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Join us in celebrating 25 years as an independent agency. On June 11, 1993, then Gov. David Walters signed Senate Bill 356, establishing the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Its passage was evidence of the state of Oklahoma’s commitment to provide more effective consumer responsive services for its citizens with disabilities. DRS was established to serve many of the major programs important to the disability community including Rehabilitation Services, Visual Services, Oklahoma School for the Blind, Oklahoma School for the Deaf and the Disability Determination Services.

Oklahoma School for the Blind student wins top FCCLA award

Young woman with medal and award

MUSKOGEE Okla. – Oklahoma School for the Blind sophomore Kaylee Ragon earned first place for her children’s literature presentation at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s (FCCLA’s) state STAR competition.

The event was held at the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology in Stillwater.

To qualify and win in FCCLA’s 9-10 grade division, Ragon wrote an original e-book about friendship titled “Izzy’s Friends” for children three to five years.

Oklahoma School for the Blind free summer camp registration due now

Three students play in a water fountain in a courtyard.

MUSKOGEE, Okla. – Students with visual disabilities are encouraged to register now for Oklahoma School for the Blind’s tuition-free summer camps.

The theme is “STEAM into summer with Summer Camp!”

The acronym STEAM stands for high-quality education opportunities in Science, Technology Engineering, Art and Math.

OSB will offer two one-week summer programs. Week 1 is June 4-8. Week 2 is June 11-15. Applications are due by April 20.

There is no charge to attend.

OSB Braille Bees are Creek County spelling bee champs

Three young women pose with one very alrge and two small trophies.

SAPULPA, Okla. – Oklahoma School for the Blind’s Braille Bees beat their own 2017 performance, winning the top prize in the 2018 Spelling Bee held April 5 by the Creek County Literacy Program.

This was the first time Richelle Zampella, Kaylee Ragon and Brianna Brennan won the overall prize against adult and student competitors.

They also won school division and best team name trophies.

Last year, the same team earned 1st place in the schools category and 2nd place overall. This was their fifth year to compete.

School for the Blind employee earns DRS Commission award

Two smiling women stand with on on right holding flag in a case and framed certificate.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Karen Reed, Oklahoma School for the Blind compliance officer, earned the 2017 Commission Award from the members of the Commission for Rehabilitation Services.

Commission Chair April Danahy presented the award to Reed at a commission meeting in Oklahoma City with co-workers and colleagues in attendance.

Reed received an official state flag flown over the Capitol in Oklahoma City.

As a compliance officer, Reed ensures that OSB complies with state and federal regulatory requirements and DRS internal policies.

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