State Agency for Job Seekers with Disabilities Schedules Open House July 27

ADA, Okla. – The public is invited to attend an open house from 1-3 p.m. on July 27, at the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) offices located in Suite A at 1400 Hoppe Boulevard in Ada.

DRS’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services staff moved to the new location behind Quizno’s and Kim’s Tanning in late spring.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Visual Services divisions provide vocational rehabilitation and employment services, such as career counseling, mental and physical restoration to improve employment opportunities, rehabilitation equipment and devices, education and job placement assistance

“We are excited about having better facilities to serve our clients with disabilities,” Visual Services Secretary Cindi Sanders said. “We want people to know where we’re located in Ada, and that they’re welcome to learn about the services we provide.”

Business owners in the Ada area may now earn stimulus fund payments for hiring and training qualified workers with disabilities through partnerships with DRS. The agency may also pay a percentage of the new employees’ monthly salaries for a short time to help the agency’s clients get permanent, full time employment.

When Oklahomans with disabilities go to work, they become self-sufficient, taxpaying citizens, reducing the need for disability benefits, Medicaid and other social services. They also spend more money in the communities where they live and generally enjoy a better quality of life. Many employers say they've never had more qualified, dedicated employees than those referred by DRS.

In 2008, DRS’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services divisions provided counseling, medical and psychological services, job training and other individualized services to 12,500 Oklahomans whose disabilities make it difficult to work. Federal reports show that 2,246 became employed and no longer needed DRS services. These individuals collectively earned $45.5 million and paid $6.8 million in taxes last year.

For more information, call Vocational Rehabilitation in Ada at 580-310-5300 or Visual Services at 580-310-5301, or visit DRS Online at www.okdrs.gov .

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