Disability Services, Issues Featured at Free DRS EXPO Aug 4-5 in Muskogee

OKLAHOMA CITY − Information about employment services, programs for children who are deaf or blind and technology specifically designed for people with disabilities will be included at a free community outreach and education EXPO sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services on Aug. 4 and 5.

DRS scheduled the EXPO at the Oklahoma School for the Blind, which is a DRS division, to control costs. The school is located at 3300 Gibson Street in Muskogee.

The EXPO theme is “A Treasure Chest of Knowledge.”

The event will be hosted by DRS Director Michael O’Brien, Ed.D., and the Commission for Rehabilitation Services Commissioners, Chair Ray Kirk from Muskogee, Vice Chair Steve Shelton from Edmond and Member Ben C. White from Lawton.

“We are expecting a big turnout for our second EXPO,” DRS Director Michael O’Brien, Ed.D., said. “We have something for everybody, so this event is open to DRS clients, potential employers, community partners, disability advocates, parents, students and companies that sell goods and services to our clients.”

O’Brien has encouraged DRS retirees to participate on Aug. 5 in an informal reunion as part of the event.

Exhibitors, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Goodwill Industries of Tulsa and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Aug 4 and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 5. Exhibit space is available.

Organizers have planned more than 25 workshops on topics including introduction to American Sign Language, dog guides, Social Security work incentives, and adaptations and modifications for visual impairments. Participants may earn continuing education credits for attending workshops about services and issues affecting the disability and rehabilitation communities.

Overnight lodging is available for a fee on the School for the Blind campus on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants are encouraged to register online.