 OSB's Cane Quest continuing to grow
Oklahoma School for the Blind students who are blind or visually impaired show off their white cane skills each year in an annual competition known as the Oklahoma Regional Cane Quest.
In 2025, OSB staff had a record 44 students ranging from third-grade through 12th-grade competing in the event. Cane Quest is a national program of the Braille Institute of America, based in Los Angeles.
During the Cane Quest event, contestants, with white canes as their guides, identify obstacles and changes in surfaces, such as drop-offs at stairs or curbs, in a quest for medals and prizes.
Contestants who use a long white cane demonstrate their orientation and mobility skills. They are divided into three categories based on age and ability. They are also classified into two visual classifications.
More than 85 volunteers from across the state scored performance or partnered as a teammate or shadow with each contestant in the 2025 competition.
Oklahoma 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 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.
See photos from the event.
 Hope Benches ribbon cutting ceremony held at Oklahoma School for the Blind
In 2022, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services initiated its engagement with The Science of Hope, following Governor Stitt’s designation of Hope as one of four key benchmarks in the state’s Top Ten vision. Since that time, DRS has worked with intention to integrate the principles of Hope Science into the fabric of its organizational culture and service delivery.
One of the ideas that emerged from the 2024 Beyond Hope Academy Cohort was “The Hope Bench.” It has generated much excitement and energy. The first Hope Bench Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on October 8, 2025, during the Commission meeting at the Oklahoma School for the Blind. The question was posed, “Why would we have a ribbon cutting ceremony for a Hope Bench?” The answer? As an agency, we want to celebrate and document our journey with the Science of Hope.
Hope Benches are being installed at our schools and DRS offices statewide. Each bench features a plaque with five key Science of Hope questions and a matching braille version for accessibility. Employees, clients and visitors alike, are invited to pause and reflect. If inspired, we encourage them to record a short video on the bench - sharing their goals, success stories, and Hope moments. #okdrshopebench
The OSB Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marked the beginning of a journey. DRS can create space where people can intentionally share hope, encourage others to share their stories of hope, and celebrate the hope we give to those we serve.
At DRS, Hope Science has a voice. We believe that your future can be better than today, and you have the power to make it so.
Setting the bar
 From left, DRS Executive Director Melinda Fruendt, Susan Smith, Jonathan Woodward and Elijah Barnes.
Three honored for work to replace library HVAC
Jonathan Woodward, Susan Smith and Elijah Barnes were recognized for their hard work at the DRS Commission meeting on Nov. 12.
The DRS Purchasing team worked hand-in-hand with our partners at the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and OMES Construction and Properties to manage what became a HVAC replacement project.
When the system first began to fail, they immediately collaborated with CAP to secure additional funding under the existing maintenance and repair contract. As the situation got worse and it became clear that a full replacement was necessary, they worked with both agencies to have the issue declared an emergency. This allowed DRS to move forward without the normal bidding process, a critical step, since this occurred in mid-August and the building had no air conditioning at the time.
They brought the emergency procurement request to the Commission for approval, after which they began holding bi-weekly Teams meetings with CAP, OLBPH and the contractor. These meetings helped keep the project on schedule and ensured any concerns were addressed quickly.
While equipment lead times caused the project to extend over the course of a year, it was successfully completed and the facility now has a fully functioning, reliable HVAC system in place.
Transition offices across Oklahoma were challenged to celebrate National Disability Awareness Month by decorating their offices in a theme related to the Disney-Pixar movie "Inside Out."
Transition Coordinator Renee Sansom Briscoe offered the winners a pizza party in their honor.
Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
Three contest entries were submitted with one from within the agency and two from outside.
The winner of the decoration contests was Kiamichi Tech – Kim Lane and Weatherford VR 05. They will receive a pizza party.
Second place went to the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board, which will also receive a prize.
  
 New faces, new jobs as of Oct. 31
\Here are some of the new people you may meet soon at an upcoming event. Take some time to welcome the following to their new positions.
New hires or new jobs:
VR – Programs Manager Susan Nelson began the new job on Oct. 16.
VR – Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Brooke Vincent Shipman began the new job on Oct. 1.
VR – Behavioral Health Clinician Joy Oliver began the new job on Oct. 1.
 Vocational Rehabilitation brochure back in stock.
Need a brochure? We got you covered
DRS has a robust brochure and promotional material order form that staff can use to get needed tools to support clients.
Please use the order form when seeking brochures or special promotional materials because some quantities require division administrator approval,
Please bookmark the new order form in your browser to make accessing it easier.
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