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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS

What is Transition and Why is it Important?

Understanding the need for transition services for students with disabilities is important. According to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES, 2025), as recent as the 2022-2023 school year, students with disabilities make up fifteen percent of all U.S. public school students.

Students with disabilities deserve opportunities to find success in life. This seems like a concept most people would agree with. But how do education professionals make sure all students with disabilities are provided sustainable, helpful, and opportunity-producing, resources and services appropriate for each student's unique needs?

The short answer is that a truly appropriate approach should include the provision of transition services. These services are geared towards preparing students with disabilities for the transition into life after high school.

In Oklahoma, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Transition provides eligible students with disabilities access to a range of job-related services through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) or Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI). These services help prepare students for the workforce and life beyond high school. Each high school is assigned to a specially trained Transition counselor who can assist students with the following programs:

• Vocational counseling and guidance: Through direct contact, the DRS counselor assists teachers, parents and students in developing appropriate career goals.
• Vocational assessment and evaluation: This helps determine students' employment-related strengths and interests and provides recommended career fields to investigate.
• School Work Study (SWS): This program is arranged through school contracts. From jobs at the school, its district or the community, students earn job readiness skills, a minimum wage paycheck and high school credits.
• Work Adjustment Training (WAT): This is a program that provides jobs through school/community contracts. It gives students a firm foundation in job skills. Because of this, students are better prepared for competitive, integrated employment after high school.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT): This provides students with the opportunity to obtain community employment. The students’ jobs are in their career of choice with permanent employment as a goal. This program is available during the second semester of their senior year.
• Supported Employment (SE): This helps senior Transition students with the most significant disabilities into permanent employment. A job coach helps in searching for jobs, filling out applications, interviewing, learning the job and working toward independence on the job.
• Job Development and Placement: Specialists help students make job searches more successful. They help students identify their interests and strengths. The specialist and student then find possible businesses with job openings, complete the job application, and prepare for the interview. Throughout the process, the specialists will work closely with the DRS counselor.

Select this link to view DRS transition programs webpage

After graduation, DRS counselors and students continue to work toward vocational and employment goals. Some services are available to all eligible individuals without charge. At this point, individuals may be asked to share the cost of some services, depending on income and financial resources.

Select this link to find the DRS office that serves your high school

Stay Up-to-date with Transition

March 2025: People with Disabilities Awareness Day 2025 at the Oklahoma History Center

Oklahoma’s People with Disabilities Awareness Day, which brings hundreds of people with disabilities, their families and their supporters together, will be held on March 11. 

PWDAD celebrates the commitment and hard work of Oklahomans with disabilities to lead independent lives and pursue work. Also, it connects vendors who can provide critical services to Oklahomans.

The 2025 event will be held from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City. PWDAD is open to the public and people are encouraged to wear green to show support.

Select here to register for PWDAD.

If you mention the event on social media before or on the day of the event, use the hashtag #PWDAD2025 so we can build a community around this event.

If you have any questions or need help registering, please call us at (405) 951-3478 or email, cmartin@okdrs.gov.

TechNow STEM Camp Applications Open Now

Be a part of an on-site STEM Camp in your area. The no cost three day camps (from 9:00 am. to 3:00 p.m.) are now being planned for the summer.

The camps utilize project based learning emphasizing STEM Skills such as the use of computer and related technologies to give students the pre-employment experiences and skills that will help them prepare for post-high school success.
Come and be a part of this awesome opportunity to learn about computer aided design, product development, and what your future can include. Participants must be able to follow verbal instructions with limited support. Lunch and snacks are provided at no cost each day!

Apply today for a location near you! Current locations and their dates are listed below.

Waukomis (June 3 - June 5)
at Waukomis Elementary School; 316 W Locust, Waukomis, OK  73773
select this link to apply for Waukomis STEM 2025

Noble (June 9 - 11)
Noble High School; 4601 E Etowah Rd, Noble, OK 73068
Select this link to apply for Noble STEM 2025

Davis (June 16 - 18)
Davis High School; 400 E Atlanta Ave, Davis, OK, 73030
Select this link to apply for Davis STEM 2025

Tulsa (June 22 - 24)
Davis High School; 400 E Atlanta Ave, Davis, OK, 73030
Select this link to apply for Tulsa STEM 2025

Ada (July 7 - 9)
Ponotoc Technology Center; 601 W 33rd St, Ada, OK 74820
Select this link to apply for Ada STEM 2025

Skiatook (July 14 - 16)
Newman Middle School Gym; 200 W Oak St, Skiatook, OK 74070
Select this link to apply for Skiatook STEM 2025

*Questions about STEM Camp can be sent to tech-nowinkok@gmail.com OR RSansom@okdrs.gov

March 2025: NFSN Parent Voices Matter: Cultivating Resilient Parent Advisory Committees

Join this comprehensive virtual training on Parent Voices Matter: Cultivating Parent Advisory Committees. This session will equip program staff and leaders with strategies to enhance parent engagement, foster leadership skills and support program success.

This training is designed for program staff, including executive directors, directors, and managers, to ensure the effective implementation of the model.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: 
• Benefits and challenges of parent leadership development.
• Key steps and timeline to create and sustain a Parent Advisory Committee.
• Action planning for developing or strengthening a Parent Advisory Committee

Select this link to register for Parent Voices Matter: Cultivating Resilient Parent Advisory Committees

March 2025: PartnerSHIPS: Charting the Course

Join Oklahoma Family Network (OFN) at one of the six locations for a family and professional conference as they navigate PartnerSHIPS and Charting the Course together. Register today to secure your spot. At the conference, you will hear from incredible speakers, learn about partnership opportunities, and network with others in your community. The conference will take place on March, 28, 2025.

Onsite locations include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Enid, Duncan, Okmulgee and Poteau. Details will be available upon Registration. 

Select here to register as an attendee or a vendor 

For more information, visit the Oklahoma Family Network website at https://oklahomafamilynetwork.org

April 2025: OK APSE 2025 Employment Conference

Employment Conference

Building Bridges and Making Connections

Join OK APSE on April 1st and April 2nd , 2025 for the 2025 Employment Conference.

This year’s theme is Building Bridges and Making Connections. Their goal is to challenge attendees to build courageous connections that influence their communities and cultivates a ripple effect in society. This conference addresses the heart of all matters pertaining to employment for individuals with disabilities.  The focus of OK-APSE is to see that individuals with disabilities experience full inclusion in the workplace and community.  We continue to strive together toward employment first, and employment for all. You are invited to experience the wealth of knowledge available to you at this conference.  In addition to the conference, those who are interested can participate in a teambuilding opportunity at a networking social. See below for event and networking social details.

Employment Conference Date and Location
April 1-2, 2025
Metro Technology Center, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111

Networking Social Details
April 1 from 5:30 p.m. through 7:00 p.m.
Aloft Oklahoma City Bricktown (209 N. Walnut Ave., Exchange 2, 6th Floor)

Special thanks to the OK APSE conference sponsors
Developmental Disabilities Council, DHS/Developmental Disabilities Services, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Rise Staffing, Dale Rogers Training Center and Viability.

Select this link to register for the 2025 Employment Conference

Oklahoma Transition Fairs and More

Anyone can learn about transition fairs and other transition resource events happening in their community. The calendar can be accessed from a computer through the following link:

Select this link for a calendar of transition fairs and more 

Student/Youth Spotlight

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 Paige, a recent Chisolm High School graduate. She and Tracy Keely talked about staying warm in the winter, what it has been like working, and her dreams and goals for the future. Here is how the conversation went.

Meet Paige

How old are you? I am 20 years old. Where did you go to High School? I graduated from Chisholm High School in May 2024 What are your interests and hobbies? I like to hang out with my friends and spend time outside. What activity do you enjoy the most during the winter?  I like to stay inside when it is cold outside. What is your preferred winter drink?  My favorite drink in the winter is hot chocolate. 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 spend it on housing for those who need it. Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities?  No. Could you share your experience with the Project Search program?  I have worked in the hospital linen department. I help with putting things away. What is something you learned from the Project Search program?  I have learned to be nice. What are your plans after you complete Project Search? I would love to work at PetSmart. What is your dream career?  I would like to work in the hospital’s housekeeping department. What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth? My advice to other youth is to be good to others. What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime? My dream is to one day work for OU. What would you like the world to know about you? I would like the world to know that I am kind and good to others. Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to? Yes, I would like to give a shoutout to Brandi and Kristy, with Project Search.

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.

Transition Resources

SibShops

A Sooner SUCCESS initiative, Sibshops provide a unique opportunity for siblings of children with physical, developmental, intellectual disabilities, or mental health concerns to receive peer support and education in a fun, recreational setting. These lively, three-hour workshops celebrate the vital contributions of siblings while addressing the unique mix of challenges/concerns and joys of being a "sib".

Sibshops also highlight the impact siblings can make. Here are inspiring examples of siblings of individuals with disabilities who have made a difference:

• Tamra Gould co-owner of NASH Engineered Fashion and husband Juan Aguilar designed a line Nash Panda alongside her brother/creative designer, Trafford Gould in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. https://www.nashengineeredfashion.com/
• Hunter Gandee, who carried his younger brother Braden, who has cerebral palsy, on a 57-mile trek to raise awareness about accessibility and mobility challenges.
• Sarah Wolff, sister of disability advocate Carly Wolff, has worked to amplify Carly's message of inclusion and independence for individuals with disabilities.
• Rachel Simon, who wrote Riding the Bus with My Sister, a memoir about her relationship with her sister Beth, who has an intellectual disability, which highlights the importance of understanding and advocating for loved ones.

These siblings exemplify the powerful role brothers and sisters can play in creating positive change and supporting disability awareness.

Sooner SUCCESS also offers a 3-day (2 overnight) camp for brothers and sisters with and without disabilities called Sibling Camp. Sibling Camp is filled with fun activities for siblings (ages 8-17) and their brothers and sisters with disabilities (ages 8-24). It is a wonderful opportunity for siblings to be surrounded by other siblings that understand their unique families and experiences as well as learn greater self-advocacy and self-determination skills. Families can fill out an interest form to be considered to attend Register through the interest form link!

if you would like to learn more about a sibshops near you, visit the website (https://soonersuccess.ouhsc.edu/Services-Programs/Sibling-Support) or contact our Statewide Sibling Support Coordinator Samantha Basave at Samantha-basave@ouhsc.edu or 405-593-9266.

OK IPSE Alliance

Oklahoma Inclusive Postsecondary Education (OK IPSE) Alliance is a partnership between the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Sooner SUCCESS and the Oklahoma Department of Education. This program is focused on ensuring that Oklahoma students with intellectual and developmental disabilities can achieve higher education and participate fully in campus life.

OK IPSE programs are in higher education settings across the state. These programs include RiverHawks Scholar Program at Northeastern State University, Sooner Works at the University of Oklahoma, Neill-Wint Center for Neurodiversity at University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, and Opportunity Orange Scholars at Oklahoma State University. Learn more about each by using the links below.

Select this link to learn more about RiverHawks Scholars

Select this link to learn more about Sooner Works

Select this link to learn more about Neill-Wint Center for Neurodiversity

Select this link to learn more about Opportunity Orange Scholars

For answers to questions about OK IPSE Alliance, send an email to julie@okipsealliance.org

Transition Folders

Transition folders are file folders that have helpful information printed on them. They provide information on recommended resources, services and activities for students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. There are elementary, middle, and high school versions of the folders - each of which are intended for a specific age/grade range of students. The folders can be viewed online and can be downloaded at no cost. See below for details:

Click here for elementary school transition folders:
https://oklahoma.gov/okdrs/information/promo/pub/transition-elem-folder.html

Click here for middle school transition folders: Middle School folders: https://oklahoma.gov/okdrs/information/promo/pub/transition-middle-folder0.html

 Click here for high school transition folders: High School folders:
https://oklahoma.gov/okdrs/information/promo/pub/transition-hs-folder.html

Grant Opportunities

Here are some exciting grant opportunities to be aware of:

Whole Kids Garden Grant Program:

• Through the Garden Grant program, schools turn outdoor spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity and support classroom curriculum.
• The Garden Grant program provides a $3500 monetary grant to support a new or existing edible educational garden located at a K-12 School.
• For more information and to apply, go to https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/programs/school-gardens-grant/
• Application deadline is March 5, 2025.

Oklahoma Classroom Learning and School Supplies (CLASS) Grant:

• The Oklahoma State Board of Education is authorized to award one or more grants annually to classroom teachers from funds available in the Public School Classroom Support Revolving Fund.
• Grant awards can be used for the purpose of purchasing supplies, materials, or equipment for their class or classes.
• Grant awards range from $1000 to $5000.
• For more information, please contact ClassGrants@sde.ok.gov

Meet Shannon

Shannon Hanks is a vocational rehabilitation counselor in the Lawton office. He grew up in Francis and Ada Oklahoma.  Shannon joined the DRS team in January 2025 after many years serving in a Career Counselor role with the United States Army.  He earned a master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Cameron University and he is pursuing his Licensure for Marital and Family Therapist for the State of Oklahoma.

He knows what it is like to be looked at as a person with a disability. Shannon utilized Vocational Rehabilitation when he was medically retired from the Army which led him to pursue and earn his graduate degree.  As a young teenager in Boy Scouts of America Shannon learned a lot from kids in his community that were often looked down upon because of having disabilities. Shannon saw that these kids were courageous and used pure grit and a resilient spirit to overcome life’s obstacles. This helped ignite a fire in him that eventually has landed him in an important role working directly with Oklahoma’s youth with disabilities.

Shannon is a determined, passionate, and people-savvy professional. We are lucky to have him on the team.

Shannon Hanks
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Vocational Rehabilitation

ph. 580 585-4200

shannon.hanks@okdrs.gov

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.

Contact Us:

Renee Sansom Briscoe
rsansom@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-951-3488

Chris Compton
ccompton@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-605-9651

Tracy Keeley
Tracy.Keeley@okdrs.gov
Phone: 918-581-2322

Kevin Randall II 
krandall@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-255-9663

Jessie Renteria  jrenteria@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-951-3463

Porsheana Brown
pbrown2@okdrs.gov Phone: 405-334-7199

We can help create the blueprint for your youth’s success