August 2025: BEST STEP 2025 Yearbook Issue
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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 that says, “Yearbook. BEST Step Yearbook 2025.”
Transition Coordinator's Message
Hello everyone! This is your Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Statewide Transition Coordinator.
I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated educators, families and community partners to support students as they prepare for life beyond school. Transition planning is more than a checklist—it's a journey that helps each student discover their strengths, explore possibilities and take confident steps toward a meaningful future.
Whether students are preparing for employment, further education, or independent living, my team is to ensure they have access to the right resources, opportunities and guidance along the way. Every student deserves a plan that reflects their voice, their goals and their potential.
This year and beyond, we will continue focusing on early planning, inclusive practices, and real-world experiences—everything from work-based learning opportunities to developing essential life skills. Families, your partnership is vital. I encourage you to stay involved, ask questions and participate fully in transition planning meetings. Together, we can EMPOWER our students to take ownership of their future.
If you ever have questions, need support, or want to explore new transition opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My team and I are here to help every student succeed—step by step, year by year.
With appreciation and commitment,
Renee Sansom Briscoe
Photos from this Summer
*More photos throughout this yearbook. Make sure you scroll through everything and check them all out!
Collage of photos in Ada, Beathany/PC, Altus, Bartlesville, Choctaw and Edmond.
Mark your Calendar
Stay Up-to-date with Transition
August 1, 2025: Harper County Back to School Block Party
Flyer that says, “Back to School Block Party. Food, Fun, Resources. Friday, August 1. 9 to 11:00 a.m. Buffalo Public School, Small Gym, 605 E 2nd St Buffalo, Oklahoma 73834. 1 to 3:00 p.m. Laverne Public School, Event Center, 605 Jane Jayroe Blvd. Laverne, Oklahoma 73834. Booths with family friendly activities and prizes! Services and resources: Car seat inspections/installations, Food bank resources, Safety devices, Backpacks/school supplies (while supplies last), Immunization records, State benefit enrollment (SNAP and SoonerCare). Back to school immunizations. Immunizations will be offered to all children 0-18 years of age. Based on availability! Contact the Harper County Health Department for more information at: 580-921-2029.”
Food, Fun, Resources!
Held by the Harper County Health Department, this event will take place on Friday, August 1, 2025 in TWO different locations!
One will be in Buffalo at the Buffalo Public School (in the Small Gym). Address is 605 E 2nd St Buffalo, Oklahoma 73834 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
One will be in Buffalo at the Laverne Public School (in the Event Center). Address is 605 E 2nd St Buffalo, Oklahoma 73834 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
There will be booths with family friendly activities and prizes!
Services and resources include:
Car seat inspections/installations
Food bank resources
Safety devices
Backpacks/school supplies (while supplies last)
Immunization records
State benefit enrollment (SNAP and SoonerCare)
For questions, please contact the Harper County Health Department at 580-921-2029
August 4, 2025: Sign Up for ASL Classes Through Oklahoma School for the Deaf
Flyer that says, “Oklahoma School for the Deaf. ASL I and ASL II Fall 2025. Come learn with us! 08/04: Registration opens, 09/28: Registration closes, 09/29: Classes open. Join us at https:// https://courses.osd.k12.ok.us/pages/coming_soon. Call for more information 580-622-4944. Free online classes.” Image of bison. FAQ with QR code.
Oklahoma School for the Deaf American Sign Language (ASL) courses coming soon!
ASL I and ASL II in fall 2025. Registration opens on August 4, 2025. Closes on September 28, 2025. Classes start on September 29, 2025.
Select this link to register for ASL Classes
August 8-9, 2025: Sibshops Facilitator Certification Training
Flyer that says, “Oklahoma Sibshops. Sibshops Facilitator Certification Training, Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9. Day 1: Friday, August 8 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Attendance on both days is required for certification. Emily Holl will present this award winning program and training. Emily is the Director of the Sibling Support Project, a social worker, author, trainer, and also a sibling. Since 2002, she has worked in the disability field and has provided workshops, training, and groups for siblings, families, and individuals with disabilities. Location: Bethany Children’s Health Center 6800 NW Expy, Bethany, OK 73008. Cost to Register: $45. Scholarships available. For more info please contact: Sooner-success@ouhsc.edu, 405-271-2710. To register: https://sibshopsfacilitator.eventbrite.com.” Image of Emily Holl with her job title. QR Code. Sooner Success logo, Oklahoma Human Services logo, Oklahoma State Department of Health logo.
Supporting Siblings matters! Siblings of children with disabilities are often the quiet heroes of the family—offering love, support and strength, yet too often left without support themselves. Sibshops changes that.
Sibshops is an internationally recognized, award-winning program designed to provide brothers and sisters of children with disabilities opportunities for connection, peer support and fun. With programs in over 200 communities across eight countries, Sibshops helps siblings feel seen, supported and celebrated.
This training features Emily Holl, Director of the Sibling Support Project, to lead this two-day facilitator training. Emily is a social worker, author, trainer—and a sibling herself—with more than 20 years in the disability field.
Siblings can join a live Sibshops session Saturday from 10AM–2PM. Free lunch included. Registration required.
Registration is $45 but scholarships are available) For scholarships contact Sooner-success@ouhsc.edu
*Attendance on both days is required for certification
Select this link to register for Sibshops Facilitator Training
August 16, 2025: Spreading Hope 2025 Back to School Bash in Tulsa
Flyer that says, “Save the date. Saturday, August 16, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Langston University-Tulsa, B.S. Roberts Park, N. Greenwood Avenue Tulsa, OK 74106. Spreading hope. Back to School Bash 2025. Interested in being a vendor? glendap@swithsicklecell.com 918-809-1327. Interested in donating? swithsickelcell@att.net or 918-926-0100.” Images of a backpack and school supplies with doodles behind them. Logos for Facebook, Instagram and X. www.sicklecelloklahoma.org.
Supporters of Families with Sickle Cell Disease, in collaboration with Oklahoma Parent Center, Langston University, the Historic Greenwood District, Edurec Youth and Family Fun Center, Habitation Church, Reclaim Inc, Eaton Media, West View Medical Clinic, the BEE, and many others, will host the 12th Annual Spreading Hope Back to School Community Bash on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at B.S. Roberts Park/Langston University-Tulsa.
This event is designed to support children and youth impacted by unique health and educational needs. The event is open to the entire family and will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Our goal is to assist 1,000 young people throughout Tulsa, Oklahoma by providing backpacks, school supplies, and access to vital health and educational resources through our dedicated community and health vendors.
September 9, 2025: Ready, Set, Hired Career Expo in Tulsa
Flyer that says, “Ready for a Fresh Start? Join Our Career Expo! Meet friendly employers, explore real job opportunities, and get free on-site resume help to make your next move with confidence. Whether you’re starting out, switching paths, or getting back to work - this event is for you. Take the first step toward your next job – We’ll help you get there. Join us on September 9, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tulsa Tech Lemley Campus Client Services Center 3420 S Memorial Dr. Tulsa, OK 74145. Click here to register! Or scan the QR code below. QR code. Make a good first impression! Need resume help before event? Email BusinessServices@okdrs.gov and we’ll connect with you! For more information, contact Tina Joseph at TJoseph@okdrs.gov.” Ready Set, Hired logo.
Ready for a Fresh Start? Join Our Career Expo!
Meet friendly employers, explore real job opportunities, and get free on-site resume help to make your next move with confidence.
Whether you’re starting out, switching paths, or getting back to work - this event is for you.
Take the first step toward your next job.
Join DRS on September 9, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tulsa Tech Lemley Campus Client Services Center. Address: 3420 S Memorial Dr. Tulsa, OK 74145
Select this link to register for the ready, set, hired career expo
For more information, contact Tina Joseph at TJoseph@okdrs.gov
September 26, 2025: Summit - Inclusive Post Secondary Education for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disability
Flyer that says, “Summit. Inclusive Post Secondary Education (College!) for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities! Friday, September 26. 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Moore Norman Technology Center Norman, Oklahoma. Educators, state agency professionals, families, students, anyone with interest in college opportunities!” QR code to register. Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services logo, OKIPSE Alliance logo, Red River Higher Education Alliance logo, Sooner Success logo, Oklahoma Education logo.
Registration is Open!
One Day Summit to hear all about inclusive college programs for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities!
Programs from Oklahoma and Texas represented! Exhibitors to share resources! Student Panel!
Join us for an amazing day!
Select this link to register for the Summit
November 12-13, 2025: Save the Date - 2025 Oklahoma Transition Institute
Flyer that says, “ Save the date! Oklahoma Transition Institute. November 12-13, 2025. Plan Your Way OK: Join us in Tulsa as we continue to foster culturally sustaining practical, meaningful collaboration, and strong support systems for young people moving from school to career. Stay tuned for registration details and full agenda – Coming soon! Call For Presenters: We invite educators, professionals, family members, and self-advocates to submit proposals to present at the 2025 Oklahoma Transition Institute. Share your innovative practices, strategies, and success stories that support youth with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. OTI is a collaborative space to inspire, learn and grow together in advancing secondary transition outcomes. More details, including proposal guidelines and deadlines, will be announced soon. Link to submit proposal: https://forms.gle/bVySANkrdEu1EjMi7.” Plan Your Way OK logo, Oklahoma Transition Council logo.
Interested in being a speaker at the annual Oklahoma Transition Institute? If you’re not wanting to speak, SAVE THE DATE to attend!!
Dates: November 12-13, 2025 in Tulsa. More information coming soon. See below for the call for presenter’s link.
Call for presenters. The Oklahoma Transition Council (OTC) invites educators, professionals, family members and self-advocates to submit proposals to present at the 2025 Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI). Share your innovative practices, strategies and success stories that support youth with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. OTI is a collaborative space to inspire, learn and grow together in advancing secondary transition outcomes. More details, including proposal guidelines and deadlines, will be announced soon.
Select this link to begin the process of submitting a presentation proposal
More BEST STEP photos...
Collage of photos from Edmond, Enid, Idabel and Lawton.
Select this link to see the photos from Edmond, Enid, Idabel and Lawton
Here's What People are Saying about BEST...
“BEST showed me how to use soft skills while in the workplace.”
- Oklahoma City BEST STEP participant
"I LOVED this experience! Thank you DRS-SBVI for your support."
- Stigler BEST STEP participant
“My favorite part about this summer's BEST in Mid-Del was helping students to learn about their employability skills and how to apply them in their internships.”
- Justin, OU Pre-ETS
“Seeing goal setting and growth in my Ada students is a highlight.”
- Misty, OU Pre-ETS
“My favorite part of the BEST camp was watching my kiddos engage in all the activities that reinforce the employability skills that they learn which in turn helps them earn their soft skill certification. They get to use these newly acquired skills at their place of employment. Their smiles when they received their certificate was priceless. Having Kevin Randall was also a highlight of BEST. He was such a great role model and made BEST extra special.
- Shelia, Kiamichi Tech Pre-ETS
My favorite part about this summer's BEST in Hugo was “being able to learn more about each student and make a true difference in their professional and personal lives”.
- Nichole, Kiamichi Tech Pre-ETS
“… From (sometimes) timid and unsure students on Monday to radiating confidence as they walked the “runway” at Friday’s fashion show—each outfit wasn’t just clothing, it was a statement of growth, pride and confidence.”
- Shelly, Central Tech Pre-ETS
I couldn’t wait to tell you! Three of our STEP interns accepted full time jobs from their work experience from STEP this week!!! I am elated and can’t wait to hear of more!!!
- Renee, DRS Transition Coordinator
Meet the great and wonderful...
BEST STEP Student Spotlight
This year, hundreds of students applied to participate in BEST STEP. Those who attended began the process during last school year. They were selected for the program because of their desire to have fun while learning important life skills and job readiness skills.
For the yearbook issue, Tracy Keely decided to focus on students who participated in BEST STEP. We think you'll like what she came up with.
Congratulations to the amazing young Oklahomans who were part of this summer program! We hope they take all they learned this summer and use it to reach their full potential.
Here is the interview.
Meet Mason and Madison
Image of Mason and Madison.
How old are you?
We are 18 years old and fraternal twins.
When will you graduate from High School?
We both graduated from Colbert High School in May 2025.
What are your interests and hobbies?
Mason: My hobbies are playing basketball and hanging out with my friends.
Madison: My hobbies are watching videos and being on my phone.
What activity do you enjoy the most during the summer?
Mason: I really enjoy going to Falls Creek camp in the summer.
Madison: I enjoy swimming and hanging out with my friends during the summer.
Have you ever had any prior work experience or volunteer opportunities?
Mason: No, I have not worked at a job yet.
Madison: Yes, I have worked at my school and at the library through the School Work Study program.
What is something you have learned from the BEST STEP program?
Mason: I have learned about different types of jobs I might be interested in.
Madison: I learned how to be a good employee and what employers should expect from me.
What are your plans for next year?
Mason: I plan on going to college. I want to be a detective.
Madison: I want to get a stable job to help my mom with the bills.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Mason: I like watching reality competition shows.
Madison: My favorite TV show is "Criminal Minds."
If you had a superpower, what would you like it to be?
Mason: My superpower would be that I couldn’t die and I would live forever.
Madison: My superpower would be that I could run fast like The Flash, so I could get to places on time.
What would you like the world to know about you?
Mason: I would like people to know I am a nice, kind person.
Madison: I would like people to know I am a good person and try to help when I can.
How would your friends describe you?
Mason: I hope my friends will describe me as being nice, supportive and always there for them.
Madison: I think my friends will describe me as being nice, kind, friendly and always thinking of others.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to?
Mason: I would like to give a shoutout to my mom and grandma.
Madison: I want to give a shoutout to my mom.
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
More photos...
Collage of students from McAlester, Moore/Norman, Oklahoma City, Purcell.
Select this link to see the photos from McAlester, Moore/Norman, Oklahoma City and Purcell
Resources, blending services for all
Transition Resources
Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board (COWIB)
Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board (COWIB) logo.
Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board (COWIB) is one of six local workforce development boards in Oklahoma. COWIB serves Canadian, Cleveland, Hughes, Lincoln, Logan, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Seminole and Pottawatomie counties. The youth program is designed to assist youth and young adults with one or more barriers to employment. Their ultimate goal is for the youth and young adults to secure employment with career and promotional opportunities. Their career navigators assist clients in mapping out their career path towards attaining this goal. Some of the services they offer include career guidance, career exploration, work skills training, tuition assistance for post-secondary occupational skills training, paid internships, on the job training, and supportive services.
The Youth Program is divided into two categories: Out-of-School Youth (OSY) (between the ages of 16 – 24) and In-School Youth (ISY) (between the ages of 14 – 21).
Eligibility for each program is as follows:
Out of School Youth
· 16-24 years of age
· Not attending any school
· At least one of the following must apply:
- Individual with a disability
- School dropout
- Within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter
- Low- income individual and is either an English language learner or basic skills deficient
- An offender
- A homeless youth or a runaway youth
- In foster care or has aged out of the foster care system
- Pregnant or parenting
- An individual who is low income and “requires additional assistance” to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment as follows:
- A youth with a parent or legal guardian that is currently or previously incarcerated for a felony conviction;
- A youth with a parent or legal guardian who lacks a high school diploma or GED;
- Who attends or has attended a chronically underperforming/low performing school listed on the State Department of Education website; or
- A youth between 18 – 24 years of age with a pattern of Poor Work History. Poor work history includes non-reoccurring employment income and sporadic employment.
In School Youth (primarily focused on High School Seniors and 2nd year Career Tech students)
· Attending school (as defined by State law), including secondary and postsecondary school
· 14-21 years of age
· Low Income; and
· At least one of the following must apply:
- Basic Skills Deficient
- An English Language Learner
- An offender
- A homeless youth or runaway youth
- In foster care or has aged out of the foster care system
- Pregnant or parenting
- Individual with a disability
- Meet the requirement of “Needs Additional Assistance”
If you serve youth and young adults 16-24, give COWIB a call to discuss ways they can assist.
Yolanda Scott M.Ed.
405-622-2026
Click here to find the workforce development board in your area.
Kiamichi Tech Pre-ETS
Kiamichi Tech Pre-ETS logo.
Kiamichi Tech’s Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program is designed to help students with documented disabilities, ages 14 to 21, build confidence, develop essential skills and explore career possibilities.
Through hands-on activities and personalized guidance, students gain the tools they need to pursue independence, community integration, post-secondary education and competitive employment.
Complete the form below to allow your student to participate in the Pre-ETS program at Kiamichi Tech.
Select this link to complete the Pre-ETS student authorization form
OU Pre-ETS
OU Pre-ETS logo.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) assist students with a documented disability, ages 14-21 and enrolled in an Oklahoma school system, to explore, discover, increase awareness, and prepare for post-secondary training/education and/or employment. Pre-ETS activities focus on job exploration, work-based learning, workplace readiness, self-advocacy and post-secondary education counseling.
For more information or to get connected, please contact:
Dr. Annie Baghdayan
(405) 325-0158
Central Tech Pre-ETS
Central Tech logo.
Central Technology Center Employment Services, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, is making available Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) activities to students ages 14-21 with disabilities.
The activities are introductory services and are intended to help students with a documented disability get an early start in identifying career interests to achieve community integration, independence, post-secondary education and/or competitive integrated employment.
For more information or to get connected, please contact:
Shelly Rentz
(918) 227-9260
More photos from BEST STEP...
Collage of photos from BEST Step in Purcell, Sallisaw, Sapulpa, Shawnee, Stigler and Tulsa.
Select this link to see the photos from Purcell, Sallisaw, Sapulpa, Shawnee, Stigler and Tulsa
Last few photos from this summer
BEST Step. Collage of photos from Tulsa, Warner, Yukon (STEP).
Select this link to see the photos from Tulsa, Warner, and (STEP) in Yukon
→ Select this link and watch the BEST STEP video here...
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
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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