TRANSITION

TIMES

Free Webinars...….……………….. p 1

Tech-Now…..…………..…………. p 2

STEM Camp………………………. p 3

ABLE Tech………………………... p 4

Think College……..……………… p 5

Sooner Works……………………. p 5

Dale Rogers School to Work…... p 6

Oklahoma Deaf-Blind Technical

Assistance Project……………… p 7

Pre-Employment Transition

Services…………………………... p 7

Camp Tumbleweed……………… p 8

Galt Foundation…………………. p 9

TAGG-A…………………………… p 10

Transportation Education……... p 11

Summertime Humor……………..p 11

What is DRS………………………p 12

Lawton Transition Team….…… p 13

Sooner SUCCESS………….…… p 14

STABLE accounts………………. p15

OK-DCDT Legislative Summit…p16

Council Members ………………. p 17

1

FREE WEBINARS HOSTED BY THE OK TRANSITION COUNCIL

Thank you to those who attended free webinars this semester. We have enjoyed bringing to you thoughtful and engaging presentations. We do hope these webinars have provided you with good information and resources. We are in the process of developing more webinars for you. These webinars offer you the opportunity to learn in the comfort of your own space from statewide experts. Both webinars are scheduled for the same time. For those who missed, our webinars are featured on the OU Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment website. Be sure to take time and check out last year’s webinars as well as this year’s. We will be sending out more information about the upcoming webinars as we schedule dates and book our presenters. If you have an idea for a webinar, please email Jenifer Randle (Jenifer.Randle@okdhs.org).

2019 Spring Edition

2

Tech-Now, Inc.

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Tech-Now, Inc. STEM camp

There is time to secure a camp for your students if you begin preparation now!

Who: Open to all students with disabilities ages 14-18 (i.e., on

an IEP, 504 Plan, or other documented physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities)

What: Learn to use Windows ® based computers and related

technologies to design, build, and race, multiple HT Gravity Racers. You will also create: buttons, a mouse pad, a camp T-shirt, and

other items using computer technology! Get: A full-color sublimated T-Shirt that you design and

produce. Get: A full-color sublimated mouse-mat that you design and

produce. Get: A USB Drive containing the design software used during

the engineering camp. Get: Completed Racers, and extra materials to allow for the

construction of additional Racers. Get: Technology skills that will last a lifetime.

The DRS STEM Camp is a no-cost three-day camp. Lunch is provided daily at no charge. Times: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Daily Location & Dates: Locations and Dates Will Be

Announced As Camp Partnerships Are Established.

Contact Renee Sansom (rsansom@okdrs.gov) at The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services for more information about the STEM Camp. For information about Tech-Now email us at: Tech-Now@hotmail.com

4

Assistive Technology

Part of transitioning to adulthood is being able to organize and stay on track with any assignments or tasks you may have. There are many free and low-cost apps to help with organization, such as those mentioned below.

Microsoft Lens lets you use your cell phone or tablet camera to take a picture of whiteboards and documents, and add your own notes. You can share across platforms for easy access and editing. Available for Mac (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-office-lens-pdf-scan/id975925059?mt=8), Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.office.officelens&hl=en_US), and

Microsoft (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/office-lens/9wzdncrfj3t8?activetab=pivot:overviewtab).

Immersive Reader reads text aloud with customizable features to improve readability including line focus, syllable division, and parts-of-speech highlighting. Immersive Reader works with multi-platforms including OneNote, Word, Outlook, and Edge. Available for Microsoft only at this time (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/immersive-

reader/9pjzqz821dq2?activetab=pivot%3Aoverviewtab).

The myHomework app (https://myhomeworkapp.com/) allows students to enter individual homework assignments and track deadlines by class or calendar date. Some additional features include the ability to prioritize tasks, mark items as complete, get reminders, and view upcoming assignments. High school and college students may find this to be a helpful app to organize assignments, projects and plan their studying schedule.

Available for Mac (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myhomework/id303490844), Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myhomeowork), and Microsoft (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/myhomework/9wzdncrfjb3n?rtc=1&activetab=pivot:overviewtab).

Notability helps students who have trouble taking notes or are struggling to remember the context of notes taken. This app lets you record lectures and take notes at the same time. When you are ready to review, you can click on a line in your notes to skip to what was recorded at that time. This app allows multiple methods of entry, including keyboard, speech-input, and even handwriting with digital ink. You can

type with a wide range of fonts, sizes, and colors as well as import PDF, DOC, PPT, image files, and GIFs and share notes with others. Available for Mac only at this time (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/notability/id360593530?mt=8). Download these apps onto your own device or borrow an iPad from ABLE Tech to try! Request a short-term device loan (https://okabletech.formstack.com/forms/device_loan_request) to borrow a device for up to six weeks at no cost with free shipping both ways. Looking for other tools? Check out AT Discovery (https://www.okabletech.org/at-discovery/). This website section highlights tools to assist individuals in a wide range of tasks, including Communication, Environmental Adaptations, Hearing, Vision, and more. ABLE Tech is the Statewide Assistive Technology Act Program whose mission is serving Oklahomans with disabilities. ABLE Tech offers educational resources and training programs to Pre-K through 12th grade educators and related service providers through a contract with the Oklahoma State Department of Education. To learn more, visit Oklahoma ABLE Tech (https://www.okabletech.org/).

5

Think College

Upon review of transition plans for most students with intellectual disabilities, we find many participate in job tryouts where they move through various “jobs” disconnected from their preferences, interests, or skills. Many do not have access to a guidance counselor and lack knowledge of postsecondary education in their communities. Educational opportunities appear to most often end when they graduate from high school. They will be referred to vocational rehabilitation or developmental disabilities services and remain unemployed or underemployed. After high school graduation most will either live in poverty or teeter on the edge, dependent upon the kindness of caregivers in order to maintain what may appear to strangers as quality of life. What if we provided students with Intellectual Disabilities an opportunity to experience learning beyond high school? What if we presented them with information about potential postsecondary education opportunities in their community and introduced them to the possibility of attending college, or any kind of postsecondary education—academic, continuing education, or otherwise? What if we unchecked the postsecondary “not applicable” box in their transition plans and dared to “Think College”? Think College (https://thinkcollege.net/about/what-is-think-college) is a “national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student-centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families.” Find available information (https://thinkcollege.net/college-search?f[0]=tc_state_province%3AOklahoma) on activities related to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disability (ID) in Oklahoma.

Sooner Works

The Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment is excited to announce Sooner Works is coming to The University of Oklahoma starting the Fall of 2019. Sooner Works at The University of Oklahoma is a comprehensive integrated program for students with an intellectual or developmental disability who desire a postsecondary experience on a college campus. The program is a four-year certificate program offering a college experience to prepare participants for competitive employment, academic enrichment, and independent living through a combination of coursework and career exploration. Sooner Works' students live on campus and take traditional university courses in conjunction with courses specific to Sooner Works. In addition, students will participate in internships and campus activities, such as social organizations and sporting events on the beautiful University of Oklahoma campus.

For more information on Sooner Works please visit http://www.ou.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/zarrow/sooner-works

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Dale Rogers Training Center, Inc. Transition School-to-Work Program

Dale Rogers Training Center provides vocational training and employment for persons with disabilities. We would like to offer you a wonderful opportunity to temporarily supplement your workforce without any added expense or liability. The Transition School-to-Work program focuses on community-based activities including job exploration with local businesses. Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) partners with businesses to help students discover jobs and explore specific tasks in order to make an informed decision regarding employment after high school. Students develop job skills, work behavior and life skills enabling them to join the workforce after graduation and become

contributing members of their community. As a partner, DRTC staff and students come to your business 3-4 days/week for 2-6 weeks as pre-arranged. Staff and students are onsite for 1.5-2 hours. While there students perform tasks typically performed by employees in your industry. Some examples of appropriate tasks include, but are not limited to:

Department stores - bring stock from the warehouse/stockroom; place items in designated areas; re-shelve misplaced items; fold clothes, etc.

Warehouse/Manufacturing – move product, packaging, shipping tasks, customer service.

Food service – shadow the host/perform host duties; bus tables; wash dishes; roll silverware, some food prep, portion food items.

Grocery store – customer service, sacking, shelving, returns, etc.

Daycare Center - assist with arts and crafts; clean shelves; entertain babies; clean toys & furniture; play with toddlers.

Horticulture - package seeds, mulch, fertilize, rake, plant, and deadhead plants/flowers.

Novelty stores - assemble party favors or small household items; tear down and sort merchandise; tear down boxes; inflate balloons; and sort merchandise by color.

Students are never left alone at the business; well-trained staff is always onsite. DRTC assumes all liability for the students and has Liability and Worker’s Comp Insurance for program participants.

Thank you for considering collaborating with Dale Rogers Training Center and providing this very important opportunity for students who have disabilities. DRTC is very active on social and print media and we promote our partners regularly! Please contact Alaiszia Fobbs, Transition Coordinator, by email: afobbs@drtc.org or phone: (405) 946-4489 extension 1802 if you have additional questions.

The Oklahoma Transition Council is on Facebook!

Did you know the Oklahoma Transition Council is on Facebook? Like our fan page

(https://www.facebook.com/OklahomaTransitionCouncil/)

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The Oklahoma Deaf-Blind Technical Assistance Project

The Oklahoma Deaf-Blind Technical Assistance Project is a service targeting children and youth who have a loss in both vision and hearing. The child does not have to be completely deaf and completely blind to qualify – they must have a loss in vision and a loss in hearing. The project services are free. Below is detailed information about our services. If you are serving a child or if you are aware of a child with losses in vision and hearing, please refer them to the Oklahoma Deaf-Blind TA Project. Why is it important to refer children to the Oklahoma Deaf-Blind TA Project:

Early identification is crucial for later success.

Children with losses in vision and in hearing have unique characteristics that require special strategies and techniques.

This project is the only entity devoted to serving children with deaf-blindness.

Maintain statewide census of children with deaf-blindness to improve services. Here’s what the Oklahoma Deaf-Blind Project can offer you at no cost:

Information individualized for the child

1:1 support from project staff and families

State and National resources

Visits to the child’s home or school

Notifications of free professional development opportunities How to refer:

Share the project brochure with the family.

Complete the referral form OR call the project to complete by phone.

Have parents/family member sign the release of information.

Mail or email the form to the project.

Referral forms are available online: http://www.ou.edu/education/edpy/special-education/deaf-blind-project.

Pre-Employment Transition Services: Join the Collaboration!

The National Center for Disability Education and Training, University of Oklahoma Outreach, through a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, is making available Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) (https://ncdet.ou.edu/en/pre-ets/) activities to high school students with disabilities. In collaboration with the school teacher, specialists can provide activities centered around Job Exploration, Work-based Learning, Workplace Readiness, Self-Advocacy, and Post-Secondary Counseling. Pre-ETS activities are designed and tailored to meet the transition service needs of students. The collaboration is intended to assist students in developing an awareness of career and education opportunities, gain skills needed for employment success in any field, and gain skills needed to effectively advocate for themselves as they prepare to exit secondary education and enter the workforce or other post-school activities. Services are provided to students with disabilities, regardless of whether the student has applied or been determined eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. The Pre-ETS program is a free collaboration between the University of Oklahoma and the high school. To JOIN the collaboration, please contact Judi Goldston (jgoldston@ou.edu).

If you have questions, contact: Lisa Lawter, Project Director

405.325.0441

okdeafblind@ou.edu

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Camp Tumbleweed 2019

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TAGG-A: Transition Assessment and Goal Generator-Alternate

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Transportation Education

A key to helping youth with disabilities achieve competitive integrated employment is the ability to get to and from their places of work; however, many youth are not provided instruction or opportunities to practice independent transportation. Many schools are discontinuing their driver’s education programs, adding even more challenges for youth. To assist youth with disabilities in better preparing for navigating the community independently, the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) provides a free curriculum to help integrate transportation content into educational experiences for students. First developed by the Easter Seals Project ACTION, the Transportation Education Curriculum (https://www.nadtc.org/resources-publications/transportation-education-curriculum/) has nine modules covering everything from why it is important, how to use in schools, integrate into IEPs and measure progress. Modules include videos and tools that can be downloaded and customized. NADTC also offers other resources (https://www.nadtc.org/search/?post_types=nadtc-resources&_sft_resource_topics=youth-transition) to assist in helping youth with disabilities prepare for transportation options. Although the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) may provide specialized drivers training to some of their job seekers, it is not an automatic service provided to all individuals who want it. DRS has specialized drivers training for those individuals who have exceptional needs or for those who need adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications in order to go to work. DRS may also assist in providing a typical drivers’ education experience; however, there must be justification as to why it is necessary. Contact your local DRS vocational rehabilitation counselor for more information. Additional resources for driving readiness:

Montgomery College Inclusive Driving readiness checklist (http://www2.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/wdce/brochures/DriverEd_special%20needs_ReadinessIndicatorsAssessment.pdf)

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia readiness to drive (https://injury.research.chop.edu/blog/posts/assessing-your-teen%E2%80%99s-readiness-drive#.XNMh-DBKhpi)

Quizlet Driver Readiness flashcards (https://quizlet.com/12754459/drivers-ed-module-4-driver-readiness-flash-cards/)

Summertime School Humor

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What is DRS?

The Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) (http://www.okdrs.org/) expands opportunities for employment and economic self-sufficiency by helping Oklahomans with disabilities bridge barriers to success at work. Vocational rehabilitation programs introduce or reinstate people with disabilities into the work force, creating taxpayers and reducing dependence on disability benefits and social assistance. There are various paths a person may take to employment. Follow the links in this section to explore your options. To talk to someone directly, call (800) 487-4042 to be routed to the office nearest you. The Transition School to Work program (http://www.okdrs.org/students/transition) assists high school students with disabilities in making successful transition to post-school education and employment. Many Oklahoma school districts and career technology centers have agreements with DRS to help students with disabilities gain employment experience, school credit, and income for working in their communities or at their school. Locate the DRS office that serves your high school (http://www.okdrs.org/office_locator). The Transition: School-to-Work Program helps students with disabilities that are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for employment and life after high school. Services available through counselors in the Divisions of Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services assigned to each high school include:

Vocational counseling and guidance: through direct contact, the DRS counselor assists teachers, parents, and students in developing appropriate career goals.

Vocational assessment and evaluation: helps determine students' employment-related strengths and interests and provides recommended career fields to investigate.

School Work Study (SWS): arranged through contracts with the schools, provides job readiness skills training through work experience at the school district or in the community, while earning a minimum wage and high school credits.

Work Adjustment Training (WAT): is provided through contracts with the schools or from community-based facilities, and provides students with foundational employment skills to help them prepare for competitive, integrated employment after high school.

On-the-Job Training (OJT): provides students the opportunity (during the second semester of their senior year) to obtain community employment in their career of choice with permanent employment as a goal.

Supported Employment (SE): helps students (with the most significant disabilities) in their senior year transition into permanent employment with supports from a job coach to search for employment, apply, prepare for the interview, learn the job, and work toward independence on the job.

Job Development and Placement Specialists help students make job searches more successful by helping them take their interests and strengths and identify possible businesses with job openings, receive and complete the job application, and prepare for the interview. The specialists will work with the DRS counselor on this process.

After graduation, DRS counselors and students continue to work toward vocational and employment goals. Some services are available to all eligible individuals without charge. At this point, individuals may be asked to share the cost of some services, depending on income and financial resources.

The Accessible Instructional Materials Center at the Oklahoma Library for the Blind (http://olbph.org/AIM) provides textbooks for students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in braille and large print formats.

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Lawton Public Schools 18-21 Transition Program: Work Experience & School Work Study

The Lawton Public Schools 18-21 Transitional Program has continued to establish and maintain business and community partners over the years, to provide valuable work experiences for their students. Work experiences include job exploration, work adjustment training, internships/unpaid work experience, and for some students, actual paid work experiences if the student is a DRS client qualified for School Work Study. There are many business and community partners that provide our students with work experience opportunities: Fort Sill (Nye Library, Fire’s Gym, Army Community Services, Marketing, Twin Oaks Bowling Center), Billingsley Ford, Daycare Contract with Great Plains Daycare & Bus Stop Daycare, City of Lawton (King & Patterson Community Centers, Lawton Animal Shelter, Owen’s Multi-Purpose Center), Lawton Public Schools (Cleveland Elementary, Douglass Learning Center, Eisenhower High School Cafeteria, Hugh Bish Elementary, Learning Tree Academy, Maintenance HVAC, Media Center), Central Mall (Cookie Factory, Game Stop), Eye Candi Fitness, Hilton Garden Inn, and Comanche Nation Elder Center.

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Sooner SUCCESS

Who We Serve

Sooner SUCCESS (http://soonersuccess.ouhsc.edu) is a statewide, community based service available to any child, birth to age 21, with special needs. Their needs can be physical, developmental, emotional, behavioral, or due to abuse and neglect. We can also help families that may have concerns about their child and need assistance locating a provider to do an evaluation.

Sooner SUCCESS supports families in their own communities.

Too often, families who have children with special needs don’t know where to turn for supports, help, or equipment. They worry about their child’s future and about how to pay for services if they can find them. They need information about their child’s disability or condition. Sooner SUCCESS connects families to supports in their community that will meet their child’s unique needs. Some examples of supports are Respite, Sibshops, Health Care Transition resources, Supporting Parents with Disabilities, and other resources that help families in their community. Bilingual Spanish services are also available. Sooner SUCCESS supports service providers where they serve.

Primary care doctors and related service providers want to assure that a child’s needs are met — both medical and non-medical. Sooner SUCCESS is the partner that can make this coordination of care possible. We work together with service providers to help families access and coordinate specialty care, education services, family support, and other types of community services. We can also help families apply for SoonerCare coverage or fully utilize their existing benefits. Help for Children with Special Needs Begins with a Click or a Phone Call.

Do you know a child with special needs? Whether you are a family member or a provider who wants to offer more support for families, help is just a call or click away! Not only can Sooner SUCCESS help locate needed supports for individual families, but we can help communities find ways to be more inclusive and offer new local services. Contact us or visit our website to connect with our coordinators and learn how we can help the families in your community.

http://soonersuccess.ouhsc.edu

Call our toll free helpline: (405) 271-2710 or (877) 441-0434 or

Email: soonersuccess@ouhsc.edu

https://www.facebook.com/SoonerSUCCESS/

https://www.twitter.com/SoonerSUCCESS/

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Oklahoma STABLE

STABLE Accounts allow individuals with disabilities the ability to save and invest up to $15,000 per year without losing

government benefits such as Medicaid or SSI. Visit online (okstable.org) or call (800) 439-1653 for more information. For

brochures, call the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma (okddc.ok.gov) at (405) 521-4984.

16

OK-DCDT 3rd Annual Legislative Summit

OK-DCDT is the Oklahoma state subdivision of the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Career Development and Transition. OK-DCDT promotes career development and transition of individuals with disabilities through professional growth, collaboration, research, and policy-making. On February 26, 2019, we held our 3rd Annual Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS) in which President, Joshua Fearing, presented information on legislation related to education and individuals with disabilities. Kim Osmani, Secretary, presented information on how to be an effective advocate, and participants networked over lunch. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the second day of legislative visits was canceled. Below are interesting statistics from the event.

52 people registered for the event (many identified as having multiple roles)o 21 educators (K-12) o 6 work/learn in higher education o 18 parents of individuals with disabilities

o 7 administrators o 18 college students

23 entities were represented including public schools, tribal vocational rehabilitation programs, nonprofits, state agencies, private schools, higher education, and other organizations.

House Legislators With Participating Constituents * as identified by participants

Senate Legislators With Participating Constituents * as identified by participants

4 Matt Meredith (D) 5 Josh West (R) 10 Judd Strom ® 11 Derrel Fincher ® 20 Sherrie Conley ® 23 Terry O’Donnell ® 31 Garry Mize ® 41 Denise Crosswhite Hader ® 44 Emily Virgin (D) 45 Merleyn Bell (D) 51 Brad Boles ® 53 Mark McBride ® 54 Kevin West ® 70 Carol Bush ® 94 Andy Fugate (D)

1 Michael Bergstromm (R) 16 Mary Boren (D) 20 Chuck Hall (R) 22 Stephanie Bice (R) 23 Lonnie Paxton (R) 24 Darrell Weaver (R) 29 Julie Daniels (R) 30 Julia Kirt (D)

Please consider joining OK-DCDT at their next meeting in Norman to start planning for the 2020 Summit! We will be discussing holding the entire event at the Oklahoma Capitol, perspectives of bill development through both legislators’ and advocates’ point-of-views, and how to share personal stories to influence legislators.

Be sure to follow the 2020 Summit website for more information - https://dcdtok.wixsite.com/okdcdt/legislative-summit

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Oklahoma Transition Council Members

Sharon Baker Claudia Beckner Kimberly Berry Joni Bruce Regina Chace Lori Chesnut Carolina Colclasure Megan Curry Rene’ Daman Rick DeRennaux Heather Eisel Josh Fearing Theresa Flannery

Tony Gibson Judi Goldston Brandi Hurley Charla Hursh Linda Jaco Falen LeBlanc Anita Lena Sidna Madden Janice Morris Kim Osmani Dr. Claudia Otto Sonya Parsons Jenifer Randle

Allyson Robinson Renee Sansom Yolanda Scott Eva Smith Sarah Soell Julia Sterr Marcie Stickney Andrea Suk Kathleen Wehmeyer Melissa White Dr. Kendra Williams-Diehm

Oklahoma Transition Council Affiliations

Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board

Chickasaw Nation VR

Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Cornell University

Dale Rogers Training Center

Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma

Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma

CEC Division on Transition & Career Development

Central OK Workforce Investment Board

Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma

Lawton Public Schools

NCDET University of Oklahoma

Norman Public Schools

Office of Juvenile Affairs

OK ABLE Tech, Seretean Wellness Ctr, OSU

Oklahoma Autism Network

Oklahoma Child Study Center, Sooner Success

Oklahoma Family Network

Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education

Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services Division

Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services

Oklahoma Disability Law Center

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council

Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services

Oklahoma State University - Tulsa Owasso Public Schools

OU Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment

Sooner Success

Tech-Now Inc.

The Center for Learning and Leadership

University of Oklahoma, College of Education

VR Y-Tac

The mission of the Oklahoma Transition Council is to improve transition education, planning, and services that lead to

successful post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.