April 2025: Jump into the Spring Season!

Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services sent this bulletin at 04/01/2025 10:00 AM CDT

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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS

Melinda Fruendt Featured in Think College Video

Melinda Fruendt, Executive Director of DRS, was recently asked to participate in a video spot for the National Coordinating Center for Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE) programs - Think College. This video was done by an Emmy winning videographer and was about vocational rehabilitation (VR) and supporting students! This was a fantastic chance to highlight some of the exciting developments in transition happening in Oklahoma and Melinda did an excellent job presenting them.

Select this link to view the video

Stay Up-to-date with Transition

April 2025: 2025 Children's Mental Health Fair in Tulsa

Flyer, 2025 Children's Mental Health Fair in Tulsa, details in paragraph below

Come join the 2025 Children's Mental Health Fair on Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Some of things you can find at this event are mental health resources, fun and interactive activities, and a viewing of the movie Inside Out 2 (beginning at dusk). Food Trucks will be on site for food purchases. So, bring your appetite!

You matter. You belong. At this exciting event, you can work with local organizations to strengthen strengthen your community.

The 2025 Children's mental health fair is supported by the Children’s Behavioral Health Partnership of Tulsa, Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, Tulsa Public Schools, City of Tulsa, and neighboring agencies.

Date and Time
April 17, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Address
Guthrie Green
111 Reconciliation Way
Tulsa, OK 74103

For more information, please contact Cynthia Mooney at cmooney@mhaok.org

April 2025: Fill the Cup - Parent Resource Symposium

Flyer, Fill the Cup Parent Resource Symposium, details in paragraph below

It is almost time for the Fill the Cup Parent Resource Symposium. On April 25, 2025, come to the Oklahoma History Center for a recharge and leave with valuable tools, vital resources and a stronger support system. Community partners are from a number of industries including education, mental health, family resources, healthcare resources and more.

This event features motivational speaker, author and podcast host, Marcus Black, as the keynote speaker. The event is free to attend and Spanish translation is available.

Date and Time
April 25, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Address
Oklahoma History Center
800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Select this link to register for Fill the Cup Parent Resource Symposium

For more information, contact Berecia Pitts, M.Ed at bpitts@mhaok.org

May 2025: Creating Healthy Boundaries Online Session

flyer, Creating Healthy Boundaries session, details in paragraph below

Join an online session about how parents can create healthy boundaries presented by Lauren Alvarez, MA. The session will take place on May 5, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

Understanding healthy boundaries in our relationships is essential to taking care of ourselves. Join Oklahoma Family Network for a class as they work through misconceptions as well as proven strategies that help you set healthy boundaries for yourself to help in all of your relationships.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the session

Select this link to register for Creating Healthy Boundaries

Tech-Now, Inc. STEM 2025 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)
Central Church of the Nazarene; 7291 E 81st St, Tulsa, OK 74133
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

Visually Impaired and Blindness Empowerment (VIBE)

The Transition VIBE Program provides assessment and career/higher education exploration. This week-long program is designed to prepare the individual for higher education, competitive workforce and independent living to the best of their ability. Deadline to apply for VIBE is June 13, 2025.

Technology and internet provided as needed. Please contact your SBVI counselor or Deitra Woody at 405-522-3410 or Magan Rowan at 405-522-3380 for more information and registration.

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 Jacob, a recent Enid High School graduate and Project SEARCH participant. [pronoun] and Tracy Keely talked about favorite food, plans for the future, and experiences in Project SEARCH. Here is how the conversation went.

Meet Jacob

Where did you go to High School?
I graduated from Enid High School in May 2024

What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to walk around and listen to music.

What activity do you enjoy the most during the summer?
I like to take walks, play video games, and watch U-tube

What is your preferred summer drink?
My favorite drink in the summer is Mt. Dew.

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 buy robots that could pick up trash in my community.

Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities?
No.

Could you share your experience with the Project SEARCH program?
I have been working in the cafeteria helping to wash dishes.

What is something you learned from the Project SEARCH program?
I have learned to use an industrial dishwasher.

What are your plans after you complete Project SEARCH?
I would love to work at Chick-fil-a.

What is your dream career?
I don’t know yet.

What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth?
My advice to other youth is to work on your memory. Try retracing your steps and repeating your job as much as possible.

What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime?
I don’t know yet.

What would you like the world to know about you?
I would like the world to know that I love cheese pizza!

Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to?
Yes, I would like to give a shoutout to Hudson.

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.

Click here to nominate a student

Transition Resources

Tech-Now, Inc.

Founded in 1999, the mission of Tech-Now is to empower students with disabilities to make positive career choices that will allow them to lead productive and prosperous lives.

Tech-Now Inc. partners with schools across Oklahoma to offer a computer applications class that goes far beyond using a word processor and media presentation application. The curricula are designed to meet international and state technology standards with an emphasis on pre-employment transition services.

The activities begin with individual technical skills development for simple assignment projects, and progress into the employment simulation which requires multiple team members, duty assignments, and team organization. These assignments allow for soft skills development and practice, and are often the first employment related skills practice the individuals experience.

The final step to Tech-Now’s approach to pre-employment skills development is the micro business. The businesses showcase the students’ skills by offering student created products for sale. Via the micro businesses students also gain some on the job experiences that will be essential to their first job successes.

They are always interested in adding additional program sites to the Tech-Now family. Schools looking for a computer applications class that is project based and goes a long way in helping students on an IEP or 504 Plan develop marketable skills can contact: tech-now@hotmail.com

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.

NEW Resource: Plan Your Way OK

PLAN YOUR WAY OK is a one-stop transition website hub for students, families, professionals, businesses and partners. The website provides easily accessible information and resources for anyone interested in transition across the lifespan. Menu topics include Self-Determination & Self-Advocacy, Education & Training, Employment, and Community Engagement & Independent Living. The website is organized for users to access information relevant to their role, and is student and family friendly. This website can be viewed at https://planyourwayok.com/

Select this link to view the Plan Your Way OK website

Transition Folders

Transition Folders include recommended resources, services, and activities for students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. Grade levels include high school, middle school, and elementary school. It's never too early to plan a child's future.

Due to inventory challenges, the best way to get the folders' information to give to others is to download the following pdf files and print from a color printer.

Select this link for High School Folders pdf file

Select this link for Middle School Folders pdf file

Select this link for Elementary School Folders pdf file

Grant Opportunities

Here are some exciting grant opportunities to be aware of:

Workforce Pathways for Youth:

The Workforce Pathways for Youth (WPY) program expands job training and workforce activities for youth, including soft-skill development, career exploration, job readiness and certification, summer jobs, year-round job opportunities and apprenticeships in out-of-school time organizations nationwide.
Workforce Pathways for Youth grants fund national out-of-school time organizations enabling them to provide age-appropriate workforce readiness programming to expand job training and workforce pathways for youth.
The grants also support partnerships between workforce boards and youth serving organizations and help bridge the gap between traditional out-of-school time programming and career-related activities that prepare youth to enter the workforce.
For more information and to apply, go to https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/youth/workforce-pathways-for-youth

Rural Oklahoma Community Grants

The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation was established in 1995 by Carolyn Watson, the CEO and chairman of Shamrock Bank N.A. To date, the foundation has distributed more than $3 million to support nonprofit organizations in their efforts to enhance the quality of life in rural Oklahoma communities.
Projects must directly serve communities in one or more of the following Oklahoma counties: Adair, Atoka, Bryan, Caddo, Cherokee, Choctaw, Coal, Haskell, Johnston, Kiowa, Latimer, McCurtain, McIntosh, Okfuskee, and Pushmataha. Projects benefiting cities or towns with populations under 6,000 will receive priority.

Meet Kayla

Kayla McKelvin is a vocational rehabilitation counselor who serves youth with disabilities. She joined the DRS team in April 2024 and is currently pursuing her masters degree. Kayla’s mother also works with DRS, so she has been familiar with the services the agency provides for quite some time.

She has a passion for helping people with disabilities and especially hopes to make a difference in the lives of students who face unique challenges as they plan for life after high school.

Kayla has a successful history of helping those in underserved populations. She is a smart, caring and driven professional. We are lucky to have her on the team.

Kayla McKelvin
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Vocational Rehabilitation

405-329-6096

kamckelvin@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.

Start the Application Process