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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
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Finding Inclusive Summer Activities Made Easy
Summer activities are an important part of life. For many adults, some of their most meaningful memories come from activities such as summer camps and summer programs from their childhood. Summer activities are believed to help prevent the dreaded “summer slide” that can happen when taking the much needed three-month break between school years. We make lifelong friends in summer activities. We learn the importance of staying active, how to manage time and in Oklahoma, we even learn how to complain about the day-to-day extreme changes in the weather.
In short, it is important that everyone has the chance to find engaging summer activities to choose from and attend. For youth with disabilities, finding the right summer programs may be a bit more challenging, especially because not all summer activities take an “inclusive” approach. This doesn’t mean youth with disabilities are not allowed at all camps and programs, but it could mean that some camps and programs may not be as engaging for youth with disabilities. For this reason, a good approach for parents, guardians and caregivers for youth with disabilities might be to look for summer activities that are more inclusive in nature.
People may ask themselves where to find a list of inclusive summer programs. Rather than digging through the results from a Google search and hoping for a reliable result, we turned to one of our trusted partner organizations, Sooner Success. They are a committed team that works with both the public and private sectors with the overarching goal to promote a comprehensive, coordinated system of health, social and educational services for Oklahoma children and youth with special healthcare needs in their local community.
Sooner success has compiled a list of summer activities that take an inclusive approach to summer activities. Their list is not an endorsement or promotion of the camps, but is meant to be a source of information only. You can access the list of inclusive summer activities below.
Select this link to view a list of 2026 inclusive summer activities
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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 12: 2026 Inclusive Communication Conference
 The Inclusive Communication Conference (ICC) convenes educators, therapists, caregivers, self‑advocates, and professionals committed to ensuring every person has the tools and supports to communicate. Through expert speakers, practical workshops, and peer connections, ICC delivers evidence‑based practices and actionable strategies that empower individuals of all abilities to find and use their voices in learning and community settings.
- Practice‑focused sessions with ready‑to‑use strategies for inclusive learning.
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Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available — you won’t want to miss this professional development opportunity!
- Ticket proceeds fund a joint scholarship (Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, and Unity Forward Oklahoma) supporting a student with a diagnosed disability pursuing post‑secondary education. Because of this, registration is $25 this year to support the scholarship.
Date and Time:
June 12, 2026
8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
Location:
Reed Conference Center, 5800 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City, OK 73110
Select this link to purchase tickets for the Inclusive Communications Conference
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 Nick, a recent Enid high school graduate and Project SEARCH participant. He and Tracy Keely talked about important job skills, career goals and things he likes to do in his free time. Here is how the conversation went.
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Meet Nick
What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to play chess.
What is your favorite thing or activity to do?
My favorite thing to do is watch videos.
What is your preferred drink?
My favorite drink is Baja Blast Mountain Dew.
Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities? If yes, what experiences or opportunities have you had?
Yes, I am currently in the Project Search training program.
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 dish room and the warehouse. I washed dishes and loaded stuff at the warehouse.
What is something you learned from the Project SEARCH program?
I have learned how departments play orders from the warehouse.
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.
What is your favorite part about the Project SEARCH program?
My favorite part is getting help with learning how to do a good job.
What struggle have you faced in the past and have overcome?
I have always had a struggle with communication. I am getting better at communicating.
What is your dream career and why?
My dream job is to be a manager.
What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth?
My advice is to try your best.
What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime?
I want to work as a cashier.
What would you like the world to know about you?
I try hard to get the job done.
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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 Transition Resources
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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.
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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
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Sharrel Shipp is a vocational rehabilitation technician in the Tulsa office. She joined the DRS team in June, 2000 and has been proudly helping serve Tulsa area students with disabilities since then.
A former aspiring computer programmer, Sharrel found her calling in the Transition side of vocational rehabilitation - helping young people with their plans for adulthood. She tells us that working in transition gave her many tools she could use as a parent. Sharrel is one of the most knowledgeable vocational rehabilitation professionals in the state and she prides herself on staying up-to-date on new programs, resources and changes in legislation that impact Oklahoma's students with disabilities.
Sharrel is a wise, passionate and dedicated professional. We are lucky to have her on the team.
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 Sharrel Shipp
Vocational Rehabilitation Technician
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 918-581-2952
SShipp@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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