Welcome to Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services

Muskogee, Okla. – Spaghetti and meatballs will top the menu and the plates on Oct. 15, when the Oklahoma School for the Blind partners with Muskogee Masonic Lodge #28 A.F. & A.M. to host their annual fundraiser.

The public is invited to attend from 5 to 8 p.m. at the OSB campus in the new gym. The school is located at 3300 Gibson Street in Muskogee.

It’s always a celebration when an individual goes to work. It’s no different for a person with disabilities. The difference lies in the barriers that often hinder a person with disabilities from getting a job.

In 2023, 1,181 Oklahomans with disabilities went to work thanks to the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation and the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired employment programs.

DRS is joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month. NDEAM is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October.

MUSKOGEE – The Oklahoma School for the Blind will treat their students to a day on the ranch on Sept. 25 for Western Heritage Day.

Again this year, the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association and Roy and Rose Anna Webb will sponsor the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Silver Spur Western Lodge.

“This is such a special time for the kids,” OSB Elementary Principal Shawna Coplen said. “This day is absolutely fabulous. It stimulates the students' senses and teaches them how wonderful these animals are.”

The Webb’s annually donate their Silver Spur rodeo arena, stagecoach, hay wagon and employees to ensure that students enjoy an authentic cowboy experience with educational impact.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Principal Brent Pearce will begin serving Aug. 23 as Interim Superintendent for the Oklahoma School for the Blind.

OSB is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services

Rita Echelle was hired in Aug. 2016 as the Oklahoma School for the Blind superintendent. She will retire effective Nov. 1.

“Superintendent Rita Echelle announced her impending retirement for Nov. 1, 2024.  I want to thank Superintendent Echelle for her eight years of commitment to our Oklahoma School for the Blind.  I wish her well,” Melinda Fruendt, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services executive director, said.

“OSB’s High School Principal Brent Pearce is the Interim Superintendent.  I want to thank him for agreeing to include this role along with being the High School Principal.”