March 2026: Time to Plan for the Spring and Summer Things

Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services sent this bulletin at 02/27/2026 10:00 AM CST

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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS

Shooting star with words "People with Disabilities Awareness Day."

Join us for People with Disabilities Awareness Day 2026!

Are you ready to network? Celebrate outstanding accomplishments? If so, join us for People with Disabilities Awareness Day from noon to 4:30 p.m., March 10, 2026, at the Oklahoma History Center.

Plan on coming, bring a friend or two and network with the more than 70 disability-centric exhibitors. They bring a wealth of information and might introduce you to new programs.

Celebrate success. Stay and congratulate our Awareness Day award winners.

As always, our event is free to all who want to attend. The venue is ideal for talking with exhibitors and an outstanding place to showcase the award winners.

Stay Up-to-date with Transition

March 10: People with Disabilities Awareness Day 2026 - Register Here

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

March 27: Joining Forces Conference - Register Here

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

April 7-8: 2026 OK-APSE Employment Conference

This year’s conference theme reminds us that meaningful employment for people with disabilities does not happen by chance — it happens through intentional listening, honest dialogue, and collaborative action. It begins with hearing the voices, experiences, and aspirations of people. It grows through open communication between employers, educators, service providers, policymakers, families, and communities. And it succeeds when strong partnerships transform understanding into opportunity.

Increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities is not simply a workforce initiative — it is a commitment to equity, inclusion, and economic strength. Together, through open ears and open communication, everyone can build partnerships that expand employment opportunities and ensure that people with disabilities are not only included in the workforce — but valued, empowered, and thriving within it. Let this conference be more than a conversation. Let it be a catalyst for action.

Conference Dates:
April 7-8, 2026

Conference Location:
MetroTech - Springlake campus
1900 Springlake Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Select this link to register for the OK-APSE 2026 Employment Conference

June 21-27: 2026 Level Up Conference - Register Here

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

Summer 2026 DC STEM Camp - Register Here

Flyer, 2026 DC STEM Camp, details in paragraph below

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

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 Serenity, a recent Enid high school graduate. She and Tracy Keely talked about working, being a part of Project SEARCH, and her favorite music. Here is how the conversation went.

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

Meet Serenity

Where did you go to High School?
I graduated from Enid High School in May 2024.

What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to do yoga at home.

What is your favorite thing or activity to do?
I like to read and listen to music.

What is your preferred drink?
My favorite drink is coke

Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities? If yes, what experiences or opportunities have you had?
I do have work experience and have a good work ethic.

As a part of the Project Search program, what work rotations have you participated in and what were your duties?
I cleaned rooms for the housekeeping department. I also take patients around the hospital in wheelchairs as needed.

What is something you learned from the Project Search program?
I learned how to do the skills I needed to be a good employee.

What are your plans after you complete the Project Search program?
I plan on getting a job after I finish the program.

What is your favorite part about the Project Search program?
I like working with the nurses.

What struggle have you faced in the past and have overcome?
I have always been shy and didn’t talk to people easily. I overcome being SO shy.

What is your dream career and why?
My dream careers are working for a daycare and working for Goodwill.

What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth?
My advice is to listen, follow directions, and participate in the work you are given.

What would you like the world to know about you?
I am an independent woman that can get a job!

Is there anyone you’d like to give a shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout out to Kristy and Joy.

Pervasive Parenting Center

The Pervasive Parenting Center is a non-profit organization that launched in January 2014 to help families in eastern Oklahoma find resources available for people living with autism and other disabilities. They are partially funded by a grant from the U. S. Department of Education. Services include Autism Screenings, Social Group, Parent Support Groups, Disability Trainings, Peer Mentoring, IEP assistance and training, Sibshops, etc.

If you have questions, please contact Kodey Toney by phone at 918-647-1255 or by email at ktoney@pervasiveparentingcenter.org

Tech-Now, Inc.

Founded in 1999, the mission of Tech-Now is to empower students with disabilities to make positive career choices that will allow them to lead productive and prosperous lives.

Tech-Now Inc. partners with schools across Oklahoma to offer a computer applications class that goes far beyond using a word processor and media presentation application. The curricula are designed to meet international and state technology standards with an emphasis on pre-employment transition services.

The activities begin with individual technical skills development for simple assignment projects, and progress into the employment simulation which requires multiple team members, duty assignments, and team organization. These assignments allow for soft skills development and practice, and are often the first employment related skills practice the individuals experience.

The final step to Tech-Now’s approach to pre-employment skills development is the micro business. The businesses showcase the students’ skills by offering student created products for sale. Via the micro businesses students also gain some on the job experiences that will be essential to their first job successes.

They are always interested in adding additional program sites to the Tech-Now family. Schools looking for a computer applications class that is project based and goes a long way in helping students on an IEP or 504 Plan develop marketable skills can contact: tech-now@hotmail.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

Paint Swipe with Opportunities written in it.

Applications Due by Voyager Scholarship - for Public Service

This scholarship offers up to $50,000 in funding for your junior and senior years, a $10,000 stipend and free housing in Airbnb listings (up to $4,200) for a transformative summer work-travel experience, and exclusive access to a network of changemakers and mentors.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the tools, resources, and connections to launch your career in public service. You'll also hear from current Voyagers about their experience in the program so far! They offer a number of info sessions - register for the session that best fits your schedule now to secure your spot! To learn more about the scholarship, visit here: https://www.obama.org/programs/voyager-scholarship/

Join them for a virtual info session to learn about the Voyager Scholarship, a partnership between President Obama and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, designed to support college students passionate about public service.

Select this link to register for a virtual information session

Select this link to visit the website and apply

Meet Jason

Jason is vocational rehabilitation specialist in the Tulsa office. He joined the DRS team in June 2025. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation, he is a collector of antique radios, phonographs players, jukeboxes and antique coin op machines for nearly 30 years.

Prior to working for DRS, Jason spent over two decades working with the Department of Veterans Affairs where he served in a variety of roles including multiple leadership positions. Jason has found great success throughout his career in large part because of his servant heart and his passion for helping others find their own strengths. His exposure to the field of vocational rehabilitation and his extensive knowledge of helping traditionally underserved populations allowed Jason to hit the ground running on day one at DRS.

He expects great things from himself as a professional and he expects great things from the clients he serves. Jason is an experienced, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and dedicated team member. We are lucky to have him on the team.

Jason Rogers
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Vocational Rehabilitation

ph. 918-581-2271

Jason.Rogers@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