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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
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Summer is Time to Shine
For Oklahoma's transition aged youth, summer is without a doubt their time to shine. From Special Olympics in May, to popular summer programs such as STEM, VIBE, BEST STEP and many more in June and July, and August, there is definitely no shortage of things to do over the next few months. Youth with disabilities all over the state will participate in programs this summer that allow them to learn important skills, get to see new things, meet new people, make lifelong friends and most importantly, have fun!
So, now that it is summertime, it is time to find out what is best for the youth in your life. With so many options for summer activities, it can be challenging for families to decide which ones make the most sense for their kids (and young adults). Rest assured that DRS has people across Oklahoma who are ready and willing to assist in identifying the best option or options. For more information, contact Renee Sansom-Briscoe at RSansom@okdrs.gov.
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STEM 2023
 STEM Camp 2023 is finally here! Each year, Tech-Now holds specialized STEM Camps across the state that demonstrate the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math concepts. STEM Camp is open to all Oklahoma students with disabilities, ages 14-22 ( must be on an IEP, 504 Plan or have other documented physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities). Parents, guardians, and siblings are encouraged to support this learning experience by helping however possible.
See below updated registration links to STEM Camps that will be held this summer!
Ada: June 20th-June 22 (Apply here for Ada STEM location)
Atoka: July 24-July 26 (Apply here for Atoka STEM location)
Chisolm: July 10-July 12 (Apply here for Chisolm STEM location)
Oklahoma City (Autism-specific): July 6 for ages 14-17 & July 7 for ages 18-22 (Apply here for Autism-specific Oklahoma City STEM location)
Tulsa (Autism-specific): July 18 for ages 14-17 & July 19 for ages 18-22 (Apply here for Autism-specific Tulsa STEM location)
Tahlequah: June 6-June 8 (Apply here for Tahlequah STEM location)
Tulsa: June 26-June 28 (Apply here for Tulsa STEM location)
VIBE 2023
 The Transition Visually Impaired and Blindness Empowerment (VIBE) Program, will be held from June 25 through June 30 this year, and will provide assessment and career/higher education exploration. This week-long program is designed to prepare the individual for higher education, competitive workforce and independent living to the best of their ability.
To learn more or for registration information, please contact your Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Counselor, or Deitra Woody at 405-522-3410 or Magan Rowan at 405-522-3380.
Download VIBE Flyer here
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Meet Peyton
This month, Stacey Dutton and Peyton from Oklahoma School for the Deaf had a conversation about school, life, and what the future holds. Here is a look at how their conversation went:
What are your hobbies? I enjoy journaling, hanging out with friends, and the occasional craft when I have free time.
What is your favorite summer activity? During the summer my favorite thing to do is soak up the sun! Most of my summer days are spent at the lake with my girls.
What is your favorite summer drink? I enjoy nice cold strawberry lemonade!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to Rome. I love the history and the aesthetic. I'd love to go someday.
If I gave you $50,000 to start your own business, what business would you start? I think I would start my own early childhood development center. Basically a daycare but implement learning in every way I could!
What is your dream job? My dream job would be working with deaf children, helping them to build a language and confidence while surrounded by supportive and caring co-workers.
What skills did you learn in high school that helped you with your disability? I have learned alternative forms of communication; writing, typing on a phone back and forth, etc.
What are your plans for after graduation? Now that I’m done with HS I am currently in the process of getting everything set up for USAO. I'm going to major in Early Childhood Deaf Education! Once I graduate I hope to find a job and work in state for a few years and eventually travel the states to find my forever home.
What is one struggle you have with your disability and how have you overcome it? I often struggle with feeling isolated or left out in social situations, especially when I’m with my hearing family or friends. It still isn’t easy but finding my deaf identity at OSD and meeting lifelong friends that go through the same struggles helped me feel less alone.
Do you have any advice for other students with disabilities? Never let anyone hold you back or make you feel small! You are capable of anything you set your mind to. The world is full of opportunities and possibilities, go get ‘em!
What is one thing you hope to achieve in your lifetime? During my lifetime I hope to achieve happiness and I hope to build a loving, kind family. I hope to give my future children everything I never had and so much more.
What do you want the world to know about you? I want the world to know that I am strong, independent, and resilient. I am beyond motivated to achieve all the goals and dreams I have.
Who would like to give a shoutout to? I would love to shout out Gina Foster, my OTOD teacher. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn't have found my love and passion for teaching. She's given me so many opportunities and has been nothing but supportive and encouraging!
She added… I want to thank everyone for this incredible opportunity! So so thankful!
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Nominate Someone Today
If you know a current or former student who has participated in Transition events with DRS or who has found success through DRS Transition services, please let us know by submitting this nomination form.
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 Youth Crisis Mobile Response
With one in ten OK students reporting a suicide attempt in the last 12 months, crisis care is crucial. Oklahoma has had Children’s Mobile Response and Stabilization for approximately 5 years with 988 crisis response being added in July 2022. 988 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Any person, caregiver, school or community member can call 988 when they or someone they love is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. These calls are answered by people trained in behavioral health crisis.
988 can mobilize a crisis team to go out and meet with the young person to de-escalate, assess, safety plan and help them access higher levels of care if necessary for safety. 988 is the very important first step in the crisis continuum for children and adolescents. Oklahoma receives between 6,000 and 7,000 calls per year with that number increasing since 988 was implemented in July. It is available to anyone regardless of location or age in the state of Oklahoma. For information, please contact Kelly Perry at Kellyd.perry@odmhsas.org or by phone at 405.249.8770.
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 The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges
Located in Tulsa, The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges (also known as "The Center") provides opportunities for youth and adults with physical challenges to enhance their quality of life by creating a community that fosters physical, mental, and cognitive wellness. They offer services such as Adaptive Recreation, Adaptive Sports, Adaptive Fitness and Services, Transition Services and Youth Programming. For more information, please contact The Center's Youth Services Coordinator, Kelly Evans, at 918-794-4526 or visit their website at https://www.tulsacenter.org/.
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Kelsie B. Butts is a Pre-Employment Transition Specialist (Pre-ETS) with the University of Oklahoma, National Center for Disability Education and Training (NCDET).
Kelsie has a devoted passion for working with youth. She has been working with youth of all ages since 2010. She believes the most enjoyable aspect of working with youth is seeing their potential, their growth, helping them along the way, and seeing their "light bulb" moments.
Since 2017, after graduating from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Child Development, Kelsie has been working with youth with disabilities as a Registered Behavioral Technician. She developed a passion for working with this group of students and is inspired by them everyday. While she works relentlessly to teach them how to grow as individuals and how to succeed in life, Kelsie admits that they have taught her more about what it means to work hard and succeed than she ever expected. We are lucky to be able to work closely with Kelsie and to benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience she brings to the team.
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 Kelsie B. Butts
Pre-Employment Transition Specialist
University of Oklahoma
ph. 405-310-9440
kelsie.butts@ou.edu
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Rebecca Picado-Hidalgo is a Rehabilitation Technician in the Tahlequah office. She joined the team in October 2020 and has found fulfillment in serving Oklahoma’s youth with disabilities. Through her own lived experience as a person with a disability and the child of a person with a disability, she understands how important this work is. Prior to joining the DRS team, she spent time working with the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Rebecca plans on pursuing a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in the fall. She believes by furthering her education and continuing professional growth in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation, she can help ensure that Oklahoma’s youth with disabilities will be given an opportunity to receive the services they need and deserve. Rebecca says working at DRS is deeply important to her. We are lucky to have her as part of our team.
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 Rebecca Picado-Hidalgo
Vocational Rehabilitation Technician
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 918- 207-5962
rpicadohidalgo@okdrs.gov
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What is Transition?
The Transition Program provides services to prepare students with disabilities for employment and life after high school. Services may include career counseling, vocational evaluation, work adjustment training, on-the-job training, work-study, and job development and placement. The Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired divisions jointly run the Transition program so the youth can easily move into adult services when it is time.
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We can help create the blueprint for your youth’s success |
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