In this issue:
OSB staff, students load up the wagons for Western Heritage Day in Haskell
Oklahoma School for the Blind staff helped students sit tall in the saddle on Sept. 24 as part of the annual Western Heritage Day at the Silver Spur Western Lodge in Haskell.
The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association and Roy and Rose Anna Webb sponsored the event.
OSB students were able to go fishing, rock-climbing, bungee jumping and mechanical bull riding in a safe environment.
Western Heritage Day Chair Jake Walker expected to bring between 80 and 90 Connors State College equine program students to the event. They joined Oklahoma Youth Quarter Horse Association members and Haskell Future Farmers of America as volunteers.
View photos from the day.
 White Cane Safety Awareness Day Rally set for Wednesday in Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY – White cane users with visual disabilities and sighted supporters will celebrate National White Cane Safety Awareness Day from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday with a rally in Oklahoma City.
Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, is hosting this year’s event. SBVI staff invites participants to gather at Shepherd Center, 2401 NW 23rd Street. The rally will be near the west side entrance of Shepherd Center.
White Cane Safety Day was first established by presidential proclamation in 1964. The first white cane laws were drafted around that time. Today, similar laws exist in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia.
A proclamation from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will be read, marking the importance of the day.
White Cane Day walkers will hand out cards with a summary of the Oklahoma law requiring drivers to stop for white cane users during the celebration.
“This rally is so important because the white cane is a critical tool for Americans with visual disabilities to travel safely on foot, navigating around common obstacles of everyday life,” DRS Executive Director Melinda Fruendt said. “Getting this information into the hands of drivers will help protect Oklahomans with disabilities.”
State law requires drivers to completely stop their vehicles 15 feet away from pedestrians who are visually impaired and identified by their use of white canes with red tips or dog guides. People who violate this law are guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to three months or $100 fine or both.
Oklahoma law also stipulates that only blind people may carry white canes with or without red tips, which are internationally recognized as mobility aids for people with vision impairments.
Oklahoma Works
 DRS's Magan Rowen, center, receives Oklahoma Works award from DRS Executive Director Melinda Fruendt.
DRS standout honored at 2025 awards ceremony
DRS’ Magan Rowan was honored with a Workforce and Economic and Professional Award during an Oklahoma Works event held Oct. 3 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Oklahoma City.
Rowen is an assistive technology specialist with advanced certifications and a master’s degree who works to support Oklahomans who are blind or visually impaired.
“Her dedication to empowering individuals through rehabilitation Services has made a significant impact within the department and the community it serves. Magan’s commitment is evident in her everyday work, as she strives to support Oklahomans in overcoming barriers and achieving greater independence,” the speaker said when announcing the award.
Others receiving the Workforce and Economic and Professional Award included:
- Bali Kinsey – Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
- Lashae Tucker – Oklahoma Career Tech
- Samantha Davis – Dynamic Workforce Solutions, Southern Workforce Area
- Winter Elliott - Dynamic Workforce Solutions, South Central Area
- Joe Robinson - Dynamic Workforce Solutions, Green Country Area
- Natalie Temple - Dynamic Workforce Solutions, Western Workforce Area
- Tami Morgan - Dynamic Workforce Solutions, COWIB
- Jerry Fry – Oklahoma State Regent for Higher Education
- Jennifer Bessinger – Work Ready Oklahoma
- Shontrice Carey – Oklahoma Department of Human Services
The awards ceremony also recognized Oklahomans who have elevated Oklahoma’s workforce development system.
- The Oklahoma Workforce Association 2025 Workforce System Champion - Gina McPherson.
- The Oklahoma Workforce Association 2025 Workforce System Champion – CareerTech State Director Brent Hanken.
- The Oklahoma Workforce Association 2025 Workforce Business Champion – Sham Crews Logging.
- The Oklahoma Workforce Association 2025 Workforce Business Champion – TTEC.
Photos from the awards banquet.
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