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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
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ADA National Network has Resources for High School Educators
As mentioned on their website (adata.org), the ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on how to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The website houses a lot fantastic information and many exciting resources. One recent example of a resource on the ADA National Network website is an "ADA Mini-Unit".
This mini-unit is intended for high school educators as a broad overview of the Americans with disabilities Act. A PowerPoint Slide deck, instructor manual and links to other downloadable activities can be found on the ADA Network website as well. Below are some links educators can use to read more about these amazing resources.
Select this link to open the ADA Mini-Unit webpage
*If you have questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act in general:
Contact the ADA National Network toll-free, voice or TTY, at 1-800-949-4232 or email them to speak with one of their ADA Specialists. All requests for assistance are strictly confidential.
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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
 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
June 16 - 19: 2026 Sooner Works Summer Academy
 The Summer Academy is a 4-day, 3-night residential experience on the OU campus for high school students with intellectual disabilities who are interested in exploring the college experience. During the academy, students stay in campus housing, participate in workshops and activities, and build skills related to independence, self-advocacy, and career readiness.
The 2026 Summer Academy will take place June 16–19, 2026 in Norman, Oklahoma. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until spots are filled, so we encourage interested students to apply early.
Select this link to access the application and for further details
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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 Alex, an Enid high school graduate. He and Tracy Keely talked about working, playing video games and the importance of planning for your future. Here is how the conversation went.
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 Transition Resources
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Meet Alex
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How old are you?
I am 20 years old.
Where did you go to High School?
I graduated from Enid High School in May 2025.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I love gaming.
What is your favorite thing or activity to do?
My favorite thing to do is play video games.
What is your preferred drink?
My favorite drink is blackberry lemonade.
Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities? If yes, what experiences or opportunities have you had?
Yes, I participated in BEST STEP and had a summer internship.
As a part of the Project Search program, what work rotations have you participated in and what were your duties?
I work at Integris Health hospital in Enid. I have worked in the gift shop running the register. I have also work in the hospital cafeteria on the serving line.
What is something you learned from the Project Search program?
I learned how to serve food properly.
What are your plans after you complete the Project Search program?
My plan for after I complete the Project Search program is to get a job and continue surviving.
What is your favorite part about the Project Search program?
I like serving food in the cafeteria.
What struggle have you faced in the past and have overcome?
I am always sleepy. I am trying to get better sleep at night.
What is your dream career and why?
My dream career would be working with food. I want to have a career so I can survive in my retirement.
What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth?
My advice is to talk to people.
What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime?
I want to be a billionaire!
What would you like the world to know about you?
I can pop my wrist at will.
Is there anyone you’d like to give a shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout out to Kristy and Joy.
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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.
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 Bios Work
BiosWork is an amazing resource for students with disabilities. They are passionate about supporting youth/students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. They understand that transitioning into adulthood can feel overwhelming – whether a student already has career goals or is just beginning to explore their interests.
The BiosWork team is available to walk alongside students and their families; helping them identify strengths, build confidence and create a path forward to meaningful employment. They provide personalized employment services across Oklahoma. Services can include career exploration, job readiness training, assistance with applications and interviews, and even one on one job coaching. Using a person-centered approach, they get to know each person they serve well while supporting them in finding and maintaining employment that aligns with their interests and abilities.
Their goal is to help every student they work with gain real-world experience, build independence, and feel confident stepping into their future.
Locations: Serving communities statewide across Oklahoma including Bartlesville, Muskogee, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Contact name: Andrea Wagner
Phone: 843-614-1421
Email: awagner@bioscorp.com
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Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, Inc. (DSACO) is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in January 2000 by parents of children with Down syndrome. The purpose of the organization is aligned with its mission which is “raise awareness and provide resources, as well as promote acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome.” They do this through a variety of educational workshops, community awareness campaigns, and workshops for their families, teens, adults and young children. These include self-advocacy workshops, Kylee’s Kitchen (microwave-based cooking class), support groups and the NEW Self Advocacy Center.
Their Self-Advocacy Center offers immerging adults, in Central and Western Oklahoma, tools for self-care, self-awareness, social etiquette, getting and keeping a job, finances and budgeting, and much more. They have already initiated this program and started advertising signups for the next year, so the next step is expanding the program to reach more of our community.
For more information on DSACO, please contact:
Contact name: Sarah Soell
Phone: 405-600-9981
Email: info@dsaco.org
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Jeremy Jackman, a Muskogee native, is a vocational rehabilitation specialist in the Muskogee office. He joined the DRS team in September 2024 after spending over twenty years as a high school teacher at the Oklahoma School for the Blind. Jeremy has a master’s degree in special education and is committed to serving traditionally underserved populations.
He is a certified teacher of the visually impaired – which he says is one of the most significant achievements in his career. Serving visually impaired students with disabilities is an honor for Jeremy. He says helping them successfully transition to a prosperous adult life continues to inspire him and guides his work each day.
Jeremy is a committed, knowledgeable and experienced vocational rehabilitation professional. We are lucky to have him on the team.
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 Jeremy Jackman
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 918-781-4153
Jeremy.Jackman@okdrs.gov
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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.
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We can help create the blueprint for your youth’s success |
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