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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
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Wave Goodbye to Summer
Every summer has a story! Oklahoma experienced the BEST one yet. Now that the summer is over, thousands of youth across the state are returning to school. They will begin the year with hope, excitement and memories of a summer filled with once in a lifetime moments.
BEST STEP, for example, was a chance for students with disabilities to learn ways to prepare for a successful future. They made friends and earned money in paid internships across Oklahoma. DRS Rehabilitation Technician Jen Cousino, who worked at BEST STEP said, "One of my favorite parts is watching the students learn that through hard work and commitment, they can earn money for the things they want no matter the barrier. The program also solidifies “the 'why' I love my job.”
Other comments about BEST STEP include ones from Employment Consultant Ramona Roberts who said, "The biggest joy from camp is watching our kids be successful in a work environment. Small steps or big steps, they all took positive employment steps this summer that will help them transition to adulthood!! That's what it is all about! That's our purpose!!"
Victoria Middleton, a DRS Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, said, "These summer programs are one of the best features of DRS transition in that youth with disabilities have a chance to learn employment skills and earn a paycheck working in their community. Parents also were so appreciative of this opportunity for their child in how it is helping them and family see how community-integrated employment is an attainable goal with the proper supports.”
Finally, the parent of a BEST STEP intern told us, "The interesting part is how well this program works and how it has helped my son's confidence by making him assure himself that he can do anything he puts his mind to. Thank you all." Another parent of a STEP intern enthusiastically said, "We appreciate all that you are and do for the future of our children."
In STEM Camps, transition aged youth learned the importance of important topics in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Cooper, a student participating in STEM this summer shared his thoughts by telling us, "At STEM I have learned how to make hats and t-shirts and those skills will help me learn my job.
In our Transition Visual Impairment and Blindness Empowerment (VIBE) camp, campers learned how to successfully navigate the world in spite of vision impairments. DRS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Program Manager Cheryl Snow, explained that VIBE classes included kitchen safety/food preparation, communication skills, home/personal management, technology and orientation and mobility. They also took advantage of two work skills boxes: car detailing and child care. Pre-ETS assisted with resume and interviewing skills.
Needless to say, summer 2023 was a time that many people, including staff, parents and the youth themselves, will never forget. That is what summer is all about. We are hoping for an amazing 2023-2024 school year and we can hardly wait for summer 2024. See you then!
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Fall 2023: Project SEARCH Opportunities
 Project SEARCH is a program that prepares young people with significant disabilities for success in competitive integrated employment. The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job development.
"Project SEARCH launched a new location in Edmond on August 16th, 2023 at the INTEGRIS Health Hospital on I-35 between 2nd and 15th street access road. The other nine programs will also be starting with this year’s new interns.
Currently, there are ten Project SEARCH locations in Oklahoma:
High School programs
- Enid Public Schools at INTEGRIS Bass Baptist
- Norman Public Schools at Embassy Suites
- Moore Public Schools at Norman Healthplex
- Oklahoma City Public Schools at SW Medical
Young Adult programs:
- Metro-Tech at Wyndham Grand Hotel
- Francis Tuttle at Mercy
- Francis Tuttle at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center
- Canadian Valley Tech at INTEGRIS Yukon
- Tulsa Technology Center at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa
- Edmond Public Schools at INTEGRIS Health Edmond
If you're a parent or professional wanting to learn more about Project SEARCH or starting your own program, contact Brandi Hurley at bhurley@ou.edu.
Fall 2023: Oklahoma Transition Institute
 Mark your calendars now! This year, OTI will take place November 14 - 15 in Glenpool, OK. The event will take place at the Glenpool Conference Center.
Address: 12205 S Yukon Ave, Glenpool, OK 74033
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Serving and inspiring Oklahoma's students/youth with disabilities is our passion; our purpose. Each month, we hope to highlight a student/youth whose story encourages others. Last month, our team had a conversation with Easton "Brother E" , an amazing guy who recently benefitted from some transition services. Easton spoke about things that are very important to him and explained how services he received give him perspective as he pours into others however he can. He may end up becoming a motivational speaker. This was a chance to start laying the groundwork for his vocational goal. Here is how the conversation with Easton went:
What are your hobbies? I enjoy podcast, sports, and animals. I dislike snakes.
What activity do you find interesting? I am interested in studying successful people. I like learning how successful people became successful. I enjoy watching a TV show called “The Men Who Built America.”
If I were to provide you with $50,000 to create a positive impact in your community, how would you use it to bring about meaningful change? Tithing to the Church (10%) - use a portion of my funds to support my church, motivational speaking - use a portion for motivational speaking allows me to have a positive impact on people's lives by inspiring and empowering them, spreading religious values - use a portion to spread my faith in alignment with my personal beliefs and provide spiritual guidance and support to those who share my faith, animal conservation - donate to or participate in building an animal conservation initiative.
Have you ever had any prior work experiences or volunteer opportunities? I have done volunteer work at hospitals in the physical therapy departments. I have been able to talk to kids and their families going through the process of getting a power wheelchair and families with kids who have disabilities. I had the opportunity to speak to the Boy Scouts. I am also an ACT proctor during testing.
What is your dream career? Motivational speaking is my dream career and goal in goal.
Can you share one challenge you've faced due to your disability and how you managed to overcome it? Each day, I encounter common mobility challenges that can easily lead to feelings of overwhelm. However, I consistently turn to my unwavering faith for support and strength.
What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth? Discuss your challenges with trusted people like your parents/caregivers Build a plan of action to move
forward.
What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime? To grow spiritually, to spread the gospel, to work at a zoo, to get married and start a family, to teach the youth about the value of hard work.
What would you like the world to know about you? I put my faith first in my life.
Is there anyone specific you'd like to give a shoutout to?
To my parents, to my favorite teachers Mrs. Cowell, Mrs. Frey, and Mrs. Vachon.
*Click here to check out his social media on Instagram.
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How to nominate a student:
If you know a current or former student who has participated in Transition events or who has found success through Transition services, please let us know by submitting this nomination form.
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Peer Mentoring Program: Mentee Spots Now Available
The National Center for Disability Education and
Training is recruiting mentees (aged 16-21) for the Peer Mentoring program. The program aims to foster self-advocacy, establish a network, and increase confidence within both mentor and mentee. Mentees should have an interest in post-secondary education or training opportunities and/or have a goal of employment. Mentees will be assigned a mentor based on career and social goals and will be asked to meet with their mentor once per week.
Contact Cassie McQulling at mcquillingcc@ou.edu for additional information.
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Transition Resources
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 The Arc of Oklahoma
The Arc of Oklahoma promotes and protects the human rights of Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. More information is available on their website, thearc.org.
On the Arc of Oklahoma website, you will find:
- bilingual resource navigation and referrals,
- special education advocacy,
- parent support groups,
- Teen Connection, an autism activity group, and
- self-advocacy programs for adults with disabilities.
Project66
 Project66 is a faith-based nonprofit organization serving the Edmond, Arcadia, Jones, and Luther areas by providing resources to families facing food insecurity.
They are located at 2612 S. Kelly Ave. Edmond, OK 73013
Their hours of operation are:
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Mondays: 10:00 a.m. – noon; 6:00pm – 7:30 p.m.
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Wednesdays: 10am – noon
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Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. – noon; 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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 Pervasive Parenting Center
The Pervasive Parenting Center is a non-profit organization that launched in January 2014 to help families in eastern Oklahoma find resources available for people living with autism and other disabilities. They are partially funded by a grant from the U. S. Department of Education. Services include Autism Screenings, Social Group, Parent Support Groups, Disability Trainings, Peer Mentoring, IEP assistance and training, Sibshops, etc.
If you have questions, please contact Kodey Toney by phone at 918-647-1255 or by email at ktoney@pervasiveparentingcenter.org. Even more information is available on their website or by connecting with them on Facebook.
Reaching Our City (ROC)
 Reaching Our City (ROC) is a faith-based nonprofit organization serving the Northwest Oklahoma City area. They provide a variety of services for families. Some of the programs and resources they provide include:
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Food Resource Center:
- Open on the following days:
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Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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Tuesday Dinners 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at ROC
- Community Breakfast – Sunday mornings beginning at 10:45 a.m.
- Lunches and snacks for kids and teens
- Emergency food bags
- ROC Resale Shop:
- Located at NW 12th and Rockwell
- Open on the following days:
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Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- ROC Chapel:
- Sundays at 11:15am and Tuesdays at 5:30pm
- Adult Day Health Services
- The Fountain Club – 4 hours a day – 10 am – 2 pm
- Dayspring Adult Day Services – OPENING SOON
- The Vine – Women’s’ Luncheon:
- Free to the community
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2nd and 4th Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- ROC L.I.F.T.:
- Leadership program for individuals 16 + who need mentorship, accountability, and community in order to take the next step in their personal and professional development.
- Camino Clinic:
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Cassie McQuilling currently works as the Peer Mentoring Coordinator and as a PreETS specialist for the National Center for Disability Education and Training at the University of Oklahoma. She has worked for this program for over three years, and in her time there she assisted with the creation and implementation of the Peer Mentoring program.
Cassie has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that she received in North Carolina from Appalachian State University and a Master of Social Work that she received from the University of Oklahoma. She is a LEND (Leadership and Education for Neuro-developmental and related Disabilities) program fellow and has been working with individuals with disabilities for over six years.
Cassie is originally from the mountains of North Carolina where she started her career in this field as a Direct Service Provider. She enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with her husband and daughter. They currently reside in Yukon, Oklahoma.
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 Cassie McQuilling
Pre-Employment Transition Specialist
University of Oklahoma
ph. 405-325-7990
mcquillingcc@ou.edu
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Susan Sanchez is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Altus. She joined the DRS team in December 2022 after previously working in the behavioral health field.
She has experience presenting and conducting outreach that have contributed to her success over the past year as a Counselor. She is completing a degree in Community Mental Health Counseling and will be able to utilize the knowledge gained in that degree program to serve students with disabilities in Oklahoma.
A true asset to Transition, Susan believes it is important to be a good steward of resources and to serve the people of Oklahoma with passion and purpose. She credits DRS for helping her overcome her own barriers. She has been able to thrive personally, professionally, and academically as a result. She has a passion for researching and learning policy.
Susan has said she "loves paperwork and people." She understands that the services provided by DRS can absolutely make a difference in people's lives. We are lucky to have her as a part of our team!
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 Susan Sanchez
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 580-482-8605
susan.sanchez@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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