May 2025: Transition Season is Warming Up!
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Image of DRS Transition masthead with multicolor paint splatters and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services logo.
YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS
May 2025: Transition Season is Warming Up!
Plan Your Way OK logo with dark blue and light blue separated by a white line.
Plan Your Way OK Website Launches and Makes an Imediate Impact...
Ever wonder what a "good life" looks like to different people? This is the question answered by one of Oklahoma's newest and most helpful online resources - the Plan Your Way OK website. This website launched on March 14 of this year and has been making a huge difference for many Oklahomans in the weeks since. It does so by providing current and relevant content to students with disabilities, their families, professionals in adjacent fields, and businesses and community partners across the state. The website is geared towards all areas of Oklahoma including rural and urban communities.
The Plan Your Way OK website reflects the mission of the Oklahoma Transition Council and the Pathways to Partnerships team, which is to improve transition education, planning and services through stakeholder partnerships that lead to successful postschool outcomes for students with disabilities, including education or training, employment, independent living, mental health services and community participation.
With a focus on proving information that is relevant and helpful, the website has seen its resources reach many people since March. The volume of visitors to the site has grown exponentially since its launch and continues to grow as people learn more about it. The site takes an effective and unique approach of tailoring content to a variety of stakeholder groups. In fact, one of the aspects that seems to be most popular is the usage of student-friendly language. Additionally, there is a goal of connecting with Oklahoma businesses and other community partners so reliable, helpful and relevant content will be available to them regularly.
The site is fully accessible to people of all abilities. In fact, refining and optimizing accessibility was one of the more time consuming and worthwhile parts of the development of the site. One popular user-friendly area of the site is their calendar of events. Plan Your Way OK staff talks with education professionals, disability advocates, community organizations, and state agencies in their effort to keep up with relevant events throughout the year. Although there are great resources and information throughout this website, perhaps the most undeniably useful part at any given moment is the calendar of events. They even have an event submission form available for those who wish to have an event added to the calendar.
This website is new but is already helping many people. As students, families, businesses, community partners, and other professionals learn about the site, it should become even more helpful. We encourage anyone who is interested in supporting students with disabilities in real, tangible ways to visit the Plan Your Way OK website at https://planyourwayok.com/ or by using the link below.
Select this link to visit the Plan Your Way OK website
Mark your calendar.
Stay Up-to-date with Transition
Summer 2025: Tech-Now STEM Camps
Stem camp flier.
Be a part of an on-site STEM Camp in your area. The no cost three day camps (from 9:00 am. To 3:00 p.m.) are now being planned for the summer.
The camps utilize project based learning emphasizing STEM skills, such as the use of computer and related technologies to give students the pre-employment experiences and skills that will help them prepare for post-high school success.
Come and be a part of this awesome opportunity to learn about computer aided design, product development and what your future can include. Participants must be able to follow verbal instructions with limited support. Lunch and snacks are provided at no cost each day!
Apply today for a location near you! Current locations and their dates are listed below.
Waukomis (June 3 – June 5)
at Waukomis Elementary School; 316 W Locust, Waukomis, OK 73773
select this link to apply for Waukomis STEM 2025
Noble (June 9 – 11)
Noble High School; 4601 E Etowah Rd, Noble, OK 73068
Select this link to apply for Noble STEM 2025
Davis (June 16 – 18)
Davis High School; 400 E Atlanta Ave, Davis, OK, 73030
Select this link to apply for Davis STEM 2025
Tulsa (June 22 – 24)
Central Church of the Nazarene; 7291 E 81st St, Tulsa, OK 74133
Select this link to apply for Tulsa STEM 2025
Ada (July 7 – 9)
Ponotoc Technology Center; 601 W 33rd St, Ada, OK 74820
Select this link to apply for Ada STEM 2025
Skiatook (July 14 – 16)
Newman Middle School Gym; 200 W Oak St, Skiatook, OK 74070
Select this link to apply for Skiatook STEM 2025
*Questions about STEM Camp can be sent to tech-nowinkok@gmail.com OR Rsansom@okdrs.gov
Visually Impaired and Blindness Empowerment (VIBE)
Logo, VIBE 2025.
The Transition VIBE Program takes place from June 22 - June 27 at Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee. It provides assessment and career/higher education exploration. This week-long program is designed to prepare the individual for higher education, competitive workforce and independent living to the best of their ability. Deadline to apply for VIBE is June 13, 2025.
Technology and internet provided as needed. Please contact your SBVI counselor or Deitra Woody at 405-522-3410 or Magan Rowan at 405-522-3380 for more information and registration.
June 2025: Sooner Works Summer Academy
Sooner Works Summer Academy flier. A 4-day, 3-night, college style experience for high school students with intellectual disabilities who are exploring their future after graduation. June 17-20 2025. OU Campus Norman, OK. Participants will: Experience life on a colege campus, build independent living and social skills, learn self-advocacy and career readiness, discover what inclusive higher education is all about! QR Code. Scan the QR code for info and application. Logo, Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services. Logo, OU Sooner Works The University of Oklahoma. link.ou.edu/soonerworks. soonerworks@ou.edu.
The Summer Academy is a week-long, residential experience for high school students with intellectual disabilities who are interested in exploring college life and preparing for life after high school. Students will live in on campus housing, eat in the dining hall, and participate in engaging sessions focused on: career exploration, work-based readiness, postsecondary education opportunities, self-advocacy, and independent living skills. This experience helps students build confidence, social skills, and independence—all within a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
Quick Details:
Dates: June 17–20, 2025
Location: University of Oklahoma – Norman, OK
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–21 with a documented intellectual disability, who have completed at least one year of high school, but have not yet graduated
- Cost: $1,000 total tuition
- Through partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), tuition is fully covered for students who are current or potentially-eligible DRS clients.
- These participants will only be responsible for a $150 program fee paid directly to Sooner Works. See the online application for full eligibility details.
Rolling Admissions: Space is limited! Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and will not be considered complete until two recommendation forms are submitted.
How to Apply:
Emoji pointing finger. The application is now live at the link below:
Click here to access the 2025 Sooner Works Summer Academy Application
Above is the flyer with a QR code that links to the same application portal, which includes program details, eligibility criteria, and submission instructions.
Please share this opportunity with students, families, and colleagues who may be interested. For questions or more information, contact us at soonerworks@ou.edu.
Thank you for considering Sooner Works and how they are expanding access to inclusive postsecondary opportunities for Oklahoma students!
Oklahoma Transition Fairs and More
Fairs and More.
Anyone can learn about transition fairs and other transition resource events happening in their community. The calendar can be accessed from a computer through the following link:
Select this link for a calendar of transition fairs and more
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 Angel, a student at Oklahoma School for the Blind. She and Tracy Keely talked about [list of topics from interview]. Here is how the conversation went.
Image of smiling girl.
Meet Angel
When will you graduate from High School?
I will graduate from the Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) in May 2026.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to play outside. I also like to swim and jump on the trampoline.
What activity do you enjoy the most during the summer?
I like to swim and roller skate in the summer. I also like to hang out with my friends.
What is your preferred summer drink?
My favorite drink in the summer is Gatorade.
Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities?
Yes! I am in the School Work Study program at OSB. I work at the coffee cart.
Could you share your experience with the School Work Study (SWS) program?
I really have a lot of fun working at the coffee cart. I like to run errands and enjoy the compliments I get from making specialty drinks. Sometimes it is stressful remembering how to make all the different flavors.
What is something you learned from the SWS program?
I have learned how to talk to customers. It has gotten me out of my comfort zone. Working at the coffee cart has really helped me understand my anxiety.
What are your plans after you graduate from OSB?
I plan to move back to my hometown of Sulphur and save money.
What is your dream career?
My dream job is to be a veterinarian. I love animals. Another dream job for me would to be an Occupational Therapist.
What would you like the world to know about you?
I would like the world to know that I love making people laugh.
How do you approach setbacks or failures, and how do you use them as opportunities for growth?
I try to learn from any setbacks or failures I am faced with. I use the experience to help me be prepared for future experiences.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to?
Yes, I would like to give a shoutout to Keeley.
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
Logo, Hive collective.
Sunhive Collective
At SunHive Collective, the mission is to create a safe and inviting space for Young Adults (ages 18-30) with disabilities to grow in their daily living, social and transitional skills. Each person’s individual and unique abilities are cultivated and fostered through organic, hands-on experiences that help them to thrive in each area, while building meaningful relationships within the community.
SunHive is transitional resource for young adults who have completed their secondary education requirements, but might not be equipped for a traditional “next step” into higher education or the workforce.
SunHive is a day program for those needing higher support in specific areas and focuses on what they call “meeting Members where they are at.”
Located on 20 acres in Northeast Norman, they provide a homestead with countless opportunities to help their “hive” operate.
Natural freedom to participate–guided by a daily routine of choices - create additional ways for their members to learn proper socialization, emotional regulation…and learn more about themselves along the way. SunHive Collective also offers additional social events that are open to the community. Keep an eye on social media and their website for those announcements each month.
Those who are interested in volunteering or in learning more about SunHive Collective can contact:
Loralei Gann, Co-Founder and Director
Phone: 405-562-0457
Email: sunhivecollective@gmail.com
Website: www.sunhivecollective.com
Online: https://bio.site/Sunhivecollective
All Social Media: @sunhivecollective
Logo, Sooner Success. Serving, supporting, building inclusive communities.
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. Contact them for more information at 1-877-441-0434.
Future Quest Pilot
Flyer, Future Quest Pilot, details in paragraph below
There is an opportunity for educators to pilot a FREE game-based program this spring! The Plan Your Way Ok team is hoping to connect teachers with a Transition-focused pilot that focuses on goal setting, early transition, student portfolios, career exploration and self advocacy.
About Future Quest:
• Evidenced-based framework
• Online and accessible
• Standards-based curriculum
• Self-paced gaming platform
• Designed for and with students with disabilities!
Details and Time Commitment:
• Stipends for Participation
• Earbuds for ALL students
• Books and Folders
• Implement in 6-10 hours
Ongoing support should be available after the pilot. If interested, please fill out the online form by scanning the QR code above or by selecting the link below.
Select this link to apply for the Future Quest Pilot
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
Grant Opportunities
Here are some exciting grant opportunities to be aware of:
Workforce Pathways for Youth:
- The Workforce Pathways for Youth (WPY) program expands job training and workforce activities for youth, including soft-skill development, career exploration, job readiness and certification, summer jobs, year-round job opportunities and apprenticeships in out-of-school time organizations nationwide.
- Workforce Pathways for Youth grants fund national out-of-school time organizations enabling them to provide age-appropriate workforce readiness programming to expand job training and workforce pathways for youth.
- The grants also support partnerships between workforce boards and youth serving organizations and help bridge the gap between traditional out-of-school time programming and career-related activities that prepare youth to enter the workforce.
- For more information and to apply, go to https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/youth/workforce-pathways-for-youth
Walmart Local Community Grants:
- Local Community grants range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5000.
- Applications may be submitted at any time during each quarter funding cycle. All applications will be reviewed prior to the next funding cycle.
- Grant applications can be found at https://walmart.org/how-we-give/local-community-grants
- Application deadline is currently listed as:
Quarter 1: February 1 – April 15
Quarter 2: May 1 – July 15
Quarter 3: August 1 – October 15
o Quarter 4: November – December 31
Introducing
Meet Traci
Traci Hilliard is a vocational rehabilitation technician in the Tulsa office. She joined the DRS team in January 2025. Traci graduated from Tulsa’s Booker T. Washington High School and continues to serve Tulsans in her role with the agency. Traci is very passionate about helping others. She is also highly skilled when it comes to providing help to people with disabilities.
Prior to working with DRS, she spent time in home health where she excelled in roles where she was able to work with people with blind and visually impaired individuals as well as those who are considered deaf or hard of hearing. Traci explained that it was moments in those roles where she discovered many of her professional passions and unique abilities. She joins the DRS team feeling that she is truly in her element. She learned the requirements of her new job very quickly and is fitting in nicely with the others on her team.
Traci is a bright, enthusiastic and hard-working team player. We are lucky to have her on the team.
Image of Traci
Traci Hilliard
Rehabilitation Technician
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 555-581-2316
traci.hilliard@okdrs.gov
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
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
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
Transition Services
3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
www.okdrs.gov | Email Us at CCompton@okdrs.gov
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