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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
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A Refresher on Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to high school students with disabilities, ages 14 to 21. These services offer early, career-focused preparation to help students explore their interests and build the skills needed for post-secondary education, competitive integrated employment, community involvement, and greater independence.
The following Pre-ETS activities are introductory in nature and are designed to help students begin planning for their future:
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Job Exploration: Students learn about various career paths by engaging in skill assessments, interest inventories, and reviewing labor market trends and high-demand occupations.
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Work-Based Learning: Students gain exposure to real-world work environments through job shadowing opportunities, workplace tours, and discussions on appropriate workplace behaviors.
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Workplace Readiness Training: This component helps students prepare for employment by developing soft skills, learning independent living skills, participating in peer mentoring, and exploring transportation options.
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Self-Advocacy Training: Students are guided to better understand themselves and their disabilities, identify personal strengths, advocate for their needs, and develop essential strategies such as time management, goal setting, and problem solving.
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Post-Secondary Counseling: Students explore career options that may require further education or training after high school.
Pre-ETS curriculum is delivered through a partnership with Kiamichi Technology Center, Central Technology Center, and the University of Oklahoma. Based on a school district’s location, services are provided by one of these dedicated Pre-ETS teams. To learn more about each team, click the corresponding link below.
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June 2025: DeafBlind Awareness Day
Join us at the 2025 DeafBlind Awareness Day on Monday, June 30 from 1:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. at MetroTech Springlake campus. The address is 1900 Springlake Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73111
June 2025: DRTC Summer Academy
 The DRTC Summer Academy is for high school students, freshmen through seniors. Students will:
- Experience real life training and practice skills learned.
- Learn computer skills
- Learn how to have safe interactions with others in the community
- Gain self confidence
- Become comfortable exploring the community
There are only 16 spots available! So hurry and register before all spots are filled.
The program takes place during June 9 - 27 and is Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location: The CUBE at Council Road Baptist Church7903 NW 30th St, Bethany, OK 73008
Cost: $525 ($175 due upon application; remainder by June 9) Partial scholarships offered through the United Way of Central Oklahoma
Select this link to apply for the DRTC Summer Academy
Summer 2025: Peaceful Family Oklahoma Children and Teen Camp Programs
Peaceful Family Oklahoma's Camp Programs are day camps that bring help, hope, and healing to kids and teens impacted by addiction in their families. These no cost, peer to peer camps are age appropriate, evidence-based, trauma-informed and hope-centered.
Children's Program (June 26 - 28)
Peaceful Family Oklahoma's Children's Program is a 3-Day Camp-Style program that brings help, hope, and healing to kids ages 7-12 impacted by addiction in their families.
Select this link to register for the Peaceful Family Oklahoma Children's Program
Teen Program (July 17 - 19)
Peaceful Family Oklahoma's Teen Program is a 2-Day Camp-Style program that brings help, hope, and healing to teens ages 13-18 impacted by addiction in their families.
Select this link to register for the Peaceful Family Oklahoma Teen Program
Summer 2025: Zarrow "Summer" Transition Institute (for Professionals)
 For professionals interested in the field of transition, a great way to learn remotely this summer awaits...
Are you dreaming of summer weather? So are we! Get ready for Zarrow Summer Institute 2025, happening Tuesdays in June and July from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT on Zoom. Dive into dynamic sessions on:
- transition assessments
- student-led IEPs
- assistive technology
- military pathways
- family-school partnerships
- supports for transition from high school to college
- partnerships with family-school outreach
- transition for pregnant and parenting youth
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something here for you. Connect with peers, learn from top experts, and walk away with fresh insights to support students in their transition journey.
Select this link to register for Zarrow "Summer" Transition Institute
*Cost for Zarrow “Summer” Transition Institute is $100 (discounts for groups).
Summer 2025: Tech-Now, Inc. STEM Camps
 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
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
Tulsa (July 22 - 24)
Central Church of the Nazarene; 7291 E 81st St, Tulsa, OK 74133
Select this link to apply for Tulsa STEM 2025
*Questions about STEM Camp can be sent to technowinkok@gmail.com OR RSansom@okdrs.gov
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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 Ryan, a recent graduate of Oklahoma School for the Blind.. He and Tracy Keely talked about leadership, plans for after high school and even his favorite summer drink. He is a great example of how to face challenges in life and still succeed. Here is how the conversation went.
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Meet Ryan
How old are you?
I am 17 years old.
When will you graduate from High School?
I graduated from the Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) in May 2025.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to do stuff with my hands. I like to work on cars and be outside.
What activity do you enjoy the most during the summer?
In the summer, I like to fish. I caught a 28-pound catfish once!
What is your preferred summer drink?
My favorite summer drink is Blackberry Lemonade. I also like Pineapple Jarritos.
Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities?
No! I never worked before getting involved with the School Work Study program at OSB.
Could you share your experience with the School Work Study (SWS) program?
I worked at a pizza restaurant. I love pizza! I also helped with the recycling program at OSB.
What are your plans after you graduate from OSB?
I plan to go to college and major in Mechanical Engineering.
What is your dream career?
My dream is to earn a Ph.D. and contract with the military.
Can you share one challenge you have faced due to your disability and how you managed to overcome it?
I wanted to go into the military. I’m color blind so they won’t accept me. However, my plan is to get a degree and contract privately with the military.
What would you like the world to know about you?
I would like the world to know that I am a leader. I also would like them to know that I like to work with my hands.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to?
Yes, I would like to give a shoutout to my friend and classmate, Ocie.
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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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AMBUCS
AMBUCS is a nationwide organization fueled by volunteers with big hearts. With chapters in both urban and rural communities across Oklahoma, their mission is to inspire mobility and independence. One way they accomplish this is through their Amtryke program.
In collaboration with physical and occupational therapists, they provide therapeutic tricycles designed to accommodate a wide range of mental and physical abilities.
These tricycles serve as mobility devices that instill confidence and independence while often delivering physical therapy in a fun, motivating way. Whether a transition aged student needs a way to get across a college campus or a mode of transportation for work, these tricycles offer an opportunity for independence they may never have imagined.
Select this link to read more For more about AMBUCS on the DRS website
Select this link to find a local chapter on the AMBUCS website
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Here are some exciting grant opportunities to be aware of:
Oklahoma Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth (OFEBCY) Mini Grant:
- OFEBCY is seeking proposals for projects which enrich educational opportunities for blind and visually impaired students in Oklahoma elementary and secondary schools.
- Requested funds of up to $1000 must improve and enrich the education of students attending K-12 schools in Oklahoma who are served on an IEP as a blind or visually impaired student or have a documented visual impairment.
- Eligible educational objectives include access to the Expanded Core Curriculum, which includes compensatory skills, orientation and mobility, social interaction, independent living, recreation and leisure, sensory efficiency, assistive technology, career education, and self-determination, in addition to the standard core curriculum subjects such as English, math, science, technology and engineering.
- For more information and to apply, go to https://sites.google.com/view/oklahoma-foundation-ebcy/mini-grant-program?authuser=1
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Invention Land Education Innovation Grant:
- The program is meant to financially support schools, districts and other local educational agencies who desire to leverage Inventionland Education’s award-winning Innovation Labs, professional development programs, and K-12 Innovation curriculum.
- Innovation Education Grant awardees can receive: 1) Up to $500,000 applied toward an Innovation Labs Space Design and Installation Project; 2) Up to $5,000 applied toward a muliti-year curriculum license; 3) Up to $2,000 applied toward 30 hours of Professional Development.
- For more information, visit https://inventionlandeducation.com/innovation-grant-blog-thank-you?submissionGuid=ff7c33a6-c1c2-4190-ab5f-b2fe67400d29
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Jeff Newton joined the DRS team in May, 2025. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Northeastern State University and a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in transition from the University of Oklahoma. Jeff has been a special education transition Specialist for Oklahoma City Public Schools since 2009. Previously, Jeff was a Transition Specialist for the Cherokee Nation and contracted management at the Oklahoma City Public Schools Service Center.
Jeff is passionate about helping youth and young adults with disabilities reach their full potential in a job they look forward to each morning. Jeff is active in supporting positive changes in the community. Jeff and his wife, Kendra, have two adult sons, Jace and Cade. Jeff enjoys hiking, camping, attending concerts and sporting events, movies, walking, and gardening. Jeff favorite thing to do is spend time with his family, “They are my heart and soul.”
Jeff is an experienced, dependable and passionate transition services professional. We are lucky to have him on the team.
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 Jeff Newton
Programs Field Representative
Vocational Rehabilitation/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
405-881-9314
jeffrey.newton@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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