October 2025: Spooktacular Programs and Resources
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Image of DRS Transition masthead with multicolor paint splatters and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services logo.
YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS
Image of a computer screen with the ABLE Tech assistive technology webpage.
ABLE Tech Teaches Assistive Technology in the Workplace
This summer, Oklahoma ABLE Tech staff released a new self-paced course for transition-aged students! The course, “Assistive Technology in the Workplace”, was designed to inform participants about the types of assistive technology (AT) devices available, how to acquire AT, and provide examples of how AT can be used in the workplace to increase independence and professional success. The course also helps participants learn how to advocate for the AT they may need to be successful in post-secondary endeavors.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to meet the following learning objectives:
- Define AT.
- Differentiate between types of AT.
- Explain the benefits of using AT in the workplace.
- Identify how to acquire AT to assist in the workplace.
- Evaluate AT participants may need to better perform job duties.
- Demonstrate self-advocacy and self-determination.
Select this link to register for AT in the Workplace in ABLE Tech's online course catalog
Mark your calendar
Stay Up-to-date with Transition
October 2, 2025: Future Shock Resource Fair at Oklahoma School for the Blind
Flyer that says, “Future Shock Resource Fair. When: Thursday, October 2, 2025, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Where: Oklahoma School for the Blind 3300 Gibson St., Muskogee, OK 74403. Featuring post-secondary planning, benefits planning, career exploration, family support services, community living, health services, financial planning and support, and assistive technology services. RSVP @ parents and students www.tinyurl.com/futureshockparent or teachers and student groups www.tinyurl.com/futureshockteacher. High school special ed students, parents, and teachers. Student groups: Teachers are welcome to bring student groups throughout the day. Please RSVP your group at www.tinyurl.com/futureshockteacher. Parents and students: Individual parents and students are welcome to come throughout the day. Please RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/futureshockparent. Sponsors: Oklahoma School for the Blind, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, National Center for Disability Education Training-University of Oklahoma. Benefiting: Special education youth, parents, counselors, and teachers. Have questions? Contact Tracy Keeley, Tracy.Keeley@okdrs.gov.”
High school special education students, parents and teachers are invited to the Future Shock Resource Fair at Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) in Muskogee, OK on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
This event will feature post-secondary planning, benefits planning, career exploration, family support services, community living, health services, financial planning and support and assistive technology services.
Student groups
Teachers are welcome to bring student groups throughout the day. Please RSVP
Select this link to RSVP a student group
Parents and students
Individual parents and students are welcome to come throughout the day. Please RSVP
Select this link to RSVP as an individual parent and student
Sponsors for this event include Oklahoma School for the Blind, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and National Center for Disability Education and Training (NCDET)-University of Oklahoma.
The event will benefit special education youth, parents, counselors and teachers.
Address: 3300 Gibson St., Muskogee, OK 74403
If you have questions, please email Tracy.Keeley@okdrs.gov
October 11, 2025: Tricks, Treats and Tractor Seats Sensory-friendly Fall Fun in Sapulpa
Flyer that says, “Conley Gospel Barn 19521 S 145th West Avenue, Sapulpa. Calm Gatherings of Tulsa and Grammi's Goodies presents October 11th, 1-5 pm. Tricks, Treats & Tractor Seats! A Sensory Friendly Harvest! Hayrides, pumpkin decorating apple bobbing, face painting. Catering by Black Bear Diner. RSVP (QR code). Black Bear Diner logo. Costumes are optional.”
Here is an awesome opportunity for some sensory-friendly fall fun from Calm Gatherings of Tulsa and Grammi's Goodies!
Calm Gatherings of Tulsa and Grammi's Goodies are teaming up to bring you Tricks, Treats & Tractor Seats – A Sensory Friendly Harvest!
Date and time: October 11, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m.
Location: Conley Gospel Barn, 19521 S 145th West Avenue, Sapulpa
Get ready for an afternoon full of fall fun:
- Pumpkin decorating
- Apple bobbing
- Face painting
- Hayrides
- Tons of Tricks & Treats!
Black Bear Diner will be catering the event. PLUS their two lovable Black Bear mascots will be there to hang out with the kids!
There will be raffles and silent auctions—with all proceeds supporting future Calm Gatherings of Tulsa events.
Costumes are optional—but smiles are guaranteed!
Mark your calendars and join them for a harvest celebration the whole family will love!
Tickets will be limited so get yours today by registering below.
Select this link to register for Tricks, Treats and Tractor Seats
Registration is also available by scanning the QR code on the flyer above.
November 12-13, 2025: Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) in Owasso
Flyer that says, “Plan Your Way OK logo. 2025 Oklahoma Transition Institute. November 12-13, 2025. Tulsa Tech – Owasso Campus/Owasso, OK.”
The time has arrived. The 2025 Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) will be held in Owasso, Oklahoma and registration is now open. Make sure and sign up to attend this highly anticipated event. OTI features engaging presentations, networking opportunities, interactions with agencies and organizations focused on serving Oklahoma's transition-age youth with disabilities. Keynote speaker, LeDerick Horne, will use his gift of spoken-word poetry as a gateway for larger discussions on finding opportunities, pride, self-determination, and hope for people with disabilities. What a great chance to Plan Your Way, OK!
As always, education professionals and others in related fields of work are welcome to sign up for this year's OTI. Signing up for OTI is easy. Register online using the link below.
Dates:
November 12-13, 2025
Location:
Tulsa Technology Center - Owasso campus, 10800 N 137th E Ave, Owasso, OK 74055
Select this link to register for the 2025 Oklahoma Transition Institute
Meet the great and wonderful…
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 Colton, a recent Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) graduate. Colton and Tracy Keely talked about everything from summer activities to plans for the future and the power of perseverance. Check out how their conversation went.
Meet Colton
Image of Colton.
How old are you?
I am 19 years old.
Where did you go to High School?
I graduated from the Oklahoma School for the Blind in May 2025.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to listen to music, play games and hang out with my friends.
What activity do you enjoy the most during the summer?
I like all the camps and summer programs in the summer.
What is your preferred summer drink?
My favorite drink in the summer is Mexican horchata.
Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities?
Yes, I used to transcribe braille. I really enjoyed that work.
What are your plans after you complete high school?
I plan on returning to OSB for their adult program. Eventually, I plan on moving to California with my girlfriend.
What is your dream career?
My dream career is to a radio personality like Bobby Bones.
What would you like the world to know about you?
I would like the world to know that I am funny, loving and kind.
What aspects of your work do you find most fulfilling and why?
I enjoy working because it is fun and I know I help people when I work.
What advice would you give to other young individuals who are exploring potential career paths?
My advice is to never give up and keep trying and you will achieve your goals.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to?
Yes, I would like to give a shoutout to Marlie, Ocie, Tessa, Jacob and Ryan.
Nominate a Student
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
Resources, blending services for all
Transition Resources
Oklahoma Family Network logo.
Oklahoma Family Network
The Oklahoma Family Network (OFN) informs and connects individuals with special health care needs and disabilities, their families, and professionals to services and support in their communities.
Their services are designed for the family of any child who has:
- Spent time in the NICU or was born premature
- Physical disabilities
- Cancer
- Rare or undiagnosed conditions
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Down Syndrome
- Mental health diagnoses
- Behavioral health concerns
Areas of support include emotional support, resources & training, and leadership & advocacy.
To get connected with OFN, you can send them a message from their website. Link is below.
Select this link to get connected with Oklahoma Family Network
Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma logo.
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. We 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:
Sarah Soell
Email: info@dsaco.org
Phone Number: 405-600-9981
Plan Your Way OK logo
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
Folders
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
Opportunities
Some exciting opportunities...
Transition Activities Workbook
This activity compilation provides students with various transitional activities that they can complete per grade level in order to prepare them for a successful transition from high school to the adult world. To access the workbook pdf, go to https://tinyurl.com/transitionsharpschool
Project Life: Creating Lifelong Connections for Youth
Project LIFE is a program funded by the Virginia Department of Social Services. LIFE stands for Living Independently, Focusing on Empowerment. To access these resources, go to https://www.vaprojectlife.org
Introducing…
Meet Brandi
Since October 2023, Brandi Hurley is has served as the statewide program manager for Project SEARCH in Oklahoma. She is from Guthrie and has extensive experience working with DRS. Before assuming her current role, she spent time working in the mental heath and substance abuse fields.
Project SEARCH in our state is housed under the University of Oklahoma's National Center for Disability Education and Training (NCDET). She serves as the primary liaison between Oklahoma's state programs and the national Project SEARCH team.
Brandi tells us she feels grateful every day to be part of this amazing program that changes lives. Across Oklahoma, our Project SEARCH teams are doing incredible work, helping young adults not only achieve their employment goals but also build fulfilling, independent lives. she's thankful that she is able to support Project SEARH teams in this mission.
Brandi provides ongoing support and technical assistance to existing program partners across Oklahoma, ensuring model fidelity to the National Project SEARCH Model. Her role includes collaborating with local teams, offering training to staff and guiding the launch of new programs. She also actively promotes Project SEARCH to encourage its expansion into additional communities throughout the state.
Brandi is a passionate, creative, and driven leader and transition professional. We are lucky to have her on the team.
Image of Brandi.
Brandi Hurley
Program Manager
Project SEARCH
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.
Contact Us:
Renee Sansom Briscoe
rsansom@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-951-3488
Chris Compton
ccompton@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-605-9651
Tracy Keeley
Tracy.Keeley@okdrs.gov
Phone: 918-581-2322
Kevin Randall II
krandall@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-255-9663
Jessie Renteria
jrenteria@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-951-3463
Porsheana Brown
pbrown2@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-334-7199
Jeff Newton
jeffrey.newton@okdrs.gov
Phone: 405-881-9314
Image of Logo, Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services
Image of Logo, Oklahoma Works - a proud partner of the American Job Center network
Image of Empowering Oklahomans with Disabilities, with a paint brush.
We can help create the blueprint for your youth’s success
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