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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
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Unwrapping Transition: How to Find the Right Services and Resources
Transition services and resources for youth with disabilities are a gift to those who need them. And these gifts are everywhere. The question for many students and families is where exactly can they go to find out what the most appropriate services and resources are that meet their unique needs.
Here, we will look at what have proven over time to be great starting places in the journey of identifying and connecting with appropriate transition services and resources. These starting places are the school and the DRS Counselor. It is always good to have appropriate conversations with appropriate staff. That is often how people become more familiar with transition in general.
Through the school:
Whether a student is in high school, a Career Tech campus, or a college/university setting, they should be able to talk with someone at the school about finding the right services and resources they need. In schools, a great place to start is with the teacher. In high school settings, the teacher probably is leading IEP meetings or is part of a team of teachers involved in IEP conversations. Teachers in high schools also tend to have rapport with high school Counselors, which are also great resources.
Either way, the high school teacher should either have good information or they should be able to get it quickly. In addition to asking the teacher, the high school counselor or school principal may also have knowledge of current transition services and resources. Some questions that can be asked of high school staff might be, "Does our school participate in Work Study or Work Adjustment Training?" or, "Will our school be holding or participating in any Transition/Resource Fairs this school year?"
In postsecondary settings such as Career Tech campuses, colleges and universities, Transition services and resources, at least in the early stages, can take the form of having the right accommodations in place. After all, successful completion of postsecondary education programs means providing students of all abilities the opportunity to thrive. Often times, there is a student services staff person that can assist with this also. Some postsecondary institutions may offer transition programs.
Instructors and professors are also a good place to begin the conversation. They typically include information in the course syllabus about requesting accommodations. And in the introduction/orientation class session (typically the first or second session of class), instructors talk about how to appropriately request accommodations. Student services staff may also be a good point of contact in these settings. Some questions to ask might be, "What, if any, documentation is needed in order to put accommodations in place and who does it need to be given to?", "Can I have extra time on tests?", "Can I have a specific seat assigned to me?" or, "Who can I meet with in student services that can help me identify the right accommodations?" These are just examples of questions to help get the conversation started, so each student may ask these or other similar questions.
Through DRS Counselor:
DRS serves people with disabilities using an approach that helps match each DRS client with services and resources that match the client's specific needs. The best point of contact for a client is their DRS counselor. For transition age students, the counselor is assigned after the student has been determined eligible after submitting an application for services. Once determined eligible for services, the student can be considered a DRS client and is able to work with their counselor to get connected with transition services and resources.
Click here to learn more about the DRS application process
*Questions about transition services and resources can also be emailed to TransitionTeam@okdrs.gov
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Transition To Do's:
BEST STEP 2025 Application Now Open!
Applications for BEST STEP 2025 are officially open! Our flagship summer program, BEST STEP, is an opportunity for transition age youth to learn job skills while having fun. There is even an option for many participants to work a part time summer internship and get paid!
Specific sites and dates for each location are still being finalized. The application and location information for BEST STEP 2025 can be found online using the link below.
Click here for BEST STEP 2025 application and location information
Click here to Download BEST STEP 2025 Flyer
For questions about the application process, please email TransitionTeam@okdrs.gov
Employment Skills Survey (for Employers and Educators)
 The Employment Skills Survey seeks insights from employers, supervisors, managers, and educators on the skills of entry-level workers, focusing on inclusive hiring practices for individuals with and without disabilities. This brief, confidential survey offers participants the chance to win one of ten $25 Amazon gift cards and aims to enhance understanding of inclusive employment opportunities.
Employers click here to take employer survey
Educators click here to take educator survey
Check out some family-friendly holiday time events across Oklahoma:
Tulsa: Arvest Winterfest
 The time has come to bundle up and enjoy the magical spirit of the holidays as Tulsa's favorite winter celebration returns to downtown Tulsa. The 17th Annual Arvest Winterfest presented with Ascension St. John will kick off another season of holiday fun beginning on Friday, November 29 through Monday, January 6. (from tulsawinterfest.com)
Click here to learn more about Arvest Winterfest
Oklahoma City: Downtown in December
 The hustle and bustle of the holiday season comes alive in downtown Oklahoma City for its annual Downtown in December celebration. With something fun and festive happening daily in OKC from the beginning of November through Thanksgiving, Christmas and the beginning of the new year, you can be sure to find your next favorite holiday tradition. (from visitokc.com)
Click here to learn more about Downtown in December
Lawton: Holiday in the Park
 Holiday in the Park opens Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. – Jan. 1, 2025.
Holiday in the Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization made up of volunteers lead by the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce. Lawton Fort Sill’s beloved annual Christmas light display transforms Elmer Thomas Park into a winter wonderland!
Elmer Thomas Park is a 143-acre park with a lake and is located on the south side of Cache Road, near Interstate 44 at 3rd and Ferris. This organization operates solely from donations from the public and sponsorships. They rely on our wonderful community volunteers for setting up displays, running the donation house, holiday events, fundraising, and operating the winter skating rink. They look forward to continuing to grow and expand Holiday in the Park every year! (from lawtonfortsillchamber.com)
Click here to learn more about Holiday in the Park
Other Transition-related Events:
Skiatook: Community Resource and Transition Fair
 Join the Tri County Cooperative Transition Team for this event on December 11, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided for everyone attending. There will be short breakout sessions. Attendees will get to know resources in their community that will help jump-start your life after high school.
Click here to register to attend the Tri County Cooperative Transition Team Community Resource and Transition Fair
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 shine the spotlight on Lance, a high school student. He and Tracy Keely talked about summer programs, life after high school, and his passion for technology. His perspective is a refreshing one to hear a high school student express. Here is how the conversation went.
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How old are you?
I am 17 years old. I will graduate in Spring 2025.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to play video games and ride my bike.
What activity do you enjoy the most during the summer?
My favorite activity to do in the summer is bike riding.
What is your preferred summer drink?
My favorite drink in the summer is “Summer Skies Refresher” from Starbucks.
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 donate it to hungry kids in Africa.
Have you ever had any prior work experiences or volunteer opportunities?
Yes. I have worked at Karman’s. I did pricing for them.
Could you share your experience with the BEST STEP program?
This summer I participated in BEST camp. I had a great time and want to go to work.
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?
My plans are to look for a job.
What is your dream career?
My dream career would be to work for Stillwater High School as an IT professional.
What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth?
My advice to other youth is to stay focused on your dreams and goals.
What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime?
My dream is to win the lottery and buy a dirt bike.
What would you like the world to know about you?
I would like people to know that I am really friendly.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to?
I would love to give a shoutout to my mom, Deanne.
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Meet Lance
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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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 Transition Resources
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 Sooner Works
Sooner Works at the University of Oklahoma is a four-year certificate program tailored for students with Intellectual Disabilities, designed to provide a comprehensive college experience while building independence and career readiness.
The program promotes academic enrichment, career development, independent living skills, and campus engagement, helping students gain essential skills for meaningful employment and independent living. Through Sooner Works, students participate in inclusive classes, internships, and social activities, fostering self-determination and autonomy in a supportive environment.
Sooner Works is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. High school students and families interested in Sooner Works can start this process by gathering the necessary documents and preparing materials. Applicants need to complete an online application, which includes basic information, academic history, and documentation of intellectual disability. Essential supporting materials include an unofficial high school transcript, the most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP), and, if available, the latest psychological evaluation.
Additionally, families should prepare a short personal video introducing the student, along with a 500-word essay describing their goals and how Sooner Works could help achieve their goals.
Applicants also need two recommendation forms from teachers, mentors, or professionals familiar with the student’s strengths and abilities. Taking the time now to gather these materials ensures a smooth application process and sets the foundation for a successful transition into this enriching post-secondary experience.
Click here for more detailed steps on the application process
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 Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)
Oklahoma Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)’s mission is to help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families help themselves to lead safer, healthier, more independent and productive lives. Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) serves persons ages 3 and up who have a primary diagnosis of intellectual disabilities.
DDS services are available to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may need more supports than otherwise available through the school systems or department of rehabilitative services. This can include job placement, on the job support, volunteer placement supports, or center-based opportunities. In addition, DDS offers a slew of additional services such as residential support, therapies, transportation, assistive technology, and more. All of these services are meant to support the individual in becoming as independent as possible.
For information on how to apply for DDS services please use the following link:
Click here to apply for DDS Services
Click here to email DDS staff with questions
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Here are some exciting grant opportunities to be aware of:
Pathways to Partnerships Competitive Grant Applications Announcement:
The purpose of the Pathways to Partnerships Grant is for institutions to apply for needed funding to develop new transition programs for students with disabilities that focus on career-exploration, work-based learning, independent living skill acquisition, social development, and competitive integrated employment (CIE) with a preference on students with IDD and students in rural, high-need settings.
Innovative projects generated through this application process will provide amazing opportunities to expand the availability of high-quality transition and postsecondary education programs, ultimately increasing the number of individuals with disabilities who are prepared to obtain and retain employment while living as independently as possible as active members of their community.
The Oklahoma Pathways to Partnerships (OP2P) grant is a Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Award from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. It was awarded to the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) on October 1, 2023. There are two broad initiatives:
- Expand capacity of statewide interagency partnerships to serve students with disabilities.
- Expansion of access to effective transition programming, including career exploration and work-based learning, focused on competitive integrated employment (CIE) for children (ages 10-13) and youth (ages 14-24) with disabilities with a focus on those with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (IDD) and those in rural, high-need settings.
The portion of the grant related to this application is Initiative 2.
All applications must be submitted through the OSDE Grant Management System (GMS).
You will receive an email confirming receipt of your Grants Management User Access Form within 3 business days of your submission. It will then take up to 14 business days to receive your GMS User Access.
ALL (district and non-district) applicants must email a letter of intent to apply to Donna Tye-Lewis. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your letter of intent to apply and access to the applications will be added to your GMS account within 5 business days of your submission.
Application opens: Nov. 6
Last Day to submit Grant Management User Access Form Dec. 20 by 4:00 p.m.
Applications due: Jan. 9 by 3:00 p.m.
Grantees announced: February 28
Grant Project Begins: July 1
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McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Grant Program:
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation awards grants to individuals in amounts up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $20,000 over two years.
The Foundation considers proposals that foster understanding, deepen students’ knowledge, and provide opportunities to expand awareness of the world around them.
Visit https://mccartheydressman.org/academic-enrichment-grants/ for more information about McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation grants.
Oklahoma Educators Credit Union Teacher Grant Program
OECU understands that sometimes the most minor things have the biggest impact, which is why OECU has kept the tradition of awarding grants for a variety of helpful purposes including funding the purchase of classroom equipment, teaching materials, and other classroom necessities.
OECU grants are not limited to any Oklahoma school district, grade level, or subject matter!
Visit https://oecu.com/grants/ for more information about OECU grants.
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Brian Hendrickson is Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist in the Claremore office. He joins team DRS with 18 years of professional experience at Oklahoma Human Services where he worked with youth and families, helping them navigate challenging situations. He was able to learn about a variety of vital resources and services for youth and their families. Connecting people with resources and services is something Brian has dedicated much of his career to, and he has become very good at it. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and has plans to pursue his master’s degree in a field more closely aligned with his current career path.
Brian said that when growing up, his mother worked for DHS for many years and through observing her in her career, he learned a lot about what it meant to help others. Now, as a professional in VR, he believes he can combine his past work experience with what he has believed since childhood about helping others and become a true asset to students with disabilities in Oklahoma.
Brian is a smart, experienced, and dedicated professional who brings a lot to the table. We are lucky to have him on the team.
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 Brian Hendrickson
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 918-283-8150
brian.hendrickson@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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