRTC Production Center with more than a hundred thousand dollars in contracts. Today, Jasco, an industry leader in electronics, looks to DRTC as a partner for high-quality work in kitting and packaging placing RFID’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.
Media Partner Champion – KFOR
A true media partner with DRTC for several years, KFOR paved the way in highlighting the agency’s mission and successes. Owned by Nexstar Media Group, KFOR-TV has played a key role in raising awareness and supporting people with disabilities as they reimagine their future through employment.
As DRTC proudly celebrates its 70th Anniversary, we’re taking a moment to honor and recognize those individuals whose commitment embodies the organization’s core mission of leading the community toward a more disability-inclusive workforce.
Federal Contract AbilityOne Employee – Myra Denson-Hartsock
With an impeccable work ethic and heartwarming smile, Myra Denson-Hartsock clearly sets the standard for excellence and customer service. For almost 20 years, Myra has been a devoted team player and mentor at the downtown GSA contract. Myra believes in ‘paying it forward’ not only for her co-workers, but also for her federal customers, who feel like part of her family. Myra’s dedication to her work is unmatched and that is why Myra Denson-Hartsock is our AbilityOne, Spotlight Honoree.
Federal Contract Employee – Jason Kelleher
Capable of assembling data from 2,700 building inspections per month, Jason Kelleher spearheaded the current high-tech Quality Assurance Program for all custodial federal contracts. Beginning his career with DRTC as a Floor Tech in 2007, Jason has continued to advance his expertise to become a powerful force, enhancing the integrity and reliability of quality outcomes for the contracts. Embracing new concepts with a positive outlook drives his support of the mission.
ATC Drivetrain Recognized as Inaugural Employer of the Year
DRTC, also known as Dale Rogers Training Center, celebrated its clients, employees, partners and donors, as well as 70 years of DRTC’s impact and achievements at its 70th Anniversary Gala.
DRTC, founded in 1953 by a group of parents as an educational center for children with disabilities, has since transformed into a vocational and employment center. Every year, the private 501(c)3 nonprofit agency trains, serves, or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities. Last program year, people employed across DRTC’s vast programs earned more than $6 million in wages.
The event, held at the Embassy Suites Oklahoma City Downtown Medical Center, was emceed by 2021 Miss Oklahoma Ashleigh Robinson, who is a fierce advocate for Danielle, her younger sister with Down syndrome.
DRTC recognized the efforts of several people as well as business partners during the event across several categories: Equitability (Breaking Barriers), Capability (Business Partnerships), Employability (Disability-Inclusion in the Workplace), Dependability (Essential Heroes), culminating in the inaugural DRTC Ability At Work Employer of the Year Award, which was awarded to ATC Drivetrain, a world leader in remanufacturing of transmissions.
“Employers like ATC Drivetrain have embraced an inclusive workforce and we are thankful for their continued support of DRTC and hiring people with disabilities,” said Deborah Copeland, M.Ed., DRTC Executive Director/CEO.
DRTC is planning additional special events throughout 2023 to continue the celebration with clients, their caregivers, as well as employees at its federal contracts locations.
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.
A new partnership between DRTC and IDD Safe aims to ensure safe encounters between people with disabilities and law enforcement. Participants of Camp Tumbleweed Academy had the opportunity to learn from retired law enforcement officers during their summer day camp activities. This initiative aims to equip these young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate encounters with law enforcement in a safe and respectful manner.
During Camp Tumbleweed Academy, participants engaged in various activities focused on fostering safe interactions with the police. Retired law enforcement officers taught essential skills such as understanding body language, effectively communicating a disability, and participating in mock demonstrations within a safe environment. By learning these skills, the campers gained confidence and a better understanding of how to navigate encounters with law enforcement personnel.
In addition to the hands-on training received during the camp, campers and their families were provided with reference cards to carry with them at all times. These cards will serve as a quick reference guide, offering helpful tips and reminders on interacting with law enforcement. Furthermore, the campers were introduced to the De-escalating Officer Patrol Encounters (D.O.P.E.) app, developed by IDD Safe instructor Lt. Stan Campbell (Ret., OKCPD) and actress Tisha Campbell. This app provides de-escalation training for both citizens and officers, fostering better understanding and cooperation between the two parties.
Through the partnership between DRTC and IDD Safe, youth with disabilities that participated in Camp Tumbleweed Academy gained essential knowledge and skills to interact safely with law enforcement. By involving retired law enforcement officers and providing practical training, this program empowers campers to navigate encounters with confidence and respect. The distribution of reference cards and the introduction of the D.O.P.E. app further support the campers and their families in promoting safer interactions. This partnership represents a positive step toward fostering understanding and inclusivity within communities and encourages further efforts to ensure the well-being of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
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!
Frontline workers at DRTC (also known as Dale Rogers Training Center) have been extremely busy since the pandemic, picking up the now familiar title essential worker along the way.
DRTC holds federal contracts providing custodial at Tinker Air Force Base, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center at FAA, US Marshals and several federal buildings in downtown Oklahoma City. Chances are, if you’ve passed through these areas, DRTC played a role in its upkeep—all 7.1 million square feet! In addition, DRTC provides food service through another federal contract at Tinker Air Force Base, serving a wide variety of meals to military personnel 24/7/365.
Total, DRTC employs approximately 300 at these federal contract locations. As part of these contracts through SourceAmerica®, 75% of those employees have a disability. They provide mission-support to help keep vital government and military functions running smoothly. Through innovative internal programs, DRTC provides tailored on-the-job training, job advancement and employment opportunities.
Spearheading many of these changes is DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. Since officially stepping into her role at the beginning of 2020, Copeland has navigated the agency through the pandemic, pivoting services and programs, but never losing sight of the agency’s mission of supporting people with disabilities through employment opportunities. Additionally, Copeland has become a leading voice in disability-inclusive workplaces as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Founded in 1953, DRTC is making plans for a 70th Anniversary celebration in 2023 that will honor disability-inclusive employers. If your business needs assistance with hiring and diversifying your talent pool, we have the right applicants for your needs. DRTC’s Employment Services Program helps transition qualified applicants into new jobs throughout the metro at no additional cost to employers. We’re also a great resource for accommodations and accessibility! Learn more at DRTC.org.
DRTC (Dale Rogers Training Center), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, promotes a more disability-inclusive workplace and community. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains, serves, or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
