June 2026: Students' Futures are So Bright...

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Image of DRS Transition masthead with multicolor paint splatters and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services logo.

YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS

Flyer that says, “New name. Same helpful resource. Disability Rights Oklahoma.” Image of Bison.

For years, the Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC) has provided advocacy and legal services to protect, promote and expand the rights of Oklahomans with disabilities. In March, they made a big announcement - in an effort to stay aligned with protection and advocacy organizations, they are changing their name to Disability Rights Oklahoma (DROK). 

This new name offers a clearer reflection of who they are and the work they do, while honoring the strong foundation they have built over the years. They are proud to continue serving Oklahomans with disabilities as Disability Rights Oklahoma.

Select this link to visit the Disability Rights Oklahoma website

Image that says, “’Envision’ next to an image of two hands making the shape of an eye. ‘Level’ next to an arrow pointing up.”

Developed in 2006 to address the learning gap between students who are blind or visually impaired and their sighted peers, the Level Up Program partners with teachers, families, assistive technology professionals, community professionals, colleges and universities to guide students as they set goals and achieve success. This comprehensive national program provides access to ongoing support and resources for students who are blind or visually impaired at every stage of their education.

Select this link to register for the 2026 Level Up Conference

Flyer that says, “Logo, Design and Create S.T.E.M. Camp. 2026. (QR Code) Apply by scanning the above QR code or visit the following link: https://bit.ly/technowstemapply. A partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and Tech-Now Inc. Logo, Tech-Now Inc. technowincok@gmail.com. Logo, Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services. rsansom@okdrs.gov. Be part of an on-site STEM Camp in your area. The no cost three day camps are now being planned for the summer. The camps utilize project based learning empathizing STEM Skills such as the use of computer and related technologies to give students 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. Design-Create-Compete on both sides of the flyer.” Images of toy cars, hats, a group photo, bracelets, logos and a graph next to the words and letters, “MS: Manufacturing skills, EM: Employment modeling, E: Experimentation.”

Be a part of an on-site STEM Camp in your area. The no cost, three day camps are now being planned and scheduled for the summer. Campers who are a good fit for STEM Camps always have a great time. With so many exciting hands on activities, this is a summer camp students do not want to miss out on. Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible to have the best chance of reserving your spot. Sign up using the QR code above or the link below.

Select this link to sign up for Summer 2026 STEM Camp

Select this link to download the Summer 2026 STEM Camp flyer

Flyer that says, “Logo, Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. Logo, Unity Forward Oklahoma. Logo, Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. 2026 Inclusive Communication Conference. Communication is a human right: Behavior and practice for inclusive learning. Friday, June 12, 2026. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 5800 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City, OK 73110. Save the date. Register Now! (QR Code).” Three photos of event on flyer.

The Inclusive Communication Conference (ICC) convenes educators, therapists, caregivers, self‑advocates and professionals committed to ensuring every person has the tools and supports to communicate. Through expert speakers, practical workshops and peer connections, ICC delivers evidence‑based practices and actionable strategies that empower individuals of all abilities to find and use their voices in learning and community settings.

• Practice‑focused sessions with ready‑to‑use strategies for inclusive learning. 
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available — you won’t want to miss this professional development opportunity!
• Ticket proceeds fund a joint scholarship (Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, and Unity Forward Oklahoma) supporting a student with a diagnosed disability pursuing post‑secondary education. Because of this, registration is $25 this year to support the scholarship.

Date and Time:
June 12, 2026
8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.

Location:
Reed Conference Center, 5800 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City, OK 73110

Select this link to purchase tickets for the Inclusive Communications Conference

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 every day. 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 Jim, a recent graduate from Haworth high school. He met with Kevin Randall and talked about learning from mistakes, pursuing goals and the value of hard work. Here is how the conversation went.

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.

Image of Jim.

What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to listen to music, sit around a fire and dance.

What activity do you enjoy the most during the Summer?
I enjoy spending my time riding side-by-sides and going to the river.

What is your preferred Summer drink?
I like to drink Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut.

If I were to provide you with $50,000 to create a positive impact in your community, how would you use it to bring about meaningful change?
I would give half of it to Kiamichi Technology Center because they helped me, and they could use it to help other youth like me. I would give the other half to the hospital where I work so they could help bring healthcare services to other parts of the county.

Have you ever had any prior work experiences or volunteer opportunities?
During high school, I worked on campus completing tasks such as moving items and assisting with stripping and waxing floors. I was also involved in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, where I participated in cleaning and other service activities. In addition, I volunteered at Kiamichi Technology Centers, where during the holiday season we visited nursing homes and decorated bulletin boards for residents.

Could you share your experience working at McCurtain Memorial Hospital?
I currently work as a phlebotomist at McCurtain Memorial Hospital. My responsibilities include drawing blood, properly labeling samples and assisting with other related tasks as needed.

What is something you learned from working at the hospital?
I have learned the importance of not being afraid to admit when I make a mistake. I believe mistakes are opportunities to learn, grow, and improve in my work.

What is your dream career? My dream career is to continue working as a phlebotomist. I would eventually like to become a traveling phlebotomist.

How do you stay motivated when faced with challenging tasks or projects?
I stay motivated by remembering why I chose my career field and focusing on the people I am able to help through my work.

Can you share one challenge you've faced due to your disability and how you managed to overcome it?
When I first began training as a phlebotomist, it was challenging to learn the techniques. I have limited mobility in my right hand, so I primarily perform phlebotomy using my left hand. During my training at Kiamichi Technology Centers, my instructor, Mrs. Sullens, took the time to help me adapt and find techniques that worked for me, which allowed me to successfully complete the program.

How should youth handle mistakes or regrets as they move forward?
I believe mistakes are a natural part of life. They provide opportunities to improve, and it is important to keep moving forward and ask for help when needed.

What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime?
I would like to become a nurse one day.

What would you like the world to know about you?
I had a stroke before I was born, which caused limited mobility in my right hand. However, I have not let that stop me from pursuing my goals. I believe that despite having a disability, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

Is there anyone specific you'd like to give a shoutout to?
I would like to thank God, my family, my occupational therapists, Sendi Raney and Mia Kemp, and my physical therapist, April Hurst. I would also like to thank my instructors at Kiamichi Technology Centers, including Mrs. Tapley and Mrs. Sullens, as well as my Pre-ETS instructor, Shelia Kates, for their support and guidance.

Behoove logo.

Behoove 

Behoove supports and empowers Dyslexic and ADHD students (both teens and young adults) in their journey through school. Services include virtual tutoring and executive functioning coaching sessions. They work with students to address gaps in spelling, reading and writing.

The founder of Behoove, Shaynee Sherwood, has successfully navigated Dyslexia and ADHD related challenges herself and deeply understands the struggles students often face at school and in the workplace.

Behoove wants every neurodiverse student to have the tools necessary to advance and self-advocate. They partner with parents, teachers and school administration to help each student they work with feel supported in multiple areas of life.

Behoove offers flexible scheduling options and individualizes each tutoring and coaching session. 

To get connected, email Shaynee Sherwood directly at Sherwood.Shaynee@gmail.com or by phone at 918-760-4792.

Next Day Access logo.

Next Day Access

Specializing in products such as ramps, bathroom solutions, grab bars, chair lifts, stair lifts and more, Next Day Access is Oklahoma’s premiere accessibility products supplier. They provide both residential and commercial accessibility solutions.

Since 2013, Next Day Access has provided mobility products and accessibility solutions to individuals across the country. What initially began as a local provider of wheelchair ramps has become a national leader in multiple types of mobility products and accessibility solutions.

Next Day Access serves the Tulsa and OKC metro areas. Contact them by phone to get connected.  

Phone number is 405-928-6238

Select this link to download the Next Day Access brochure

Select this link to visit the Next Day Access website

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

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

Kaylee Finneran is a Pre-employment transition (Pre-ETS) specialist with the University of Oklahoma National Center for Disability Education and Training (NCDET). She is from Norman and has extensive experience working with people with disabilities. In different professional roles, she has successfully supported both youth and adults with wide ranges of both physical and cognitive challenges. To Kaylee, serving people with disabilities is one of the most rewarding things in life.

She has helped students with disabilities directly and from leadership/coordinator roles. In her Pre-ETS role, she can draw from her many successful years of experience to offer much-needed Pre-employment transition services to many students with disabilities. Over the years, Kaylee has had a positive impact on many Oklahoma students with disabilities.

Kaylee is a strategic, smart, experienced and passionate professional. We are lucky to have her on the team.

Image of Kaylee.

Kaylee Finneran

Pre-Employment Transition Specialist

University of Oklahoma

ph. 405-887-2095

kfinneran@ou.edu

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.

Start the application process

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.go v
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.