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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS

Time to Start Thinking About This Year's Opportunities

A new school year has begun, and it’s time for students, parents, and other stakeholders to start planning ahead. Throughout the year, Oklahoma offers a variety of exciting programs and valuable resources designed to support students with disabilities. One of the best ways to get connected with some of the more popular programs is to start planning early. For the programs that have limited space, applying early can give students and parents more time to learn about important dates. Other programs have application deadlines, interviews and onboarding sessions. No matter the steps involved, we’ve found that those who plan ahead generally experience a smoother process when getting connected. The programs mentioned here are only a sample of what is available to students with disabilities, and the planning suggestions are not necessarily exhaustive. However, this should serve as a good place to start. 

Programs such as School Work Study, Work Adjustment Training, STEM, Pre-ETS, BEST STEP, VIBE and Project SEARCH offer a range of valuable life and job skills for students with disabilities. Each of them have things going on throughout the year and ways to get the ball rolling on being able to participate in one or more of them. Here are some things to consider for each:

School Work Study (SWS) 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) 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.

Tech-Now STEM is a unique program for students with disabilities will learn will learn how to use computers, software, and related technologies to design and create things that utilize STEM knowledge and skills.

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are designed to support students with disabilities in successfully transitioning from high school to post-secondary education or meaningful employment. In partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, the National Center for Disability Education and Training at University of Oklahoma Outreach, along with Central Technology Center and Kiamichi Technology Center, is offering Pre-Employment Transition Services to high school students with disabilities. These introductory services are intended to help students begin exploring career interests at an early stage, with the aim of promoting community inclusion, independence, continued education, and successful entry into competitive, integrated employment.

*Not every district has these programs in place yet. To find out if a district uses SWS, WAT, STEM or Pre-ETS, check with the special education staff, principal or school counselor.  Anytime through the school year is a good time to ask about these programs.

BEST STEP is a summer day camp and optional paid internship opportunity program.  BEST STEP is for clients of DRS, potentially eligible students and/or returning to high school in August. Students can have the opportunity to work part-time up to 25 hours a week for a business in the community of your area. Those interested should know BEST STEP has limited spaces and requires completing an application and interview process. The application for BEST STEP usually opens in October or November and interviews typically take place in the spring. Dates are advertised in this newsletter throughout the year. For more information, please email TransitionTeam@okdrs.gov.

VIBE is a week-long program held at the Oklahoma School for the Blind is designed to prepare the individual for higher education, competitive workforce and independent living to the best of their ability. Students will learn, independent living skills, communication skills, team building, travel/transportation, career and job exploration, interviews, technology, resume skills, and exploration of college/career tech/workforce. Applications are required. Please contact your SBVI Counselor or Deitra Woody at 405-522-3410 or Magan Rowan at 405-522-3380 for more information and registration.

Project SEARCH is a program that introduces a group of young adults to the workplace with real-world job experiences over the course of nine months through a nonpaid internship. Youth will be exposed to various job skills and positions over three 10-week rotations. They provide coaching and worksite accommodations. Project SEARCH has locations across Oklahoma. Participation does require a successful application and interview process. Information sessions accepting of applications and interviews take place a different times of the year, depending on the location. For more information about Project SEARCH, email Brandi Hurly at bhurley@ou.edu.

The programs discussed here are some of the more popular ones DRS connects students with and we see consistently positive outcomes from them each year. These are just a sample, however, of some of the resources available to students with disabilities. We encourage students, families and professionals to keep an eye out for other programs and services. People might be surprised how many amazing things are out there!

Stay Up-to-date with Transition

September 13, 2025: SunHive Collective - Buzzin' Beats Bash in Norman

A free family event for the Norman community... Sunset Socials @ SunHive present the Buzzin' Beats Bash! 

Join the SunHive Collective for a Saturday to remember. The event will feature karaoke, snacks, SING the movie, crafts and more. 

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m.

Location: 5201 24th Ave NE, Norman, OK 73071

September 20, 2025: Caregiver Wellness Retreat in McAlester

Enjoy a day filled with carefully curated activities designed to enhance relaxation and self-care, leaving you refreshed and revitalized for the meaningful work you undertake.

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

Location: LifeChurch McAlester; 1300 S George Nigh Expy, McAlester, OK 74501

This event is brought to you by a partnership with Autism Foundation of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

September 30, 2025: Disability Resource Summit in Tulsa

📋 Interested in hosting a resource/vendor table? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ZwDra8Eq4QvDBXAb7

October 2, 2025: Future Shock Resource Fair at Oklahoma School for the Blind

High school special education students, parents and teachers are invited to the Future Shock Resource Fair at Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) in Muskogee, OK on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.

This event will feature post secondary planning, benefits planning, career exploration, family support services, community living, health services, financial planning and support and assistive technology services.

Student groups
Teachers are welcome to bring student groups throughout the day. Please RSVP
Select this link to RSVP a student group

Parents and students
Individual parents and students are welcome to come throughout the day. Please RSVP
Select this link to RSVP as an individual parent and student

Sponsors for this event include Oklahoma School for the Blind, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and National Center for Disability Education and Training (NCDET)-University of Oklahoma.

The event will benefit special education youth, parents, counselors and teachers.

Address: 3300 Gibson St., Muskogee, OK 74403

If you have questions, please email Tracy.Keeley@okdrs.gov

October 11, 2025: Tricks, Treats and Tractor Seats Sensory-friendly Fall Fun in Sapulpa

Date and time: October 11, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m.

Location: Conley Gospel Barn, 19521 S 145th West Avenue, Sapulpa

Get ready for an afternoon full of fall fun:

• Pumpkin decorating
• Apple bobbing
• Face painting
• Hayrides
• Tons of Tricks & Treats!

Black Bear Diner will be catering the event. PLUS their two lovable Black Bear mascots will be there to hang out with the kids!

There will be raffles and silent auctions—with all proceeds supporting future Calm Gatherings of Tulsa events.

Costumes are optional—but smiles are guaranteed!

Mark your calendars and join them for a harvest celebration the whole family will love!

November 12-13, 2025: Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) in Owasso

Interested in being a speaker at the annual Oklahoma Transition Institute? If you want to speak or attend, save the date!

Dates: November 12-13, 2025 in Tulsa. More information coming soon. See below for the call for presenter’s link.

Call for presenters. The Oklahoma Transition Council (OTC) invites educators, professionals, family members and self-advocates to submit proposals to present at the 2025 Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI). Share your innovative practices, strategies and success stories that support youth with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. OTI is a collaborative space to inspire, learn and grow together in advancing secondary transition outcomes. More details, including proposal guidelines and deadlines, will be announced soon.

Select this link to begin the process of submitting a presentation proposal

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, an Oklahoma School for the Blind graduate. He and Tracy Keely talked about the importance of family, staying healthy and listening to music,  Here is how the conversation went.

Meet Jacob

How old are you? I am 18 years old. Where did you go to High School? I graduated from the Oklahoma School for the Blind in May 2025. What are your interests and hobbies? I like to do mixed martial arts, produce music and be outside. What activity do you enjoy the most during the summer?  I like to practice MMA and go to the gym. What is your preferred summer drink?  My favorite drink in the summer is the pineapple Mexican soda, Jarritos. Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities?  Yes, I have done construction work. I also have work experience from school. I help with the recycling, breaking down boxes, cleaning. I also have experience in demolition, which is my favorite. Could you share your experience with the School Work Study program?  I got a job at Planet Fitness. What is something you learned from the School Work Study program?  I have learned every aspect of muscle memory. What are your plans after you complete high school? I plan on focusing on making music. I want to explore the subgenres of hip hop. What is your dream career?  My dream career is working in the music industry. What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth? My advice to other youth is to keep going, be your own person, and be true to yourself and you will be successful. What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime? My dream is to make music. What would you like the world to know about you? I would like the world to know that I am an advocate for good mental health and trying to make the world a better place. Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to? Yes, I would like to give a shoutout to my brother, sister, Ocie, Ryan, Tessa and Cameron.

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

SunHive Collective

SunHive is a day program for those needing higher support in specific areas and focuses on what they call, “meeting members where they are at”.

Located on 20 acres in Northeast Norman, they provide a homestead (non-residential) with countless opportunities to help their “hive” operate.

Natural freedom to participate–guided by a daily routine of choices - create additional ways for their members to learn proper socialization, emotional regulation and learn more about themselves along the way. SunHive Collective also offers additional social events that are open to the community. Keep an eye on social media and their website for those announcements each month.

Those who are interested in volunteering or in learning more about SunHive Collective can contact:

Loralei Gann, Co-Founder and Director

Phone: 405-562-0457

Email: sunhivecollective@gmail.com

Website: www.sunhivecollective.com

Online: https://bio.site/Sunhivecollective

All Social Media: @sunhivecollective

SPARK360°

Launched in Fall 2023, SPARK360° is a new Autism Support Program at the University of Oklahoma. SPARK360° is designed 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 SPARK360° 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 SPARK360° and realize positive postsecondary outcomes and employment. For more information, please visit the website at https://link.ou.edu/spark360 or contact Angela Barbour at spark360@ou.edu.

Miscellaneous Resources

Feelingshelpbox.com and Anxietyhelpbox.com provide free emotions/feelings resources and tools. You will find workbooks, worksheets, guides, booklets, advice sheets, story books, downloads and printables.

Feelingshelpbox.com
Visit for free downloadable printables aimed at helping children and adults understand emotions such as happiness, anger, stress, grief, jealousy, and sadness. The site offers a wide range of resources, including workbooks, advice sheets, interactive activities, assessment templates, checklists, storybooks, video, and guides, all designed to promote emotional awareness and learning.

 Select this link to visit Feelingshelpbox.com

Anxietyhelpbox.com
Discover a wide range of free tools and resources for children and adults, as well as therapists, counselors, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health practitioners, psychiatrists, child therapists, school counselors, teachers and behavioral health specialists. The collection supports those dealing with anxiety, OCD, and phobias, offering advice sheets, assessment templates, checklists, storybooks, videos, guides, treatment advice, and downloadable workbooks.

Select this link to visit Anxietyhelpbox.com

Plan Your Way OK is a transition-centered website that has a wealth of information for students, families, professionals and businesses.

Select this link to visit 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

Meet Tonya

Tonya Tyler is a pre-employment transition (Pre-ETS) specialist with the University of Oklahoma’s National Center for Disability Outreach Center. She has been in this role for ten months and is making a difference in the lives of Oklahoma’s youth.

Originally from California, Tonya has lived in Oklahoma for over 20 years now and is very happy here – both personally and professionally. She brings years of successful experience as a special education classroom teacher to her current role.

Tonya and her husband jokingly call themselves boring, but they stay quite busy with cycling, which is one of their hobbies. They like to go on long rides, including a hundred-mile ride at least once a year. They enjoy many aspects of cycling, especially the positive impact it has on their health.

Tonya is a brilliant, passionate and experienced professional. We are lucky to have her on the team.

Tonya Tyler
Pre-Employment Transition Specialist

University of Oklahoma

ph. 405-561-1748

tonya.m.tyler-1@ou.edu

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

Jeff Newton
jeffrey.newton@okdrs.go v
Phone: 405-881-9314

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