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.
Leading the Community Toward a More Disability-inclusive Workforce
DRTC is excited to announce a refreshed brand identity to reflect the innovative and forward-thinking nature of our organization. Through careful analysis of our organization’s values and a comprehensive assessment of community awareness and perceptions, we created a fresh new look that includes a logo, color scheme and tagline. While our mission, programs and services remain the same, the updated DRTC brand identity more clearly illustrates who we are today and heralds the future of our organization.
The refreshed DRTC logo reflects a more modern look and conveys our core message of leading the community toward a more disability-inclusive workforce. The logo evokes feelings of forward movement, innovation, energy and excitement. The three blue forward arcs represent the foresighted and progressive nature of DRTC’s entrepreneurial business model and employment opportunities. As the arcs unite together, the logo also reflects DRTC’s important mission of inclusivity, while the blue discs symbolize the people whom DRTC serves.
The tagline “Ability At Work” conveys the concept that DRTC is creating a workforce that is accessible and inclusive of people of all abilities. The blue color scheme of the logo communicates trust, loyalty, reliability and integrity, while the red tagline is energetic and powerful.
DRTC (Dale Rogers Training Center), 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.
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.
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.
Youth sporting over-sized, custom championship rings; working professionals taking meeting notes in pad folios; agencies handing out branded health-related promotional items at trade shows. What do they all have in common? The Swag Team working in DRTC Promotional Items.
Our detail-oriented team carefully inspects each item that passes through DRTC, ensuring quality while providing an extra level of benefit for customers across the state and beyond Oklahoma’s border. Promotional items companies typically ship orders directly to customers. At times there can be errors with the imprint, functionality, or even quantity; at DRTC, you know your order is 100%!
Pad folio inspection
On this day, a large order takes over most of one work floor. Individuals are removing pad folios from a cardboard box, inspecting the zipper, and making sure they include a pad of paper—300 in all. Each one is pored over, looking for imperfections. If it doesn’t pass the test, it doesn’t go to the customer.
“We catch issues with the items,” said Shon, who proudly recounts providing quality control. She says depending on the item ordered, she can go through a whole box of up to 1,000 items.
“I like to have fun with it,” added Shon.
Dennis enjoys the pace of the job. “It’s fast and furious,” he jokes.
Lindsey inspecting reflective shirts
Lindsey agrees. She’s also on the Swag Team and has helped check all kinds of items, from custom-branded apparel to medicine containers and even emergency kits.
“I think it’s pretty awesome,” said Lindsey.
Their work is well known and greatly appreciated. Among the most notable jobs: custom youth baseball championship rings. Moore Youth Baseball Association (MYBA) is a repeat supporter of DRTC. Last year, MYBA ordered 2,400 championship and finalist rings for its tournament. In 2020, they ordered 4,000.
“Those went over like a hit,” said MYBA Tournament Director Matt Purser. “It’s been a smashing success.”
MYBA first started working with DRTC in 2011 through a trophy order. Over the years, though, the need for tournament trophies shifted to championship rings. The larger-than-life rings feature a custom MYBA design in various colors and stand out for the young athletes who earn them on the field. For Matt, the partnership extends beyond the diamond.
“We try to do as much local (business) as we can,” said Matt. “You guys are running a good business and that’s why we keep coming back.”
The District Attorney’s Council (DAC) is another repeat supporter of DRTC and stands behind the work of the Swag Team. Dale Rogers Training Center has several items listed in the State Use Program which provides work opportunities for people with disabilities.
“Quality and workmanship (are) fantastic,” said Tina Harman with DAC. “We truly love that your mission embodies putting people to work.”
Back at DRTC, quality control continues as workers discuss their favorite Pokémon characters (Lindsey & Shon prefer Pickachu, while Dennis likes Charizard, by the way).
They’re bringing a new kind of swagger to businesses, agencies, and nonprofits alike.
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 approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
Congratulations to all of the 2019 Governor’s Disability Employment Awards winners! DRTC was well represented at the 34th annual awards ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion: five Employment Services Program participants and seven partnering businesses received honors. DRTC’s Employment Services Program works with Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services to match individuals’ capabilities and skills with job openings in the area, helping them learn the job at no additional cost to the employer. Do you own a business and want to partner with our award-winning program? Email SupportedEmployment@drtc.org.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
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 approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
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.
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, 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.
Evan participates in the UCO students’ presentation.
“I’m always on time,” Evan beamed. “I hope to work in the medical field.”
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.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
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.
The Governor’s office honors the hard work and dedication of people with disabilities in the workforce, as well as efforts by employers in fostering an inclusive environment in their respective businesses.
Congratulations to the 2016 Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence winners, including DRTC Employment Services Program participants Markus Mullin and Clay Stephens who both work at St. Ann’s Retirement Center, and to Ken Holt with Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma, who received a Business Award for hiring people with disabilities.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Denise Young, DRTC Employment Training Specialist, said in her nomination of Stephens, “His upbeat personality and willingness to work hard has really impressed the staff at St. Ann’s.”
Mullin, who also works at St. Ann’s, also received a Award of Excellence. “He anticipates what needs to be done and does it before being asked,” said Young in her nomination letter.
Embassy Suites in Norman was one of several companies receiving an award in the Business category. The hotel hires individuals through DRTC’s Employment Services department. Embassy Suites is also the business partner for Project SEARCH to provide job skills training, support and career exploration in a variety of entry level positions and internships. Project SEARCH at Embassy Suites also includes Norman Public Schools, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and the National Center for Disability Education and Training.
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.
The Governor’s office honors the hard work and dedication of people with disabilities in the workforce, as well as efforts by employers in fostering an inclusive environment in their respective businesses.
Congratulations to the 2016 Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence winners, including DRTC Employment Services Program participants Markus Mullin and Clay Stephens who both work at St. Ann’s Retirement Center, and to Ken Holt with Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma, who received a Business Award for hiring people with disabilities.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Denise Young, DRTC Employment Training Specialist, said in her nomination of Stephens, “His upbeat personality and willingness to work hard has really impressed the staff at St. Ann’s.”
Mullin, who also works at St. Ann’s, also received a Award of Excellence. “He anticipates what needs to be done and does it before being asked,” said Young in her nomination letter.
Embassy Suites in Norman was one of several companies receiving an award in the Business category. The hotel hires individuals through DRTC’s Employment Services department. Embassy Suites is also the business partner for Project SEARCH to provide job skills training, support and career exploration in a variety of entry level positions and internships. Project SEARCH at Embassy Suites also includes Norman Public Schools, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and the National Center for Disability Education and Training.
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.
