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.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), Oklahoma’s highly disability inclusive employer, installed its Program Year 2022 Board of Directors in a recent meeting. Ten members swore in to make key decisions for the agency as it continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic by providing an essential workforce for the Oklahoma City metro.
The following people will join DRTC’s Board of Directors for 2021-2022:
Frank Stone, President
Helen Stakem, 1st Vice President
Bradley Wallace, 2nd Vice President
Andrea Nguyen, Secretary
Cheryl Moore, Treasurer
Kevin Clifton
Eric Shannon
Kristi Wilson
Brian Smith
Angela Ables
In addition to the Board installation, the agency recognized former Board member Allen Brown’s 20 years of service to the Board, and presented a commemorative display in honor of former DRTC Executive Director Connie Thrash McGoodwin’s nearly 40 years with the agency. “The agency will be recognizing Connie’s lasting legacy at DRTC,” comments Deborah Copeland, M.Ed., Executive Director. Copeland was named DRTC’s Executive Director in January 2020, leading the agency since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DRTC’s main campus programs and business divisions continue providing meaningful work experience for people with disabilities through a variety of subcontracting jobs, as well as manufacturing of awards, trophies, picture frames, screen printed apparel and more.
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 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.
Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) Camp Tumbleweed is winding down, but not without some more fun courtesy of Bishop McGuinness High School’s Social Justice course. Students took a tour of DRTC, learning about our history and what we do at the agency, and then volunteered at Camp T.
BMHS seniors and Camp T campers had a great time playing games! Thank you for volunteering!
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.
A group of individuals in DRTC’s programs attended the 2015 United Way Campaign Kickoff.
Individuals in Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) programs are active advocates for the agency. Whether it is by attending United Way Campaign Kick Off events, going to the Capitol for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, or just by spreading the word about the work being done at the agency, what better spokespeople to have than these!
There are plenty of opportunities to be advocates—when out on field trips with Camp Tumbleweed, at volunteer sites with Mobile Workforce, visiting work site locations with Transitions and beyond!
Chris became an Honorary Public Relations Representative for his efforts during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day.
One outstanding advocate is Chris—who participates in DRTC’s Mobile Workforce. Chris was an outspoken supporter of DRTC at this year’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, speaking with Oklahoma’s lawmakers about the importance of DRTC. He even invited them to come take a tour of our campus! He did such an amazing job, we made him an Honorary Public Relations Representative!
It’s easy being an advocate:
Tell everyone you know about DRTC and the positive impact it’s making in our community
Interact with us on our social media accounts (and share our content so all your family and friends can see)
DRTC’s presence at various events and in the public in general sends a strong message to those in the community: We’re Oklahomans. We work. We contribute. We give back.
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
On a busy work floor, Natjun takes stock of his surroundings. One wrong move could lead to serious injury as he meticulously positions his pallet jack to a flat of completed projects on the Vocational Services floor at Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC).
Avoiding any injury to himself or others, Natjun moves the pallet out from the others, sets it down and then gets to work with stretch wrap to ensure the products stay together during transport.
“I’m about to wrap these boxes… and then I take the jack and what I do is put them back over there with the rest of these.”
Natjun, a senior at John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City, is taking part in the Warehouse Assistant program learning the basic operations of warehouse work.
But before he got to this point, there was a very important lesson to learn first: safety.
“That’s the first aspect we go through out in the warehouse training is emphasizing, more than anything, the need to be aware,” said Danny, DRTC Warehouse Manager, “and to know what you’re doing when you’re operating this heavy equipment and being aware of other people.”
Natjun moves a pallet in DRTC’s Vocational Services Building.
Natjun can navigate a fully stacked pallet with ease while ensuring the safety of others on the work floor and in the warehouse.
“If someone was (standing) there and I didn’t see them, I might hurt them,” added Natjun.
As part of the Warehouse Assistant program, he is also learning invaluable communication skills. Natjun and other DRTC employees deliver various products and speak with customers.
“We go out and greet people and take stuff, basically.”
He admits he was nervous at first, but now he’s settling in. Danny has noticed Natjun’s growth as well.
Danny, left, and Natjun, right, work together to move a pallet.
“Pretty much now I can set him on a project and turn around,” said Danny.
Natjun has had plenty of experience learning and working at Dale Rogers Training Center. He is part of DRTC’s Transition School-to-Work Program where students travel to various businesses, learn new skills and how to act on the job among other employability lessons.
The Transition Program is where he learned what he wants to do after high school.
“Horticulture,” Natjun said with a smile. “I love the outdoors. Outdoors is like the best thing in the world.”
Natjun will continue developing his skills at DRTC and is on track to graduate in May 2016. He’s also planning on attending this year’s Camp Tumbleweed— DRTC’s summer camp for teenagers and young adults with disabilities.
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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
