February 2026: Show Yourself Some Love by Investing in Your Future

Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services sent this bulletin at 01/30/2026 10:00 AM CST

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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS

Oklahoma Mobility Management Program

Mobility management is a transportation program that focuses on meeting community needs through the coordinated use of a variety of transportation providers. It aims to enhance transportation for veterans, older adults, people with disabilities, individuals with lower incomes and so many others improving access to healthy living resources through various transportation coordination The mobility management networks are designed to improve the overall mobility for individuals, regardless of the rider characteristics, mode or geography.

Select this link for Oklahoma Mobility Management Program contact information

Select this link to visit the Oklahoma Mobility Management Program website

Stay Up-to-date with Transition

February 3 and February 5, 2026: Project SEARCH Enid 2026 Open House

Flyer, Project SEARCH Enid 2026 Open House, details in paragraph below

Project SEARCH provides on-the-job work experience for young adults with disabilities ages 18 - 24 through training and career development. Project SEARCH Enid is having an open house where they will meet those interested in learning more and will answer questions about the program. Please RSVP as soon as possible to reserve a timeslot by contacting Kristy Ramos, Project SEARCH Enid program director. Her phone number is 405-482-0820. She can also be reached by email at kristy.a.ramos-1@ou.edu.

Dates:
February 3, 2026 and February 5, 2026

Location:
Integris Health Enid Hospital
600 Monroe St.
Enid, OK 73701

February 19, 2026: Tulsa Job Corps Community Career and Resource Fair

flyer, Tulsa Job Corps Community Career and Resource Fair, details in paragraph below

Careers begin here. Join Tulsa Job Corps for their Community Career and Resource Fair on February 19, 2026 from 12:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. This event will include community resources and community partners focused on helping find meaningful employment. It will take place at the Tulsa Job Corps campus.

Address
1133 N Lewis Ave
Tulsa, OK 74110

*If you have questions please call the Tulsa Job Corps team at 918-830-2824

February is Last Month to Apply for BEST STEP 2026

flyer, apply for BEST STEP 2026, details in paragraph below

This February, show yourself some love by investing in your future — because the best careers start with BEST STEP. The 2026 application for the popular summer program, BEST STEP, are 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: Joining Forces Conference - Registration is Now Live

Oklahoma Family Network (OFN) invites you to attend the 19th annual Joining Forces Conference on March 27, 2026. Attend in person in Oklahoma City or Join them from one of the remote sites across the state.

This conference offers meaningful learning and networking opportunities and it strengthens support for individuals and families through statewide community partnerships.

Remote sites include Ardmore, Enid, Lawton, Oklahoma City, Okmulgee, Poteau, Tulsa and Weatherford

To register, scan the QR Code above or use the registration link below.

Select this link to register for 2026 Joining Forces conference

Summer 2026 STEM Camp Applications Open

Be a part of an on-site STEM Camp in your area. The no cost, three day camps are now being planned and scheduled for the summer. Campers who are a good fit for STEM Camps always have a great time. With so many exciting hands on activities, this is a summer camp students do not want to miss out on. Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible to have the best chance of reserving your spot. Sign up using the QR code above or the link below.

Select this link to sign up for Summer 2026 STEM Camp

Select this link to download the Summer 2026 STEM Camp flyer

March 10: People with Disabilities Awareness Day 2026

Join us for People with Disabilities Awareness Day 2026.

PWDAD is a fun filled day for attendees who can share their stories and learn about services for people with disabilities. Over the years, we've watched guests make new connections and reunite with familiar faces.

There will be more than 70 exhibitors available to share information about their services.

It’s also our day to connect with lawmakers and tell them about the services that benefit people with disabilities. And you don’t want to miss the awards program where we honor outstanding programs and individuals.

At PWDAD, you will meet new people, make professional contacts and friends, and see your coworkers outside of the office. It's the best day of the year, so don't miss out.

We will be at the Oklahoma History Center on March 10. So, mark your calendars and join in the fun with us.

We have the best volunteers ever who will be there to assist you.

Pre-registration will speed you through the line the day of the event. Register yourself, your family and your friends.

Select this link to register for People with Disabilities Awareness Day 2026

June 21-27: 2026 Level Up Conference

Developed in 2006 to address the learning gap between students who are blind or visually impaired and their sighted peers, the Level Up Program partners with teachers, families, assistive technology professionals, community professionals, colleges and universities to guide students as they set goals and achieve success. This comprehensive national program provides access to ongoing support and resources for students who are blind or visually impaired at every stage of their education.

Select this link to register for the 2026 Level Up Conference

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 Ocie, an Oklahoma School for the Blind graduate. He and Tracy Keely talked about video games, having a sense of humor and the importance of giving good advice. Here is how the conversation went.

Meet Ocie

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 playing video games. I also like coloring and other artsy stuff.

What is your favorite season and why?
My favorite season is Winter. I like to bundle up and stay warm when it is cold outside.

What is your preferred drink?
My favorite drink is tea. I like both unsweet and sweet tea. Sweet tea is my favorite.

Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities?
Yes, I have a lot of work experience. I have been able to work a lot of different jobs at OSB. I have worked at a greenhouse, a recycling center, and an auto shop.

What are your plans after you complete high school?
I want to go to school to be a mechanic after high school.

What is your dream career?
My dream career is to work at an auto body shop.

What would you like the world to know about you?
I would like the world to know that I am funny and enjoy having many friends. I have also been told I give good advice.

What advice would you give to other young individuals who are exploring potential career paths?
My advice to young adults is to find out what you enjoy doing and make that your career.

Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to?
Yes, I would like to give a shoutout to my friend Tessa, my uncle, and my grandma.

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.

Click here to nominate a student

Transition Resources

OK ABLE Tech

ABLE Tech is Oklahoma’s Assistive Technology (AT) Act program. ABLE Tech’s mission is to improve access to, and acquisition of, assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages.

They support high school youth with disabilities in their journey through high school and as they transition to post-secondary lives.

ABLE Tech provides demonstrations, presentations, and short-term loans of AT devices (a try before you buy program). ABLE Tech has formed partnerships with DRS’s BEST STEP Summer Camps and A New Leaf Transition Academy. ABLE Tech staff also provides training to high school educators and Pre-ETS staff regarding how AT can support students with disabilities in high school and as they transition to post-secondary life.

If you would like more information about ABLE Tech, please contact Dr. Joshua Hawkins at ABLE Tech -

1-800-257-1705 or by email at joshua.hawkins@okstate.edu.

The Hidden Workforce

The Hidden Workforce is a podcast and radio show that serves as a resource for students and transition-age adults who live with different abilities. This insightful and entertaining program helps people get connected with nonprofits, programs and services that assist with a variety of needs. Hosts and guests on the Hidden Workforce will provide support, bring awareness to opportunities, answer questions- or they may find a story from a self-advocate that inspires and uplifts them.

It doesn’t stop there. They're here for parents, guardians, caregivers and families. On this show, they will share valuable information on organizations and opportunities that can assist your loved ones and offer respite opportunities for self-care and much more.

They highlight resources from state agencies like DRS and DDS to break down the opportunities and programs they provide for individuals with different abilities and their families.

Their goal is to provide resources, spread hope and empower people with disabilities to chase their dreams. We can’t wait for you to hear these helpful and inspiring stories.

You can tune in every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. live on Groovy 105.7, or on all major podcast streams including:

Spotify
Select this link to open The Hidden Workforce on Spotify

Apple
Select this link to open The Hidden Workforce on Apple

iHeart Radio Podcasts
Select this link to open The Hidden Workforce on iHeart Radio Podcasts

If you would like a story, nonprofit, program, or resource to be featured, please reach out to Maggie Bond at maggie@risestaffing.net

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

Helpful Opportunities

Here are some exciting opportunities to be aware of:

Do you want to write an Innovative Grant for your school?

Join Oklahoma Career Tech in one of their upcoming professional development sessions.

Sessions include information on the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA), local application, and new innovative grant opportunities for rural schools! Training sessions, whether in person or virtual will include the same information.

Grants are available for Career Development/Exploration, Special Populations, High Growth Technologies, New Programs, Improving Academics, and Recruiting and Retaining CTE Instructors.

Please register for in-person events by using the links below:

January 27 from 9-12 - Kiamichi Technology Center - McAlester

February 3 from 9-12 - Tulsa Technology Center - Lemley

February 10 from 9-12 - Moore Norman Technology Center - South Penn

February 18 from 9-10:30 - Teams (registration not required for virtual session)

Eligibility Requirements
● *Secondary schools and technology centers applying for a grant serving secondary students must meet the $15,000 allocation requirement. If allocation does not meet the minimum, see special guidelines below.
● Technology centers and colleges applying for a grant serving post-secondary students must meet the $50,000 allocation requirement.
● All applicants must have a completed Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) with priorities that align to innovative grant requests.
● Form 2 must be submitted and approved when applicable.
● Grant cycle is two years (except CTE new program grant).
● Schools may apply for more than one innovative grant.
● Projects must be new and innovative for your site.

*Additional Guidelines for secondary applicants that do not meet the $15,000 minimum requirement
● School must be a member of a consortium.
● Districts must provide a complete CLNA and have at least two CTE programs (two PIDs). A consortium fiscal agents’ CLNA is acceptable.

Meet Eddie

Eddie Flores is a native Texan who now calls Oklahoma home. He has been with DRS since 2021 and earned a spot on the prestigious Hispanic unit. He has a master’s degree in mental health and substance abuse counseling, and his bachelor’s degree is in criminal justice. Before finding his passion in his current field of work, Eddie even earned an associate’s degree from Oklahoma City Community College in auto tech. If that’s not amazing enough, Eddie is also currently pursuing his PhD.

He has served as an Oklahoma County Reserve Deputy for 20 years and still does that on the weekends when needed. Eddie has always been a person who felt the need to stand up for others when their voice was not heard, or they were not being respected in a social setting. He especially enjoys working with people that have disabilities and seeing them grow. DRS has allowed Eddie to use his bilingual skills, and Native American roots to help the Hispanic race by giving him a chance to translate and explain the role of DRS in students’ school setting which helps improve their opportunity to find work or go to school beyond high school.

Eddie is a smart, compassionate and dedicated team member. We are lucky to have him on the team.

Eddie Flores
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Vocational Rehabilitation

ph. 405-635-2777

eflores@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.

Start the Application Process