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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
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BEST STEP by the Numbers
The numbers are in! This summer, we saw a significant increase in how many students with disabilities were reached. Although the 336 BEST STEP participants last summer was a record breaker for number served through the program, over the past three months a new record was set. 413 students with disabilities were able to learn skills that will prepare them for life after high school - a 23% increase from 2023.
This summer there were 30 different BEST STEP locations across the state. There was a program location in 27 different towns as Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Sapulpa each held multiple sessions. Through a partnership with Kiamichi Technology Center, this program expanded into southeastern Oklahoma where many traditionally underserved, rural communities were reached. Eight towns were able to host BEST STEP for the first time.
The BEST STEP program was hosted in 22 counties this summer. Many of these counties hosted BEST STEP for the first time ever. While there are still many of Oklahoma's 77 counties who have yet to host the BEST STEP program, 22 is a 29% increase over the 17 counties that hosted BEST STEP in 2023.
Many of those who participated in BEST STEP were able to work in paid summer internship. The number of those who worked as summer interns is another area where more students with disabilities were served this summer. 361 BEST STEP participants went on to the STEP (internship) portion of the summer. This number of summer interns represents a remarkable 38% increase over the number of internships worked last summer.
Internships were possible thanks to community partnerships with employers. This summer, 248 employers across the state stepped up and brought STEP interns into their businesses. This is a 28% increase over the 194 partner employers who participated with STEP in 2023.
When looking at some of the BEST STEP 2024 numbers, it appears that this program is not only reaching many students with disabilities, but there is also a trend of growth in many important aspects of who is being served. This growth is in large part possible because of the collaborative nature through which this summer program is planned and delivered.
DRS is able to work with other entities throughout the year to help facilitate the delivery of BEST STEP. Partnerships with education institutions including the University of Oklahoma Outreach National Center for Disability Education & Training (NCDET), Central Technology Center, and Kiamichi Technology Center along with partnerships with two of Oklahoma's Workforce Development Boards, Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board (COWIB) and Southern Workforce Board (SWB) were more valuable than words can describe. Through these partnerships, BEST STEP looks to continue to grow and should serve more students with disabilities across Oklahoma in the future.
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September 2024: 2nd Annual Inclusive Hispanic Heritage Dance
 You are Invited to the second annual Inclusive Hispanic Heritage Dance. Join the Supporting Minorities with Disabilities Coalition for a fun and inclusive community celebration to highlight people with disabilities and Hispanic heritage! With talented performances by self advocates from local communities, traditional games, snacks, and LOTS and LOTS of dancing, this event is free to attend for ALL.
Date and Time:
September 21, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Pierce Early Education Center
2101 S. Tulsa Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
If interested sign up using the QR Code above or the link below.
For questions, contact:
Myra Rocha: 405-534-8000
Sam Basave: 405-593-9266
Click here to sign up for the 2nd Annual Inclusive Hispanic Heritage Dance
September 2024: Down Syndrome Festival & 5K
 The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma presents Down Syndrome Festival & 5K. This event will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens
Address:
301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
For questions about the Down Syndrome Festival & 5K, please email Sarah Soell at sarah@dsaco.org
October 2024: Family Caregiver Respite Retreat
 Sunday, October 20 - Tuesday, October 22, 2024
A weekend retreat for those identified as primary caregivers of children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. All caregivers in southern Oklahoma (counties include McCurtain, LeFlore, Choctaw, Pushmataha, Latimer, Pittsburg, Atoka, Bryan, Hughes, Seminole, Pottawatomie, Cleveland, McClain, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, Cotton, Kiowa, Tillman, Greer, Jackson, Harmon) supporting an individual with I/DD will be eligible regardless of their current status in seeking support services for their care receiver. Please contact Jenifer Randle at jenifer.randle@okdhs.org if you have any questions.
Family caregivers will enjoy an all expenses paid weekend at Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Meals and respite voucher for the weekend are included. Optional outdoor activities (horseshoes, canoes, disc golf, fishing) as well as an outdoor painting activity, weather permitting.
If interested, and live in one of the counties listed above, please apply by clicking the link below or by scanning the QR Code in the image above.
Click here to apply
November 2024: Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) 2024
 The 2024 Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) is coming. Mark your calendars for November 6-7, 2024. This year, OTI will be held in Oklahoma City at the Embassy Suites on NW Expressway.
Join us at 2024 Oklahoma Transition Institute for an experience filled with insightful sessions and networking opportunities.
Location address: 3233 Northwest Expy, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
For questions about OTI, please email Yolanda Scott at yolandascott@cowib.org
👇 Secure your spot today!
Click here to to register as an attendee
Tulsa Area and Oklahoma City Area Transition Fairs
 NEW resource! Anyone can learn about transition (resource) fairs happening in both the Greater Tulsa and the Greater Oklahoma City areas. The calendars can be accessed from a computer through the following links:
Click here for Tulsa area transition fairs
Click here for Oklahoma City area transition fairs
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Serving and inspiring Oklahoma's students with disabilities is our passion; our purpose. Each month, we hope to highlight a student whose story encourages others.
We have learned that one of the best ways to hear about our most amazing students is from those that spend time with them everyday. So, we encourage family members, education professionals and transition professionals to tell us about students who are doing amazing things. This month, we are shining the spotlight on Katherine, a high school senior who loves loves fashion, baking, and spending time with family. Katherine is a great example of how to be a successful student and community member. Below is a transcript of the conversation Katherine had with Tracy Keeley.
How old are you?
I am 17 years old. I will graduate in Spring 2025.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I am artistic. I also like to bake, to play video games, and to explore new fashion.
What activity do you enjoy the most during the summer?
My favorite activity to do in the summer is swimming. I also like reading fantasy and horror fiction.
What is your preferred summer drink?
My favorite drink in the summer is sweet tea and lemonade.
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?
I would give it all to the homeless.
Have you ever had any prior work experiences or volunteer opportunities?
Yes. I have worked as a dog sitter. I currently have a job at Eskimo Joe’s as a hostess.
Could you share your experience with the BEST STEP program?
This summer I participated in BEST camp. I enjoyed the games activities we did. My favorite activity was the job interview fashion show. We got to dress up in clothes that were for interviews and clothes that we should never wear at a job interview.
What is something you learned from the BEST STEP program?
I learned a lot of life skills during BEST camp.
What are your plans after you complete BEST STEP?
I will be a Senior in high school.
What is your dream career?
My dream career is to be a baker. I want to put my art into baking.
What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth?
My advice to other youth is to be yourself.
What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime?
I want to visit my grandma.
What would you like the world to know about you?
I would like people to know that I am strong even when I am weak.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to?
I would love to give a shoutout to Lucas, my mom, and my dad.
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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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 Southern Workforce Board, Inc
The Southern Workforce Board is a community based not-for-profit entity operated by a volunteer Board that is business-led by members representing the community and who have an interest in workforce and economic development issues.
They are committed to helping provide opportunities for Oklahomans while strengthening the workforce in communities across southern areas of the state. To learn more about Southern Workforce Board, visit their website using the link below.
Click here to visit the Southern Workforce Board website
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OU is Reaching Students with Autism Through an Exciting New Program
 Launched in Fall 2023, SPARK360o is a new Autism Support Program at the University of Oklahoma. SPARK360° is designed tailored to support autistic students seeking an undergraduate degree as they navigate the hidden college curriculum. The program provides full-circle support for participating students through academic planning, transition support, employment skills, independent living, and social development.
OKDRS and SPARK360o recently finalized a contract to financially support OKDRS clients who participate in this new and innovative program. This partnership will allow students who may not otherwise be able to participate to reap the benefits of SPARK360o and realize positive postsecondary outcomes and employment. For more information, please visit https://link.ou.edu/spark360 or contact Angela Barbour at spark360@ou.edu.
SPARK360° is housed under the OU Zarrow Institute on Transition & Self-Determination.
Here are some exciting grant opportunities to be aware of:
Fund for Teachers
- Fund for Teachers strengthens instruction by investing in outstanding teachers’ self-determined professional growth and development in order to support student success, enrich their own practice, and strengthen their schools and communities.
- FFT has an Online Learning Center for resources to develop your fellowship ideas, get tips for using the online system and post-fellowship implementation tools.
- The 2025 application will be open on October 1, 2024.
- Visit https://www.fundforteachers.org/ for more information about the Fund for Teachers program.
The Priddy Foundation
- The Priddy Foundation® is dedicated to the support of programs in human services, education, the arts, and health, which offer significant potential for individual development and community improvement.
- The Foundation considers grant applications that have a physical location with the following Oklahoma counties: Comanche, Cotton, Jackson, Jefferson, Stephens, and Tillman.
- Visit https://priddyfdn.org/ for more information about The Priddy Foundation.
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Michelle Murray is the Director of Student Services for Kiamichi Technology Centers in southeastern Oklahoma. She helps lead teams of Pre-Employment Transition Services Specialists, Student Services Coordinators, Career Connections Center Instructors, Career Specialists, and Counselors at multiple Kiamichi Technology Center campuses.
Michelle has many years of experience in K-12 education and with the Oklahoma Career Tech system. She has worked directly with students with disabilities and has worked in leadership/administration roles in education. Her past experience in Special Education is what she credits for inspiring her to be an advocate for students with disabilities. She believes students with unique learning needs deserve the same educational opportunities as any other students.
In her role as a Student Services director, Michelle's goal is to work hard to advance opportunities for all students. She hopes to see positive growth in our educational system through academics, technical skills, and social-emotional well-being.
Michelle is a confident, capable, and caring leader. We are lucky to have her as part of our team.
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 Michelle Murray
Director
Student Services - Kiamichi Technology Centers
ph. 918-465-6767
mmurray@ktc.edu
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Tracy Beaver is a Program Manager overseeing Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) efforts in the McAlester, Poteau, and Idabel offices. She started over 27 years ago as a Carl Albert Public Intern in the division now known as Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI). She has worked with transition as well as adult clients in her time with DRS. She holds a master’s degree in human services counseling with an emphasis in Rehabilitation and has her Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification.
Tracy enjoys working with students with disabilities. She feels like the reward of helping young people reach their goals is an unmatched feeling and it is that feeling that motivates her every single day.
As a Program Manager, Tracy is in a leadership role in the McAlester office. She is helping keep things going in her office and is living out what it means to truly serve Oklahomans with disabilities. She is smart, experienced and dedicated. We are lucky to have her on the team.
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 Tracy Beaver
Program Manager
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 918-302-4209
TBeaver@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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