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 2026 Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI)
On October 6 and 7, the 2026 Oklahoma Transition Institute was held. This year's OTI was in the Oklahoma City Metro and proved to continue the longstanding legacy of successfully bringing together educators, district administrators and disability services professionals from across Oklahoma.
The 2026 Oklahoma Transition Institute saw a total of 480 attendees who engaged in learning and networking opportunities. It brought together participants from over 30 regions. Among these were attendees from places like Edmond and Poteau highlighting the broader reach of the event across various communities.
The annual event featured over 30 Oklahoma organizations and agencies that focus on providing a wide range of resources and services to students with disabilities. These organizations and agencies are from rural Oklahoma as well as from the states more urban settings. They cover a variety of support needs including many very unique and specialized areas.
A record number of Transition Teams, 46, were formed at the 2026 OTI. A Transition Team is a group comprised of teachers, administrators, pre-employment transition specialists (Pre-ETS) and vocational rehabilitation staff - all from the same region/area of the state. Transition Teams meet regularly to share resources, services and upcoming events that support students with disabilities as they transition to adulthood. At OTI, these teams are introduced to one another and are given a game plan for how to connect and what to do over the next year to better serve students with disabilities in their areas.
With another measurably successful OTI in the books, it is clear that Oklahoma is still a leader in Transition services nationally. This has been the case for many years now and our state is showing no signs of slowing down. Serving students with disabilities and helping them plan for life after high school is, and will continue to be, a priority for Oklahomans.
Finally, planning for the 2027 Oklahoma Transition Institute has already begun. Details and sign up opportunities may not become available until summer 2027, but mark your calendar and be on the lookout next summer. In the meantime, you can ask general OTI related questions by emailing TransitionTeam@okdrs.gov. You can also learn more about Transition Teams in your area by emailing nmcdaniel@ou.edu.
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Calendar |
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November 2: Start Applying for BEST STEP 2027
Are you interested in gaining work skills this summer while learning from
instructors and working in your community?
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), in partnership with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Loom, LLC invites its Transition clients to participate in the BEST STEP summer program.
Placements are not guaranteed, but for those accepted as interns we will try to match your job with your career area of interest (e.g. office, food service, retail, manufacturing, construction, law, enforcement, aviation, medical, oil/gas,
animals, customer service, etc.).
You'll have an opportunity to work part-time up to 25 hours per week for a
business in your community in an area of your interest and earn a paycheck.
Select this link to apply for BEST STEP 2027
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Already happening: Apply for OU Sooner Works
Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year are NOW OPEN!
OU Sooner Works is a four-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the University of Oklahoma.
Scan the QR code or use the link below to go directly to the application.
Additional admissions information can be found on their website: https://tinyurl.com/SWApp2728
Help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with prospective students, families and educators.
Select this link to apply for the Sooner Works program
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Nov 5: Oklahoma Caregiver Conference
Join the 9th annual Oklahoma Caregiver Conference held by OKCares. Attendance is free and the conference is designed to support, inspire and connect caregivers, families, and professionals across Oklahoma. Join us in person, online or at a watch party.
This year's conference features Omarion Calloway - a filmmaker, storyteller and caregiving advocate whose work shines a light on the responsibilities young caregivers often carry behind the scenes.
Date and Time:
November 5, 2026
10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
Select this link to learn more and register for the Oklahoma Caregiver Conference
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November 18: Project SEARCH Tulsa Open House
Interested in Project SEARCH at Tulsa Tech?
Join Project SEARCH team members for an upcoming Open House to learn how Project SEARCH helps young adults gain valuable workplace skills and prepare for competitive employment.
Upcoming Open Houses:
• November 18, 2026
• December 16, 2026
• January 20, 2027
• March 10, 2027
• March 31, 2027
• April 21, 2027
Come meet the team, learn about the program and get your questions answered!
Reserve your spot today: Contact Susette Tucker | sttucker@tulsatech.edu csinglet@tulsatech.edu or Chelsi Singleton | csinglet@tulsatech.edu
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Spotlight a Student |
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Nominate a Student to Spotlight |
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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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Resources |
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OATECA Transition Center
OATECA Transition Center (OTC) is a nonprofit organization located in the Yukon, Oklahoma area dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities as they transition into adulthood and beyond. Founded on the belief that every individual deserves opportunities to grow, belong and reach their fullest potential, OTC provides individualized programming focused on building independence, confidence and meaningful community connections. Through hands-on learning, real-world experiences and personalized goals, members develop essential life skills, vocational readiness, communication, social skills and self-advocacy. OTC serves adults with disabilities who have graduated from high school through its member program, offering continued opportunities for personal growth, community involvement and skill development. The center also supports students ages 18–22 through its Work Adjustment Training program, THRIVE Partnerships, which focuses on preparing young adults for future employment by developing workplace behaviors, job readiness skills, task completion and greater independence.
At OATECA Transition Center, the mission goes beyond teaching skills—it is about creating opportunities for individuals to discover their strengths, build meaningful relationships and experience success in everyday life. Through structured activities, practical life experiences, vocational training and community-based opportunities, OTC helps bridge the gap between school and adulthood while providing continued support long after graduation. By meeting each individual where they are and celebrating progress at every stage, OATECA Transition Center is working to create a community where individuals of all abilities are valued, empowered and given the opportunity to thrive.
Please check out the OATECA Transition Center’s website (www.OATECATransition.org) or find them on social media!
 Sooner SUCCESS
Sooner SUCCESS is a statewide program. Their mission is to advance a comprehensive, unified system of health, social and educational services for Oklahoma Children and Youth with Special Needs through community based resource coordination. For Health Care Transition or Adaptive Equipment inquiries, Contact Ronnelle Baker at 405-862-6682 or by email at Ronelle-Baker@ou.edu.
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Introducing... |
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Hanna Barlow
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation
phone. 918-581-2351
email. Hannah.Barlow@okdrs.gov
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Hanna Barlow is a vocational rehabilitation counselor in the Tulsa office. Originally from the Claremore area, she is a proud Oklahoman who is excited to be serving Oklahoma’s students with disabilities.
She joined the DRS team in July 2026 and has already made a noticeable and positive impact in her role. An avid pickleball player, Hanna loves to stay active. She also enjoys giving back to her community in different ways. She does enjoy time with her family, but believes there is always work to do to strengthen her community.
Hanna is on the go and looking for how to stay involved. She has a master’s degree in special education and says that having worked with students with disabilities she developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of helping them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Without question, the world of transition is a perfect professional fit for Hanna.
When asked about a time she remembers advocating for someone, she spoke of when she was in her master’s program and she once helped a student connect with DRS as they prepared to transition out of high school. Hanna is excited in her new role because she gets to apply her knowledge, so others can access support and opportunities to help them prepare for their futures.
Hanna is an experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated professional. We are lucky to have her on the team.
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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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