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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
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Happening Now in Oklahoma
June did not disappoint. BEST STEP, STEM, and VIBE are in full swing across the state. The partnerships of OU Pre-ETS, Central Oklahoma Workforce Board (COWIB), Southern Workforce Board (SWB), DRS, and many others attribute to such great success! Students from Altus to Tahlequah and many places in between began their summers by working with Oklahoma Pre-ETS on job readiness skills and opportunities to earn their own spending money. Students have had hands on on experiences with STEM activities and the ability to learn entrepreneurship opportunities were also among the summer fun. The week-long Transition VIBE Program prepared students who are Blind and/or Visually Impaired for higher education, competitive workforce and independent living to the best of their ability. Most importantly, they gained confidence and became self advocates throughout the state of Oklahoma.
Hundreds of Oklahoma students with disabilities across the state have participated in what will certainly prove to be some of the most fun they will have all summer - all while making memories and building new skills.
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Meet Cooper
Each month, we like to share stories of youth who are doing amazing things. This summer, Stacey Dutton sat down with Cooper, a recent graduate from Berryhill High School. They talked about things he likes to do, who has helped him become the person he is, and what he thinks about the future, among other things. Here is how the conversation went:
What are your hobbies? I like to walk and help my mom cook sometimes.
What is your favorite summer drink? Dr. Pepper with vanilla and real cherry from Sonic.
What is your favorite thing to do during 4th of July celebrations? Fireworks! And see my family.
If I gave you $50,000 to start your own business, what business would you start? I would love to have my own video game store or a firework store.
What is your dream job? Working at Sam’s Club pushing carts.
You were in BEST STEP last year. Can you explain what BEST STEP is? It’s a camp where they try to help you find a job.
What do you like most about BEST STEP? I liked my job working at the skating rink.
Can you tell me about STEM camp? I made a race car, hat, t-shirt, poster, and a bracelet. I learned how to work on the computer better.
I hear you have a job interview tomorrow. How has BEST STEP and STEM helped you with preparing for a job? At STEM I have learned how to make hats and t-shirts and those skills will help me learn my job. In BEST camp I learned how to interview and that will help me with my interview.
What are your plans for after graduation? I am going to get a job.
What is one struggle you have with your disability and how have you overcome it? My disability causes me to get overwhelmed easily and I use my hands and other objects to help me when I’m overwhelmed.
Do you have any advice for other students with disabilities? Do better at your jobs by focusing and not getting into trouble.
What is one thing you hope to achieve in your lifetime? To get a job.
What do you want the world to know about you? I’m the best kid ever!
Who would like to give a shoutout to? My mom, dad, brothers, grandma, and family.
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Nominate a Student 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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Beyond the Spectrum
Beyond the Spectrum OK started when founders Scott and Gwen Batchelor, through their work and advocacy in the community, noticed a profound unmet need in Oklahoma City. Families of children with special needs did not have a community to lean on or have access to specific resources their children actively need.
These families were struggling to pay for essential therapies, special play or safety equipment, and adequate respite care. Founders of Beyond the Spectrum found this to be especially true for teenagers and young adults looking to socialize and form long lasting friendships.
By engaging with these families and the existing community, Beyond the Spectrum’s programs have developed to include a comprehensive network of educators, therapists, health and wellness experts, childcare providers, mental health support groups, and child welfare services; all for these families and individuals with special needs.
These programs address the importance of having a resource that inspires, educates, and serves those facing challenges. Through parent-to-parent support, outreach, information, and referral services, Beyond the Spectrum invites individuals with special needs, their families, and the professionals who serve them into the community.
Beyond the Spectrum is taking on some exciting and innovative initiatives. For more information, please email Gwen Batchelor at gwen@beyondthespectrum.info
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 All Abilities, Unlimited
All Abilities, Unlimited is a family-owned business dedicated to serving young people of all abilities. They have developed a "safety system" for youth with different cognitive and physical impairments.
This safety system incorporates the usage of a reflective symbol that can be attached to clothing, backpacks or other places that are easily visible to others. The symbol, in addition to being stylish and easy to notice can be accompanied by emergency contact or other appropriate medical information in an easy to find area near the symbol.
Serving youth with challenges that range from diabetes to Autism Spectrum Disorder, the All Abilities symbol is designed to help keep young people safe by informing others about simple, easy to understand, non-invasive information on the young person wearing the symbol.
While this safety system is starting as a fashionable wearable option, there is potential for the system to evolve and expand as needed in ways that allow youth's need for safety and security to be met.
The goal is to get an awareness program started, where people know what this symbol means. Eventually, All Abilities hopes to begin employing people of all abilities and ensure that those in the people with disabilities community are not left out of the workforce.
For more information about All Abilities Unlimited contact Vonda McCoy at
allabilitiesunlimited@gmail.com, by phone at 405-202-1037, or visit the website: allabilitiesunlimited.com.
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Debbie is the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Rehabilitation Technician in the Chickasha office.
Debbie was born and raised in Chickasha, Oklahoma. She has two children and three grandchildren and has been married for three years.
Debbie sings with her daughter in a local band and likes to go ghost-hunting with her husband. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Debbie is excited to work with youth with disabilities in Oklahoma. She believes helping others is one of the most important things someone can do. We are lucky to have her on our team!
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 Debbie Bothroyd
Rehabilitation Technician
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 405-574-1701
debbie.bothroyd@okdrs.gov
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Justin Roberts is a compassionate person, determined to make positive impacts on the lives of others. Justin and his wife Dana live in NW OKC and have 2 young-adult aged daughters with special needs.
Justin’s professional background includes blended-industry experience in business, corporate HR and special education. Prior to starting as a Pre-ETS Specialist at NCDET, Justin served as a Special Education math teacher for 5th and 6th graders at Piedmont Intermediate.
His teaching experience began quite unexpectedly, after reporting for a 1-day substitute-teaching assignment. In the classroom, Justin discovered his love for the students and found a passion for the kids in special education.
Over the coming weeks and months Justin worked diligently to learn and acclimate to the classroom environment. He quickly built relationships throughout the school and was encouraged by students, teachers and admin to accept a full-time position. Holding a non-traditional teaching degree from OU, Justin had to maneuver to meet state requirements for teaching, by completing the Special Education Bootcamp through Southern Nazarene and enrolling in the university's SPED Master’s program.
Justin’s first year of teaching came at the beginning of the Covid era, where both in class direct-instruction, and remote-learning services were provided.
During the summer after Justin’s 2nd year of teaching at Piedmont Intermediate, his life was suddenly put on hold after being diagnosed with colon cancer. The following two years were spent fighting and decisively winning his battle with cancer. This experience changed Justin in a profound way, magnifying his drive to hold a positive light for others in everything he does.
Justin is excited to be joining the Pre-ETS team and getting back to serving students in the classroom.
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Justin Roberts
Pre-Employment Transition Specialist
University of Oklahoma
ph. 405-928-1517
justin.roberts@ou.edu
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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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