|
YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
|
The Blue Envelope Program is Big News For Drivers in OKC and Surrounding Areas
Oklahoma City metro-area law enforcement agencies have launched the Blue Envelope Program, a community initiative designed to make interactions between police and residents safer and calmer for people who experience communication challenges.
The program provides a simple but powerful tool: a blue envelope that people can hand to first responders. The envelope explains the person’s condition and affirms their intent to cooperate, helping officers understand how best to communicate with residents.
Drivers should put a copy of their driver’s license, registration and insurance in the envelope.
The program is beneficial for people who may:
-
Be deaf or hard of hearing.
-
Have difficulty speaking clearly.
-
Be learning English.
-
Live with autism, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
-
Experience anxiety, PTSD or other mental health conditions.
-
Have dementia, cognitive or neurological impairments.
-
Experience involuntary movements, such as those associated with Tourette syndrome.
-
Be blind or have low vision.
-
Have medical-related speech difficulties.
The envelope also includes reminders for drivers, such as:
-
Stop in a safe location.
-
Stay in the car until told otherwise.
-
Keep your hands on the steering wheel.
-
Tell the officer you have a blue envelope and follow instructions.
Who is participating?
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments in Choctaw, Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Norman, Oklahoma City and The Village are participating in the program.
“Being stopped by police can be stressful for anyone, but it can be especially overwhelming for people with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions,” said Emily Scott, Executive Director of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. “The Blue Envelope Program helps bridge communication gaps by giving officers key information they need for safer, more supportive interactions.”
Blue Envelopes are available at any participating police precinct and by contacting the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma.
|
|
November 8, 2025: Oklahoma Fatherhood Summit
 Birthright Living Legacy hosts many different events that allow them to implement the community-building skills we want to impart to fathers. The theme of this year's Oklahoma Fatherhood Summit is, "Be you. Be Different. Be Dad."
Guest speakers include Dr. George James, CEO of George Talks, and Thomas Pfanner, Director/Founder of Dads Who Lead.
Date and Location:
November 8, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
at Northeastern Styate University, Broken Arrow campus
3100 New Orleans St., Broken Arrow, OK 74014
Select this link to register for Oklahoma Fatherhood Summit
November 12-13, 2025: Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) in Owasso
 The time has arrived. The 2025 Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) will be held in Owasso, Oklahoma and registration is now open. Make sure and sign up to attend this highly anticipated event. OTI features engaging presentations, networking opportunities, interactions with agencies and organizations focused on serving Oklahoma's transition-age youth with disabilities. Keynote speaker, LeDerick Horne, will use his gift of spoken-word poetry as a gateway for larger discussions on finding opportunities, pride, self-determination, and hope for people with disabilities. What a great chance to Plan Your Way, OK!
As always, education professionals and others in related fields of work are welcome to sign up for this year's OTI. Signing up is easy. Register online using the link below.
Dates:
November 12-13, 2025
Location:
Tulsa Technology Center - Owasso campus, 10800 N 137th E Ave, Owasso, OK 74055
Select this link to register for the 2025 Oklahoma Transition Institute
November 2025: BEST STEP 2026 Applications Set to Open
 It's finally time. In early November 2025, the summer 2026 application for the popular summer program, BEST STEP will open. The program is for students who are at least 16 years old with a documented disability, are a client of DRS OR are eligible for services due to disability, AND are returning to school in 2026.
Participants will build valuable skills while having fun and interacting with peers. There will be opportunities to apply for paid internships with employers in their communities. Applications can be submitted through the QR code above or by using the link below.
BEST STEP takes place in June and July 2026
*Applications are due by March 2, 2026
Select this link to apply online for BEST STEP 2026
Select this link for a printable BEST STEP 2026 application
March 27, 2026: Save the Date for Joining Forces
 Joining Forces: Supporting Family-Professional Partnerships Conference brings together local, state and national leaders to discuss best practices and promising practices in the area of family-professional partnerships. Participants gain knowledge and practical tools to use as they work together in support of a good life for the person with special health care needs, intellectual disabilities and other Oklahomans. The conference also offers opportunities for making connections with professionals, families and others for future partnership activities.
|
|
|
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 Broken Bow high school graduate. He and Kevin Randall talked about playing in the high school band, career goals and the value of patience. Here is how the conversation went.
|
|
Meet Ryan
What are your interests and hobbies?
I am interested in reading and creating art.
What activity do you enjoy the most during the summer?
Playing video games, going on summer vacations and visiting Denver, Colorado.
What is your preferred summer drink?
Lemon and cucumber water.
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 donate the money to my band class at Broken Bow High School. The band class must hold fundraisers and other events to raise the additional funds needed for band activities throughout the year.
Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities?
Yes. In high school, I cleaned the chemistry lab as part of my work experience. I also washed cars during a fundraiser for my band class, and I sold items door to door to support band fundraising efforts.
Could you share your experience working in a chemistry lab while in high school?
When cleaning the lab, I had to follow specific instructions to ensure safety—for myself and others working in the lab. I made sure all materials were put away correctly and stored in their proper locations to prevent accidents, such as the mixing of incompatible chemicals.
What were the most valuable lessons you took away from your experience in the chemistry lab?
I learned how to stay organized and follow instructions carefully. I also learned how to correct mistakes and what actions to take in case of an emergency in the lab. Most importantly, I gained experience in maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
Now that you’ve completed your work in the high school chemistry lab, what are your plans moving forward?
I plan to continue adding work experiences to my resume, including what I gained through the BEST STEP Summer 2025 Program. I am currently attending Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT).
What is your dream career?
After graduating from OSUIT, I plan to enter the technology industry and work for an established company. I want to learn, adapt to the company’s needs, and provide excellent service to customers.
Can you share one challenge you've faced due to your disability and how you managed to overcome it?
I face hearing challenges due to hearing impairment in my right ear. At school, I manage this by sitting at the front of the classroom and using a hearing aid called, “Shokz.”
What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth?
As an artist, I had to learn how to be patient. My advice to other youth is: be patient, don’t rush, and things will work out in the end.
What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime?
I want to have my artwork seen by the public and to share my artistic skills with others.
How do you approach seeking and embracing new opportunities for personal growth and development?
I start with the easiest parts of a new topic to build my understanding, and then I gradually work into the harder parts. For example, when I started learning art, I began with pencil drawings, then moved into shading and coloring, and eventually advanced to more complex artwork.
What would you like the world to know about you?
I would like the world to know about my artwork and my artistic abilities.
Is there anyone specific you'd like to give a shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my art teacher, Mr. Persinger, from Broken Bow High School.
|
|
|
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
|
|
Oklahoma Family Network
The Oklahoma Family Network (OFN) informs and connects individuals with special health care needs and disabilities, their families, and professionals to services and support in their communities.
Their services are designed for the family of any child who has:
- Spent time in the NICU or was born premature
- Physical disabilities
- Cancer
- Rare or undiagnosed conditions
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Down Syndrome
- Mental health diagnoses
- Behavioral health concerns
Areas of support include emotional support, resources & training, and leadership & advocacy.
To get connected with OFN, you can send them a message from their website. Link is below.
Select this link to to visit the OFN website
|
 Autism Foundation of Oklahoma
The mission of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) is to improve the lives of Oklahomans with autism and their families across the lifespan.
AFO Vision:
AFO envisions a state where all Oklahomans with autism and their caregivers get the support they need, when they need it, to reach their full potential and thrive.
AFO Values:
Inclusion: AFO believes in building communities where every autistic person feels they belong and can thrive.
Respect: AFO honors the dignity, identity, and autonomy of individuals with autism, as well as the needs of their families and caregivers.
Collaboration: AFO works closely with families, self-advocates, professionals, and community partners to improve outcomes.
Integrity: AFO is transparent, responsible, and guided by evidence and empathy.
Innovation: AFO embraces ongoing learning and adapt to meet the changing needs of autistic Oklahomans.
To get connected with AFO, you can engage with them on their website. Link is below.
Select this link to visit the AFO website
|
|
|
Here are some exciting grant opportunities to be aware of:
Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Mentoring Grant
- The program’s focus is to promote the growth and development of quality youth mentoring programs statewide.
- For the 2026 grant cycle, grants of up to $3000 will be made available through a selection process.
- School districts and non-profit organizations serving K-12 age children in Oklahoma are encouraged to apply.
- For more information and to apply, go to https://ofe.org/boren-mentoring-initiative/
|
|
Walmart Local Community Grants
- Local Community grants range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5000.
- Applications may be submitted at any time during each quarter funding cycle. All applications will be reviewed prior to the next funding cycle.
- Grant applications can be found at https://walmart.org/how-we-give/local-community-grants
- Application deadline is currently listed as:
- Quarter 1: February 1 – April 15
- Quarter 2: May 1 – July 15
- Quarter 3: August 1 – October 15
- Quarter 4: November – December 31
|
|
|
Casey Rye is a vocational rehabilitation specialist (Counselor) in Poteau. She joined the DRS family in April 2025 and has truly fallen in love with being able to work with Oklahoma’s students with disabilities.
Casey moved to Oklahoma from San Diego nearly 22 years ago and considers it home – having raised her children here. Prior to DRS, she spent time working in special education where she developed an appreciation for students with different disability-related challenges. The thing she enjoys most about becoming a vocational rehabilitation specialist is that this job, “gives her the opportunity to learn and grow in a career that offers something fresh and new each day, but the ability to keep working with a fun population of kiddos.”
Casey is a passionate, energetic, caring and knowledgeable professional. We are lucky to have her on the team.
|
 Casey Rye
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 918-647-8121
Casey.Rye@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.
|
|
We can help create the blueprint for your youth’s success |
|
|
|
|
