Chapter 3. Section 1
Chapter 3: Employment
Section 1: Employment and Training Resources
Federal Jobs Network/Bookhaven Press LLC
Visit Federal Jobs Network/Bookhaven Press LLC Website
This website section explains the various hiring options for people with disabilities. Individuals seeking appointments with the federal government must be proactive and begin networking with local agencies, contacting listed resources, and aggressively seeking out all available federal employment opportunities. Agencies have direct hire authority for Schedule A appointments presented in this section.
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NewView Oklahoma
Visit NewView Oklahoma Website
Email:
[email protected]NewView Oklahoma, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to empower blind and vision impaired individuals to achieve their maximum potential through rehabilitation, employment, and community outreach.
They also offer community programs for people of all ages living with blindness and visual impairments including art classes, a dragon boating team, summer camps and support groups.
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OKJobMatch
OKJobMatch is a web-based job-matching and labor market information system. OKJobMatch provides job seekers, employers, and training providers with easy-to-use tools that support a wide range of activities. As a service of the public workforce system, OKJobMatch is completely free for you to use. You only need a computer and internet access to do the following:
- Create and post a resume or job order
- Determine whether you're eligible for state- or federally funded workforce programs
- Search for the ideal job or job candidate
- Search for the ideal training or service provider
- Research labor market information
- And much more.
Create a self-service account today to manage your job or resume search. Friendly, knowledgeable workforce development professionals are also available at your local Oklahoma Workforce Center to assist you. Whether you're an individual looking for the perfect career opportunity, an employer looking for the ideal job candidate, or a training provider who wants to get the word out about your programs, check out the tools and services on OKJobMatch and let Oklahoma work for you.
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
Visit Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Website
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) expands opportunities for employment, independent life and economic self-sufficiency by helping Oklahomans with disabilities bridge barriers to success in the workplace, school and at home.
To connect to the DRS office in your area call 800-487-4042.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Employment services for people with any disability, except blindness.
- Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Employment and independent living services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Disability Determination Services: Determines medical eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
- Oklahoma School for the Deaf: Educational programs for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Oklahoma School for the Blind: Educational programs for children who are blind or visually impaired.
Counselors and technology specialists provide assistive technology evaluations, devices and services to agency clients based on individual needs related to achievement of employment goals. They also help employers locate appropriate adaptive equipment for employees with disabilities. Contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation or Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired counselor for information. See DRS Offices Statewide, Rehabilitation section for contact information.
DRS provides vocational rehabilitation, employment and limited independent living services to eligible individuals with disabilities. Medical equipment, assistive technology and related services may be provided if they are part of the Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) developed with a vocational rehabilitation client. In some cases assistive technology devices and services may be provided for independent living purposes.
Assistive technology services which may be available based on a person's eligibility and plan of service include evaluation for assistive technology needs, recommendations for suitable equipment, worksite evaluation for adaptive equipment needs and training in use of specialized equipment.
Current DRS clients should discuss assistive technology needs with their DRS counselors. Applications for DRS services can be made by contacting local DRS offices. See also Apply for Services on the home webpage.
Toll Free:
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The primary vocational rehabilitation services are counseling and guidance with job placement. However, other services may also be provided as needed for an individual to compensate for, correct or prevent disability-based barriers to employment. These services can include, but are not limited to:
- Physical or mental restoration;
- Vocational, college or other training;
- Assistive technology evaluations, equipment and training;
- Information on disability resources;
- Personal assistance services while receiving VR services;
- Transportation in connection with VR services being provided;
- Supported employment;
- Self-employment assistance;
- Transition school-to-work services for youth with disabilities; and
- Other services based on individual needs.
The services a person receives are determined by the person's Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). This plan outlines a person's employment goal and the services that are needed to enable the person to achieve that goal. The IPE can be written by a VR client and counselor working together, or it can be written by the client according to guidelines the counselor will explain.
Eligibility: A person may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if he or she has a visual impairment, physical or mental disability that is a barrier to employment and requires VS services to prepare for, obtain, keep or return to work. There must be a chance the person can benefit by going to work.
Cost: Some services, such as medical examinations to determine if a person is eligible for vocational rehabilitation, counseling and job placement, are provided at no charge to the client. For some other services, a client may have to share in the cost, depending on his/her income and resources.
Applying for Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired vocational rehabilitation services: Contact the nearest DRS office at 800-487-4042 or follow this link to find the office nearest you.
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Toll Free:
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Business Enterprise Program
The Business Enterprise Program provides employment opportunities for people who are legally blind by assisting them in becoming Licensed Managers and establishing food service operations across the state.
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Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Instructional Services
Instructional Services help DRS clients regain or maintain maximum independence and self-sufficiency. Rehabilitation teachers provide instruction and counseling through a program designed to help individuals adjust to the loss of sight. Services include instruction in personal and home management, communication methods, reading and writing braille, keyboarding skills, low vision technology, adaptive techniques or devices, and recreation or leisure activities.
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Toll Free:
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Rehabilitation Technology Lab for Blindness and Low Vision
Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired’ Assistive Technology Labs provides blind or visually impaired clients quality training either individually or in a group setting to assist them gain valuable hands on experience on assistive technology.
ADA OFFICE
1400 Hoppe Blvd, Suite A
Ada, OK 74820
Office: (580) 310-5301
Email: [email protected]
OKLAHOMA CITY OFFICE
2401 N.W. 23rd Street, Suite 91
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Office: (405) 522-3442
TULSA OFFICE
907 South Detroit Avenue, Suite 500
Tulsa, OK 74120
Office: (918) 551-4900
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Transition Program
Visit Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Transition Program Website
The Transition Program helps students with disabilities who are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for employment and life after high school. Services available through Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired counselors assigned to each high school include:
- Vocational counseling and guidance assists teachers, parents and students in developing appropriate career goals.
- Vocational assessment and evaluation helps determine students' employment-related strengths.
- School Work study provides job readiness skills, work experience and high school credits.
- Work Adjustment Training is purchased from community-based facilities.
- On-the-Job Training is arranged in the community for students in the second semester of their senior year with permanent employment as a goal.
- Supported Employment helps students in the second semester of their senior year transition into permanent employment.
- Job Development and Placement specialists help students make job searches more successful.
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Fax:
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Vocational Rehabilitation
Visit Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Vocational Rehabilitation Website
The primary vocational rehabilitation services are counseling and guidance with job placement. However, other services may also be provided as needed for an individual to compensate for, correct or prevent disability-based barriers to employment. These services can include, but are not limited to:
- Physical or mental restoration;
- Vocational, college or other training;
- Assistive technology evaluations, equipment and training;
- Information on disability resources;
- Personal assistance services while receiving VR services;
- Transportation in connection with VR services being provided;
- Supported employment;
- Self-employment assistance; and
- Other services based on individual needs.
The services a person receives are determined by the person's Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). This plan outlines a person's employment goal and the services that are needed to enable the person to achieve that goal. The IPE can be written by a VR client and counselor working together, or it can be written by the client according to guidelines the counselor will explain.
Eligibility: A person may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if he or she has a physical or mental disability that is a barrier to employment and requires VR services to prepare for, obtain, keep or return to work. There must be a chance the person can benefit by going to work.
Cost: Some services, such as medical examinations to determine if a person is eligible for vocational rehabilitation, counseling and job placement, are provided at no charge to the client. For some other services, a client may have to share in the cost, depending on his or her income and resources.
Applying for Vocational Rehabilitation services: Contact the nearest DRS office at 800-845-8476 or follow this link to find the office nearest you.
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Toll Free:
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Vocational Rehabilitation, Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Oklahoma City
DRS services for those with hearing loss include a variety of programs and informational services. We provide services to individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, deaf-blind and those with speech impairments.
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Toll Free:
Fax:
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Vocational Rehabilitation, Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Tulsa
DRS services for those with hearing loss include a variety of programs and informational services. We provide services to individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, deaf-blind and those with speech impairments.
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Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)- Ticket to Work
Visit Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)- Ticket to Work Website
The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is a voluntary employment program administered by the Social Security Administration. It offers beneficiaries with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income increased choices. With the Ticket program, client options include obtaining services and supports to attain self-supporting employment.
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Toll Free:
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Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns (ODC)
Visit Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns (ODC) Website
Email:
[email protected]The Office of Disability Concerns (ODC) is an independent State agency whose purpose is to help State government develop policies and services that meet the needs of Oklahomans with disabilities.
The Road to Employment: A manual for job seekers with disabilities. The publication is a project of the Oklahoma City Mayor's Committee on Disability Concerns. It provides self-assessment tolls, training resource information, strategies for marketing your qualifications, tips on writing resumes and cover letters, job search resources, information on job accommodations and employment rights of persons with disabilities, and post-hire considerations. Copies available from the Office of Disability Concerns.
https://www.ok.gov/odc/Employment/Training_Resources/Road_to_Employment_...
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Sembrando el Futuro or Planting the Future
Visit Sembrando el Futuro or Planting the Future Website
The Langston University Department of Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Studies launched a service program called, Sembrando el Futuro or Planting the Future.
Planting the Future was created as a means by which migrant and seasonal farm workers with special needs might be able to develop skills that would lead to long-term
employment.
Specifically, Planting the Future assists its participants by connecting them to community resources essential to helping them become independent and productive employees. Through technical and financial collaborations with the Oklahoma
Department of Rehabilitation Services (ODRS) and other local agencies, the program provides participants with the skills assessments, technical assistance, job-readiness training, career counseling, job placement services, and follow-up support necessary to attain a lifestyle of self-sufficiency.
The program, which has offices on both Langston University?s Tulsa and Oklahoma City campuses, is available year-round, and provides written materials in both English and Spanish.
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United States Department of Labor
Visit United States Department of Labor Website
everal U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) agencies assist people with disabilities in seeking meaningful work and succeeding once on the job. DOL also advises employers on effective strategies for recruiting and retaining qualified people with disabilities, as well as educates federal agencies and federal contractors and sub-contractors about their obligations related to affirmative action and nondiscrimination in hiring.