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Dear Colleagues –

What an outstanding year this has been for the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC)! Thanks to the ORC Members for their hard work and dedication for being a part of the ever changing opportunities for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. We look forward to sharing the council’s success withinthis Annual Report, which features amazing, ambitious and committed individuals with disabilities through their success stories. Sharing their stories and quotes throughout provides examples of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (OKDRS) counseling services, information and referral and support along with the ORC’s oversight to help people gain employment.

In Oklahoma, we continue a unique time for initiatives that have been set before us. OKDRS and ORC continue to play vital roles in the Oklahoma Works Initiative. Oklahoma Works is an initiative to increase the wealth of all Oklahomans through facilitating quality employment for workers and ready availability of highly skilled talent for business and industry. ACCESS for All is another initiative designed to help create a workforce for all Oklahomans including individuals with disabilities. The initiatives are a coalition of state agencies, educational institutions, businesses and other partners. This will enable OKDRS and ORC to be utilized as resources and play a major role in helping people with disabilities achieve their personal goals and visions. ORC also has the opportunity to advocate and lead people with disabilities to a better future.

There is still work upon us, but our job is not done here! ORC is extremely honored to be a partner and supporter of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Agency staff and the citizens of Oklahoma.

Sincerely,

Renee Samson, MS ORC Program Manager

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council 3535 NW 58th St., Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Phone: 405-951-3579 | Toll Free: 1-800-569-7974

Fax: 405-951-3532Email:

renee.samson@okstate.edu

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council

FFY2017 Annual ReportWe Are The Voice of the Consumer!

MissionThe mission of the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) is to facilitate consumer education and empowerment, to assure services are of high quality and lead to employment of individuals with disabilities within Oklahoma.

StructureDepartment of Rehabilitation (DRS) contracts with the Department of Wellness at Oklahoma State University (OSU) for the provision of the staff support services for the ORC as set forth in Section 105 and Section 4.2 of the State Plan of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The Director of Sponsored Programs at the Department of Wellness hires, supervises, and evaluates a full-time Program Manager position for the daily operations of the council and a part-time administrative assistant. In addition, OSU manages all contractual financial obligations of the council. In turn, DRS provides in-kind services of office space, phone and computer access to the council staff.

Table of Contents

PageOklahoma Rehabilitation Council........................................4

Program and Planning Committee......................................4Goal 1:..........................................................................4Goal 2:..........................................................................6

Executive Committee.........................................................8Goal 3:..........................................................................8

Policy and Legislative Committee......................................12Goal 4:.........................................................................12

Transition Committee........................................................21Goal 5:.........................................................................21Goal 6:.........................................................................22Goal 7:.........................................................................25

Employment Committee....................................................25Goal 8:.........................................................................25

YEAR IN REVIEW................................................................29APPENDICESA: Council Members and Staff...........................................40B: Cost Breakdown by County...........................................42C: Legislative Primer.........................................................44D: Honors & Activities: Sponsorship.................................46E: Oklahoma Works System..............................................47F: Support Letters.............................................................48

ON THE COVER: Several of FFY17’s success story honorees are shown on the cover and additional consumers are highlighted throughout this report. Our website offers detailed stories of these accomplishments. (https://orc.okstate.edu/success)

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Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council Strategic Plan for FFY17The Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council complies with the Federal Rehabilitation Act mandates through its strategic plan process and the following functions and related tasks.

The Mission of the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) is “To facilitate consumer education and empowerment, to assure services are of high quality, and lead to employment of individuals with disabilities within the state of Oklahoma.”

Program and Planning CommitteeReview, analyze and advise DSA on the SRC WIOA standards and indicators as laid out by Section 106 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; Active participation on the DSA State Plan Meetings; Activeparticipation on the DSA Comprehensive Needs Assessment development initiative and Analyze the trends of the Job Seeker Satisfaction Survey.

Goal 1: In accordance with Section 105 (A)(c)(i), the Program and Planning Committee, will quarterly or as necessary, review, analyze and advise DSA on customer satisfaction, state performance accountability measures/assessment, and other relevant data.

Program and Planning Committee Objectives Objective 1-1: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesThe Council must, after consulting with the State Workforce Development Board-- Review, analyze, and advise the Designated State Agency regarding the performance of the State unit’s responsibilities under this part, particularly responsibilities related to-- Eligibility, including order of selection.Explanation: On hold until further review. DSA is now under an Order of Selection for Priority Groups 2 and 3 effective January 9th, 2017.It was announced on March 13th, 2017 at the DRS Commission Meeting that priority group 1 is now closed and no new applications will be taken until further notice.All Priority Groups are closed at this time and the ORC PM and Chair were advised of this change.

Objective 1-2: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe extent, scope, and effectiveness of services provided; and functions performed by State agencies that affect or potentially affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomes under this part.

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Explanation: On hold until further review.Since the PG’s are closed, how effective are services that are provided? During this time, there will be time for counselors to clean up their caseloads and focus on placing their current individuals with disabilities.DRS has looked at the case load size. There is collaboration with ORC, DRS, Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Oklahoma State Department of Education to improve employment outcomes. The employment Committee is working with the Executive Committee regarding IPS to improve employment outcomes.Objective 1-3: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesIn partnership with the Designated State Agency — develop, agree to, and review State goals and priorities in accordance with Sec. 361.29(c).Explanation: Parts of the State Plan regarding Transition need to be rewritten / revised. A 2 year update will be coming up this fall. Objective on target to complete by September 30, 2017.ORC PM to share the State Plan with the committee so that they can see the details involved.The State Plan Team will be meeting in late August to early September to review the 2 year update for the state goals and priorities for the DSA.

Objective 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesEvaluate the effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation program and submit reports of progress to the Secretary in accordance with Sec. 361.29(e).Explanation: Being met. Ongoing.

Objective 1-5: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesBruce

Advise the Designated State Agency regarding activities carried out under this part and assist in the preparation of the State plan and amendments to the plan, applications, reports, needs assessments, and evaluations required by this part.Explanation: Being met. Ongoing.

Disability: Hard of

Hearing 90% Deaf withouthearing aids

“A lot of people wouldn’t hire me because of my barriers with hearing.I am so grateful for the chance the OU Medical Center provided me as well as the push that Dale Rogers and DRS gave me.”

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Program and Planning Committee Objectives (continued) MetObjective 1-6: YesTo the extent feasible, conduct a review and analysis of the effectiveness of, and consumer satisfaction with—The functions performed by the Designated State Agency; The vocational rehabilitation services provided by State agencies and other public and private entities responsible for providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities under the Act; and the employment outcomes achieved by eligible individuals receiving services under this part, including the availability of health and other employment benefits in connection with those employment outcomes.Explanation: Discussion over the Statewide Assessment – on target to complete.PM met with PI Unit – Going forward, PI Unit will include P&P members on a panel and/or advisory team as part of the dissemination plan. There will be a stake holder team as well as a research team The planning year is 2017-2019. Tina Calloway will keep the committee members up to date on this specific area.This is a 3 year process that will be done in-house at DRS and ORC will be more involved, various committee members will assist with different tasks. The PI unit is in the process of assembling members of the advisory team and are in the process of finalizing (with the ORC Transition Committee) a Public Transition Needs Assessment Survey, targeting Youth with Disabilities between the ages of 18-24, School Staff, Parents of Youth with Disabilities, Partner Agencies staff (other state agencies, CRPs, disability advocacy groups), employers, and DRS staff. This survey will be conducted online and is anonymous. Hopefully the survey will be live before the end of the current school year.The PI unit will begin working on the preliminary client/state profile for presentation to ORC by the fall.The PI Unit will have focus groups by the fall of 2017. Advisory Team members as well as the

Goal 2: The Program and Planning Committee will support quality job seeker services, career planning and effective employment.

Program and Planning Committee Activities Met

Activity 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesRequest the DSA to have the Program and Planning Committee review the customer satisfaction survey and report changes as required by the WIOA regulation. DSA to report to the committee the findings of the customer satisfaction survey for open cases annually or every two years as conducted.Explanation: Ongoing.The PI unit will give a summary of the survey and Renee will send it to the ORC members for review. ORC received via email from the PI Unit the 2017 VR/VS Open Case Client Satisfaction Survey Report.The PI Unit has now done away with the closed case survey and it is only the open cases. A new survey for open cases will reflect new WIOA changes including questions from Workforce and some questions from ORC.6

Activity 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesField Coordinators will continue to report on the performance measures/accountability data template at the quarterly ORC meetings.Explanation: Ongoing at ORC meetings – being met.

NathanDisability:Speech Impediment

Activity 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesReport and Recommend current data to the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council Program Manager for inclusion on the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council website.Explanation: This is done in-house at OSU – new website is fully accessible and being utilized.

Activity 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesCollaborate with the DSA through the state plan process to include the development of the goals and priorities. Read and review the Statewide Assessment. Bring forward new considerations to the Executive Team.Explanation: Information has been given to the Executive Team, but has not yet been put on paper for an agenda item.ORC to go through the 13 recommendations and look at the once ORC wants to collaborate with after Teresa and Marks approval of the recommendations. PI, DRS and ORC would like it to be a process to go through ORC and PI for approval from this point forward.The recommendations from the last assessment were accepted by Mark Kinnison and Theresa McDermott and the current statewide assessment is in progress. The Process Improvement Unit (PI) completed the research goals and dissemination plan and an extensive project regarding the employment support services contractors (the ESS360), which will be used in the supported employment section of the needs assessment. The ESS360 allowed clients and counselors to rate the vendors and the vendors to rate DRS and answer questions regarding the clients we forward to them.Recommendations were approved and ORC is moving forward with collaborating with the Employment and Transition committees as they relate to the ORC.

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Nathan overcame barriers with finances with DRS assistance. DRS gave him confidence and the ability to accomplish his goals.“The best thing to do while living with a disability, is accept it.”

Executive CommitteeComprised of the SRC Chair, Vice-Chair, and 3 members-at-large. The Executive Committee also consists of the Associate Director and Director of Sponsored Programs of the OSU, Department of Wellness, who oversees the contractual administration of the ORC. Ensures that committees are assigned to meet the requirements of Section 105 of the Rehab Act with regard to Public Hearings, State Plan, Comprehensive Needs Assessment, Customer Satisfaction and Annual Report.

Goal 3: Maintain standing committees that address the goals and objectives outlined by the ORC, the DSA State Plan, and the Rehabilitation Act (i.e., Policy and Legislative Committee, Program and Planning Committee, and Transition and Employment Committee). Every ORC member will serve on a committee(s).

Executive Committee Objectives Objective 1-1: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesPrepare and submit to the Governor and to the Secretary no later than 90 days after the end of the Federal fiscal year an annual report on the status of vocational rehabilitation programs operated within the State and make the report available to the public through appropriate modes of communication.Explanation: Met with Executive Committee on this date. ORC annual report was submitted on December 16th, 2017.

Objective 1-2: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesPerform other comparable functions, consistent with the purpose of this part, as the Council determines to be appropriate, that are comparable to the other functions performed by the Council.Explanation: This is being met through the functions laid out in the Rehab Act. ORC PM purchased the 36th publication of the IRI book for the council and the Executive Committee to have available for consistency and compliance of the SRC functions.

Objective 1-3: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesResources. Resources. The Council, in conjunction with the Designated State Agency, must prepare a plan for the provision of resources, including staff and other personnel that may be necessary and sufficient for the Council to carry out its functions under this part. The resource plan must, to the maximum extent possible, rely on the use of resources in existence during the period of implementation of the plan. Any disagreements between the Designated State Agency and the Council regarding the amount of resources necessary to carry out the functions of the Council must be resolved by the Governor, consistent with paragraphs (i)(1) and (2) of this section. The Council must, consistent with State law, supervise and evaluate the staff and personnel that are necessary to carry out its functions. Those staff and personnel that are assisting the Council in carrying out its functions may not be assigned duties by the Designated State Agency or any other agency or office of the State that would create a conflict of interest.

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Explanation: This activity is being met. DRS funds ORC staff through acontractual arrangement with the OSU – Department of Wellness. This places ORC in a very good position and gives ORC the opportunity to utilize various resources, which would otherwise not be available. There are many collaborative activities between ORC and DRS.ORC PM is currently the co-lead with Becky Weirsig for the 2018 Annual Summit on Performance Management in VR that will take place in September 2018. The conference will be at the Skirvin and

Kidada was assisted by DRS and Workforce, North Hills Center and DHS.“I was taught life skills and techniques to reduce the stress and triggers I have. I enjoy being independent.”

KidadaDisability:

the ORC PM has been involved in all the planning details as the co-lead.ORC will be providing DRS 10 copies of the WIOA Federal Regs bound and printed as a partnership opportunity.ORC presented the FY18 draft budget for approval. Director Tyler will send the PM and Associate Director, Linda Jaco an email of her approval before July 1, 2017.ORC Program Manager has been to all committee meetings for ORC, DRS VR/VS Policy Meetings, SILC meetings, ABLE Tech advisory meetings, Oklahoma Transition Council meetings (including the Oklahoma Transition Institute where ORC PM presented with Claudia Otto a Spanish presentation for Spanish speaking parents), Workforce Development Board meetings, American Job Center Partner meetings, Alumni Workforce Celebration planning committee meetings, Oklahoma Works planning committee meetings, Impartial Hearing Officer planning committee meetings, and VR Summit planning committee. ORC PM has worked closelywith the Process Improvement Unit re: Transition Survey planning, preparation and dissemination for the Statewide Assessment and Statewide Assessment Focus Groups that will be held across the state the month of October 2017.

Executive Committee Activities Met

Activity 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesMeet with DSA Division Administrators and the State Director, quarterly, or as needed, to maintain regular communication and collaborate on the development of the agenda.This is being met as all Executive Committee Meetings are held quarterly between the dates of the regularly scheduled ORC quarterly meetings.Explanation: The Executive Committee approved a Sponsorship today in the amount of 1,200 for 10 break out rooms in the amount of $120.00 a piece for the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR) Conference, which involves the Tribal VR Programs.

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Executive Committee Activities (continued) Met

Activity 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesAs a Council vacancy opens, the Program Manager will recruit, recommend, and consult with the Governor’s Deputy of Appointments to ensure membership compliance with the Rehabilitation Act.This is being met as PM is constantly recruiting and seeking new potential members to have available going forward and maintains these contacts on an excel spread sheet.Explanation:There will some changes come this September because of the end of term of some of the Council positionsPM has met with Chris Bruehl again and 3 more positions are being filled at this time for BIL, Advocacy group and VR Counselor. Awaiting one final position to replace Jane Ciorba.

Activity 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesActively recruit and outreach with businesses and disability organizations to educate them on the services ofDSA as well as the SRC purpose.Explanation: Met with Executive Committee and ORC is reaching out to these businesses and disability organizations. This activity is being met. Need updates from the Business Services Unit and the process of developing a Business Services Model.Mark, Teresa, Linda and ORC PM will meet to discuss options that may impact the Employment Committee moving forward. OKDRS should work to develop new sources of employment and job training opportunities. This will be assigned to the Employment Committee.The Employment committee met on 6/20/17 also and the IPS model was discussed in depth with the committee. The committee is doing more research to pin point findings to present to DRS.

Activity 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesContinue to coordinate with the DSA Division Administrators to ensure attendance of Field Coordinators and associate members to attend quarterly meetings.Explanation: This activity is being met. All Division Administrators and Field Coordinators attend regularly scheduled quarterly ORC meetings.

Activity 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe Program Manager will participate on the DSA WBD Team.Explanation: This activity is being met. PM is very active and participates in the Workforce Development Board Team meetings. Activity is being met. ORC PM attends these meetings on a regular basis.

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Mark

Disability: PTSD and Bipolar

Activity 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe ORC will send at least one representative to the SILC quarterly meetings and a SILC representative will attend and report to the ORC on SILC activities.Explanation: No partnering opportunities have been brought forth to date. Currently, not being met. ORC and SILC need to schedule a time to meet and discuss this activity.Vickie Walls, the Chair of the SILC is attending all ORC quarterly meetings to that she can understand the needs of the ORC and collaborate between SILC and ORC. There will be a new appointment to the ORC for a SILC representative as there is no participation currently.ORC PM to attend SILC meeting on 4/28/17 and discuss with the SILC board about further partnerships.

Activity 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesExplore opportunities for orientation of SILC members on the role of the ORC.Explanation: Vickie Walls, the Chair of the SILC is attending all ORC quarterly meetings to that she can understand the needs of the ORC and collaborate between SILC and ORC. There will be a new appointment to the ORC for a SILC representative as there is no participation currently.

Activity 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesContinually review and update the ORC Website.This activity is being met as this is constantly being updated by PM and OSU web designer.Explanation: ORC PM, Linda Jaco (Associate Director and Director of Sponsored Programs) and OSU web design staff are working on improving the look of the website constantly. There is a new feature of a web interactive map of success stories for a trendier look.

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“I am grateful for the help I received from the taxpayers of Oklahoma – your investment in me has given me joy and empowered me to lead a happy and productive life.”

Policy and Legislative CommitteeActivities include, but are not limited to, advocacy and education, policy and State Plan review, State Plan Public Hearings and Success Stories. Also, responsible for the reviewing/monitoring of pending and current disability-related legislation, particularly with respect to impact on funding; suggest/develop legislation as needed. Active participation on the DRS Policy Re-engineering Committee. Support DRS with both national and state efforts to enhance advocacy activities and services for VR/VS clientele.

Goal 4: The ORC will build capacity for consumer education and empowerment to showcase awareness and education for both consumers and employers.

Policy and Legislative Committee Objectives Met

Objective 1-1: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OngoingTo avoid duplication of efforts and enhance the number of individuals served, coordinate activities with the activities of other councils within the State, including the Statewide Independent Living Council established under 34 CFR part 364, the advisory panel established under section 612(a)(21) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council described in section 124of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the State mental health planning council established under section 1914(a) of the Public Health Service Act, the assistive technology grant and the State Workforce Development Board.Explanation: ORC will collaborate with ABLE Tech on the Adaptive Baby Care (ABC) Equipment initiative moving forward. ORC PM currently attends Workforce Development Board meetings.ORC PM attends meetings for WDB, SILC and will continue to collaborate with ABLE Tech on the ABC Equipment Initiative.ABLE Tech is in the process of spending down the Christopher Reeves Foundation money. ORC is to add the link to this initiative to the ORC website. ORC PM continues to attend meetings for WBD, SILC and will continue to collaborate with ABLE Tech on the ABC Equipment Initiative. SILC is changing the meeting datesfor their quarterly meetings to accommodate DRS and ORC, this will help with the collaboration between the groups.

Objective 1-2: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OngoingProvide for coordination and the establishment of working relationships between the designated State agency and the Statewide Independent Living Council and Centers for Independent Living within the State.Explanation: No coordination and planning to date with SILC. ORC PM is making plans for more participation.ORC PM to attend another SILC meeting and ask for feedback from the SILC chair and ED for opportunities to partner. The meeting is April 28th, 2017There has been conversation between SILC chair and ORC PM for more collaboration with the SILC. Vikki Walls, the chair is attending the ORC meetings at this time so that the two councils can come together and be a better partner. She is providing input and is looking to replace the current SILC 1

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Objective 1-3: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OngoingSupport DSA with disability-related legislation during the Oklahoma Legislative Session.Explanation: Most of the bills to be introduced have not yet been posted for the public (or private) to view. This will begin in early February. Committee will look at the bills at that time to follow.

HB 2230: This bill would exempt county jail commissaries from the state law which gives licensed blind managers priority to operate vending facilities in state and county facilities. The bill passed the House 53-37. It passed the Senate General Government Committee 5-4, and next goes before the full Senate. The indication is that this bill is still considered “a work in progress.”HB 1861: This bill requires DRS to contract out its independent living services for older blind individuals. The bill requires DRS to direct Older Blind federal grant funds along with state match funds to private, nonprofit agencies accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision (NAC). This bill was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on a 19-6 vote, but was not taken up by the full House. It is inactive for the rest of this year, but can be revived next year, if desired.SB-733: This bill allows DRS to contract out all or a portion of its independent living services for older blind individuals. Although the bill has much of the same language contained in HB-1861, it makes the contracting out of Older Blind services optional rather than mandatory. SB-733 passed the Senate and is now in the House Appropriations Committee.SB-80: The bill allows DRS to transfer funds as necessary between its disbursing funds for efficient operations. The bill places certain budgetary provisions in law so they no longer have to be re- enacted each year in a budget limits bill. SB-80 has cleared the Senate and will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on April 10. Enacted ApprovedOSB and OSD HB-1188: The bill permits teachers hired at OSB or OSD to bring with them up to 60 days of unused sick leave accrued in their previous teaching jobs. (Note: This is seen as an incentive for recruiting teachers for these two rural and specialized schools.) The bill has passed both House and Senate and is ready to go to the Governor. Enacted ApprovedRevenue: there is no resolution on revenue yet. There are several tax credits they are looking at but nothing has been finalized yet. On the House side they have talked about a 14% cut in State Agencies and programs but this has not been decided yet.Jean Jones discussed several bills (above). The one bill that Jean stated we may want to focus on is:S.B. 620: 620, a bill to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to promote compliance through education, to clarify the requirements for demand letters, to provide for a notice and cure period before the commencement of a private civil action, and for other purposes. At the next committee meeting, we awill make a decision as to what bills and legislation to focus on.

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Objective 1-3 (continued) : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OngoingAdded:

HB 1210 Olmstead: Rep. Claudia Griffith, D-Norman, and Sen. A.J. Griffin, R-Guthrie. The bill recreates the Strategic Planning Committee on the Olmstead Decision, to sunset on July 1, 2020. It has passed the House and is now in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.HB 2406 High Risk Insurance: The Proposed Committee Substitute for HB 2406 creates the Oklahoma Individual Health Insurance Market Stabilization Act. The measure provides that any permanent Oklahoma resident who is qualified for and enrolled in health coverage through the market is eligible for coverage under the Oklahoma Individual Health Insurance Market Stabilization program, with certainexceptions. The program is to be operated by a nonprofit legal entity, with administrative and operational support from the Insurance Department. The program is directed to implement the stabilization program, contingent upon approval for and receipt of federal funds, as well as to collect assessmentsdue from insurers, make payments to provide for market stabilization activities, determine eligibility for coverage, determine amount of assessment and/or percentage of premiums paid to health insurance plans for coverage by eligible individuals, establish the reimbursement rate for health insurance plans, and to apply for and receive federal funding of the program through approval of a Section 1332 waiver under the Affordable Care Act and/or participation in federal grant programs.The State’s Budget crisis for the current year has been resolved. DRS received an increase of 7.8% in the budget, they are still not at the high fiscal level they were 3 years ago but much better compared to what was received the previous year.HB 2230: HB-2230 (Rep. Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore) exempts county jail commissaries from the state law which gives licensed blind managers priority to operate vending facilities in state and county facilities.

Micah

Disability:Down Syndrome

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After graduating from high school, Micah’s counselor helped him get a position at the Chickasaw Nation Child Development Center.“I like my job. I have made a lot of friends.”

SB-733: (Sen. A. J. Griffin, R-Guthrie, and Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang) was signed and it allows DRS to contract with a private nonprofit local organization, accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC), to operate all or a portion of its program of independent livingservices for older blind individuals. (Note: SB-733 is permissive, but a bill that mandated contracting out the Older Blind program, HB-1861, remains dormant in the House and could be revived next year.)SB-478: (Sen. Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow and Rep. Lewis Moore, R-Arcadia) creates the Health Care Choice Act. The goal of the legislation is to increase choice and affordability of health insurance for Oklahomans. The bill allows the state Insurance Commissioner to provide written approval to an out-of- state insurer to sell health or accident policies in Oklahoma. Certain conditions must be met in order for the Commissioner to grant approval for such out-of-state insurance products to be sold in Oklahoma.A compact must be in place between the other states and Oklahoma. Such out-of-state insurers would also have to ensure their health policies sold in Oklahoma abide by all existing health insurance coverage requirements mandated by law in Oklahoma.Jean Jones recommended to add SB 620 which is a bill to amend the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 to promote compliance through education, to clarify the requirements for demand letters, to provide for a notice and cure period before the commencement of a private civil action, and for other purposes. SB- 80 and HB-1188 are both inactive so we will remove from the legislation that we’ll follow.HB 1210 Olmstead

HB 2406 High Risk Insurance

Policy and Legislative Committee Objectives (continued) Met

Objective 1-4: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesSupport DSA efforts with Access for All Initiative for all job seekers and businesses and employers work sites through all levels of Oklahoma Works. Working with the Governor’s Council for Workforce and Economic Development (GCWED), system partners bring sharper focus on developing and employing more Oklahomans with disabilities.Explanation: The Governor’s Council is trying to fill the gap with Oklahoma citizens. Will continue to partner with ABLE Tech on the Access for All initiative – a Workforce effort under WIOA.This effort continues.This effort continues and has been met.

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Policy and Legislative Committee Activities Met

Activity 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesPromote Job Seeker Success Stories (JSS) to be distributed annually to key stakeholders at the DSA Disability Awareness Day, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Capitol Hill visits, the Governor, and the Lieutenant Governor. Post new stories quarterly on the ORC website and share with members at the ORC quarterly meetings.Note: The target would be 24 a year (showcasing successful employment of DRS clients with disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on gathering VR, VS, Tribal, COJAC, and Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind and Transition stories). Tribal VR is to assist ORC with 9 Success stories with the 9 tribes that have a VR program in the state of OklahomaExplanation: Brenda has 2 from tribal and ORC PM has 2 thus far. A website map is under development as a new way to showcase these success stories.Update on Success Stories: they are all uploaded to the website now. The website has an interactive map which shows the stories by county. We have 11 stories completed by March 11th and there are many more that we can work on, we just need to get in touch with the clients which has proven to be a challenge because most of them don’t get back to us, but we will keep working on it.Update on Success Stories: We have 19 success stories and Renee has 2 more scheduled in the next week, we are in good shape to have all 24 completed before September 30th.Update on Success stories: PM has completed 24 stories.

Activity 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesContinue participation and input with VR/VS Division Staff to ensure the DSA policies are in alignment with the Rehabilitation Act, Oklahoma consumer needs and employment outcomes.Explanation: PM Continues to be a part of these policy meetingsPM continues to be a part of these policy meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 19th, 2017.PM continues to be a part of these policy meetings. An email was sent to the ORC Members on 6/19/17 with the new approved policy revisions to take effect on 9/11/17

Activity 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesPartner with DSA on “Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol”, by marketing the event, setting up an exhibitor booth, and assisting consumers by being legislative guides.Explanation: Awareness Day will be March 28th, 2017 and the week leading up to that day will be promotion and engagement to the community about PWDADDisability Awareness Day comments and suggestions: The council members think that it will be helpful to have a script or some kind of guide for the people that have to meet with the Legislators because sometimes is hard even for the people that have done it in the past to get their point across. Also it would be good to

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have an informational session before Disability Awareness Day to give them more information on what the Agency’s message should be. Have a few clients (success stories) come and share their stories with theLegislators and help our representatives get the point across. Its better when they have a client tell their story because it gives the Legislators an idea of all the services DRS is providing the clients and the importance of them. Get a summary or feedback from the Legislator leaders on how the visits went, what was the feel of the members they spoke to, or if they get any questions they think we need to follow up on. Send thank you notes to the Legislator offices and members that welcomed our clients and Legislator leaders. Provide a little Bio or personal information about the Legislator you are going to visit with so that the clients and Legislator Leaders have additional information and maybe they can relate to them easier.Renee Sansom met with Dana Tallon on May 3rd and she will take into consideration the ideas presented to her by the P&L Committee to make the legislative visits better. She will come to the P&L Committee meeting next year (probably in January) before Disability Awareness

Activity 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe ORC will partner with the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and National Council of State Administrators of the Blind (NCSAB) on federal legislative initiatives by attending the spring and/or fall meetings and by participating in national sub-committee activities and providing updates to full council. Council members to go as well. The ORC Program Manager will provide the Council with any DSA policy updates during each ORC Council Quarterly meeting.Explanation: ORC PM, Chair, Vice Chair and Wellness Associate Director plan on going to CSAVR in the spring.ORC PM, Chair and Wellness Associate Director attended the NCSRC meetings in April 2017. The ORC PM, Chair and a member-at-large attended CSAVR in April 2017 and the ORC PM attended Activity 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesProvide public comment on policy changes, promote consumer attendance at all public hearings and distribute flyers with summary of proposed changes and information on public hearings. .Explanation: Policy Public Comment letter has been approved and sent to the PI Unit at DRS. Hearings will be on February 6th, 7th and 8th in OKC, Tulsa and Lawton.

Activity 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesORC Program Manager to work with committee to get permission from the appropriate Legislative doorkeepers to distribute a copy of the revised Disability Primer and Success Stories in each Legislator’s Capitol mail box by the end of January, 2017.Explanation: This will occur in early February with the assistance of Linda Jaco, William Ginn and

ORC PM. Linda Jaco and ORC PM went after the quarterly meeting and distributed all of this

information on this day.

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Policy and Legislative Committee Activities (continued) Met

Activity 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesInterface with the State Treasurer’s Office in November, 2016 to inform about the ORC and express our willingness to help educate the public with disabilities about the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.Explanation: This meeting was held in November 2016 with ORC PM and Milissa Gofourth with the Treasurer’s office. They are aware of accessibility issues that need to be dealt with and they are just trying to find the funds for it.There has been no progress with the Interface with the State Treasurer’s Office from the visit on November, 2016 to inform about ORC and express our willingness to help educate the public with disabilities about achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE Tech). All the information has been given but we have not received a response from them. They are waiting on budgetThere has been some progress with the Interface with the State Treasurer’s Office from the visit on November, 2016. There will be an upcoming meeting regarding Oklahoma’s implementation of the ABLE Act. They are currently in the process of preparing an RFI to be issued in the next few months and are trying to get as much input from the disability community as possible. To that end they are having a meeting today for interested stakeholders to share their concerns, perspectives and experiences. They want to make sure they implement the ABLE Act in a way that provides the greatest benefit to Oklahomans with disabilities. Milissa Gofourth with ABLE Tech is in attendance today and will provide us with an update.Summary of ABLE Act Stakeholder Meeting -Oklahoma State CapitolHosted by: Andrew Messer and Tim Allen of the Office of Oklahoma State TreasurerAndrew began the meeting requesting input as to what Oklahomans would like to see if the Office of the Treasurer was able to move forward with a formal partnership with another state’s ABLE Act plan. The information gathered would be used to assist the attorneys as they craft a RFI.Deloris Earhart a parent advocate, formerly of the Down Syndrome Association of Central OK, shared the following ideas:Make it look like it is from Oklahoma so that qualified Oklahomans and their family members would have some assurance it is a valid program.Keep fees as low as possible.Have low minimum amounts needed to open an ABLE account.Ease of understanding of the information provided that explains the ABLE account and its features.Andrew discussed that is may be better to have one or two solid programs to choose from instead of lots of options that just add to the confusion.

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John Gajda of TARC pointed out:It would be more beneficial for the state to join a plan that was trending up, as the more investors to one financial institution, the lower the fees.Accounts need to be fluid, easy to deposit money and easy to access funds. Debit cards seem to be the trend of a more cost effective way to easily withdraw funds.Although the burden of documentation will be on the family, do not make it difficult to become certified to qualify for an account.Request that the State program provide some type of “help line” so when people have questions there is an easily accessible place to get answers, preferable in multiple modes, internet, phone, etc.Erin Taylor, parent and staff of the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council

added: Although the Department Cherylof the Treasurer does

not have funds to implement or market the program, the ODDC has included this project in their state plan and could provide funds for outreach initiatives provided by the Department of Treasurer.It is critical this information is included in the new web “Portal” being developed as a central location for all information needed for Oklahomans with

Disability:

Legally Blind

Based on her personal experience of opening an account on behalf of her minor child, it is more important to discuss the program as a “savings” plan, not an investment plan.It is very important to find out from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority as to whether they will request Medicaid payments from any outstanding amount in an ABLE account upon the death of the account holder.Milissa Gofourth, ABLE Tech stated ABLE Tech will put any information on the Oklahoma ABLE account program in the new edition of OK Funding for AT, which will provide basic program description and contact information.

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“Elaine Boykin (VS Program Manager) played a large role in where I am today and she fought for me to get my Masters. I credit my success to Elaine as she pushed me and has been a great mentor.”

Policy and Legislative Committee Activities (continued) MetAndrew briefly discussed the current options available and provided a map of the 21 states that operate an ABLE program that is on the ABLE National Resource Center website. Several states have created an“Alliance” to operate under one program, several states have offered other states to partner with them while a few states have maintained a program only for their state residence. Right now it looks like Ohio, Oregon, Nebraska and Virginia are willing to take on partners.The group discussed meeting again before the RFI goes out and then possibly periodically afterwards. It may also be easier to select a different location, as the Capitol is difficult to access. Erin announced ODDC will be providing a consumer financial literacy training on Saturday, July 29th at the Allegiance Credit Union Operations Center in OKC from 9:00 to 12:30, anyone is welcome to attend. Please RSVP as lunch will be provided.In closing Andrew requested for those at the meeting to please provide him with names of individuals that would be interested in participating in future communications or meetings.

Activity 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesCAP and ORC will request to be on the agenda to inform SILC members about the efforts of the ORC. Also, to cordially invite the SILC representative to attend ORC meetings and report on SILC activities.Explanation: William Ginn and ORC PM met this activity back in

October 2016. Completed back in October 2016.Activity 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesORC PM and DRS P&L Liaison will coordinate schedules to meet with OK Congressional members in their local district offices.Explanation: Jean Jones and ORC PM will coordinate efforts after CSAVR. This effort will be coordinated in the Summer of 2017.Jean and Renee have begun the process of mapping out the offices and which offices to meet with. Carolina is in the process of getting those appointments scheduled and we are looking at the dates of July 17th – 26th, 2017 for these visits. Waiting on confirmations at this time.This activity has been met effective today as all local district offices have received the information regarding DRS and ORC. Along with information about each particular program within DRS. Success stories were included.

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Transition CommitteeActive participation on the Oklahoma Transition Council. Support DRS with statewide efforts to enhance transition activities and services for youth in secondary settings to increase successful employment outcomes.

Goal 5: Collaborate with the DSA to address the utilization of in-demand occupation information during the career planning process as well as the enhancement of a job seeker page on the DSA website in accessible formats for all DSA consumers.

Transition Committee Objectives Objective 1-1: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe ORC will continue to increase transition resource links on the DSA websiteExplanation: ORC and the committee continue to increase the transition resource links to DSA. OngoingPM emailed Dana Tallon, DRS Public Information Office, Skills to Pay the Bills link for the DRS Transition Page. PM and Transition Committee members will continue to send links as found appropriate for the Transition page to Dana Tallon.PM and Dana continue to send links as found appropriate for the Transition page received from the committee members.

Objective 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesExplanation: Transition Committee plans on having Lyuda Polyun (Process Improvement Unit Director, here for the report in the next committee meeting.PM will get with Rod VanStavern for placement information and demand occupations correlation with the Tableau and AWARE systems.PM, Linda and Rod met on this day and discussed and reviewed the closure data for the transition aged youth and all information was sent to the ORC Transition committee members

Objective 1-3: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes

••

The ORC will disseminate the information to DSA staff.The DSA Business Service team will use the in demand occupation data to make connections to local businesses.

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Transition Committee Objectives (continued) MetTransition Committee plans on having Lyuda here for the report in the next committee meeting. Also, need to get with Division Administrators, Mark and Teresa, regarding Business Service TeamLyuda is to send this information regarding the In-Demand Occupations to PM and she will send to Thaddaeus Babb to enhance the connections to local businesses. This information was completed and distributed last year from the PI Unit and nothing has changed for the report for this FFY17 year. PM will also send information regarding WINTAC and the Career Index + to Thaddaeus Babb.PM sent report to Transition Committee as well as Thaddaeus Babb. Also informed Thaddeus of the WINTAC webinars and Career Index + information.

Goal 6: Develop an instrument to assist DSA consumers to inform all disability support organizations in OK. This would complement the Transition Planning Folder and Keeping Track of Your Progress tools. It will be disseminated to parents, students, teachers and other stakeholders.

Transition Committee Activities Met

Activity 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe ORC will invite the regional transition teams to share information (via a one pager, virtually, in person, etc.) regarding the progress of their team plans, including best practices, at the quarterly ORC meetings.Explanation: Larry and Kim, Transition Services Unit, gave recommendations for the ORC PM to email 5 different teams. ORC PM emailed them on 1/24/17.PM has confirmed May and August ORC Quarterly Meetings with Transition Teams to present what their Transition teams are doing and the progress they are making on their teams.Esther Watkins, Owasso Team, came and reported to the council regarding the Owasso Transition Program at the quarterly meeting.

Activity 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe DSA Transition Coordinator will share Indicator 14- Post-School Outcome reports provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services with the committee.Explanation: State Department of Education – Lori Chesnut to update the committee on this progress at the end of the year. On this day of the committee meeting, Lori presented a Power Point to the committee highlighting the reports from the last reporting period.Lori Chesnut will be scheduled for the next committee meeting to discuss the updated information regarding the 14-15 cohort.Lori shared the information to the committee members via Power Point Presentation and it was emailed to the council members as well for them to have.

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Activity 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe ORC will support participation of the Oklahoma Transition Council (OTC) including its collaboration with National Centers- National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT).Explanation: Currently being done – NTACT’s purpose is to assist State Education Agencies, Local Education Agencies, State VR agencies, and VR service providers in implementing evidence-based and promising practices ensuring students with disabilities, including those with significant disabilities, graduate prepared for success in postsecondary education and employment. NTACT is utilized as a resource for effective practices and predictors that promote positive post-school outcomes for all students with disabilities. Posters and flyers will be made with transition students highlighted. ABLE Tech, Oklahoma Transition Institute Teams and the Transition Committee will work with rural and urban schools to develop short 5 minute or less videos that includes a real AT IEP. This effort will utilize the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT). QIATis a nationwide host group for web resources and Best Practices for AT. There are 8 indicators for AT and Transition is one of the eight. The website is www.qiat.org. PM has confirmed May and August ORC Quarterly Meetings with Transition Teams to present what their Transition teams are doing and the progress they are making on their teams.

Activity 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe ORC will highlight Success Stories of transition students with legislators in each region.Explanation: Lori Chesnut would like to start sharing the success stories with the schools at the Secondary Transition Trainings. Kim Osmani will be getting PM information about the Transition kids of the year that were nominated for Disability Awareness Day. Brenda with the Tribal VR has submitted a few transition success stories. PM to target more transition stories. ABLE Tech is working with OSB, Wetumka and Norman districts for possible videos of students using AT in IEPs.

Activity 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe ORC will annually review the State Department of Education, Special Education Child Count Data to study trends and report to DSA in order for the DSU to have an awareness of future needs of both consumers and personnel.Explanation: State Department of Education – Lori to update the committee on this progress at the end of the year. On this day of the committee meeting, Lori presented a Power Point to the committee highlighting the reports from the last reporting period.

Activity 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes The ORC will begin to research resources for disability specific categories. http://sde.ok.gov/sde/sites/ok.gov.sde/files/Disability%20Category%20Resource%20Guide%2006-20-14.pdf http://sde.ok.gov/sde/disability-categoryExplanation: Discussion with Amber McConnell, OU Zarrow Program, regarding grad students doing this research for the committee.

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Transition Committee Activities (continued) MetKim Osmani is to get with Amber McConnell regarding this research project to see if grad students could help.The students are working on the research of resources by disability area for the committee.

Activity 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe ORC will collaborate with the DSA Process Improvement staff to develop a needs assessment instrument to determine the needs of youth.Explanation: Inviting Lyuda, (PI Unit) to come to the next meeting to discuss these assessments with the committee.Tiffany Davis (PI Unit) is working on this survey now. She is drafting it now and will have it for the Transition Committee Meeting next week. She wants to have the information disseminated to all partners, staff, youth, employers, etc. before the end of the school year of 2017.Tiffany Davis with the PI Unit brought the draft to review at this meeting. This will be a Transition Aged Youth 18-24 survey through survey monkey. The Transition committee members are to email Tiffany with any changes, wording or other comments by early next week 3/27/17. Tiffany will be sending out a draft link for the committee to look at prior to sending out. When the assessment is ready to be dispersed, it was discussed that ORC Transition members will send to all agency partners, Workforce, TAY agencies, SDE, schools, counselors, parents, guardians, OFN, OPC, employers and Tribes. The Committee needs to send to ALL parties to get input needed.Chair, Co-chair, ORC PM and Director of Sponsored Programs met to make changes to #1, #7, #11, #33, #35,#86, #90 to finalize the survey to be sent out to all partners by the end of April 2017 before school is out for the year.

Activity 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe DSA will conduct a needs assessment to determine the needs of youth and share the results in a final report.

Explanation: Inviting Lyuda to come to the next meeting to discuss these assessments with the committee.Tiffany Davis from the PI Unit will share this information once the results are completed.It was discussed that Tiffany Davis will share this information once the results are completed.

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Giovanni began his journey with DRS as a transition student from Owasso Public Schools. He needed to learn the skills to be a team worker.“Work has changed my whole lifestyle, behavior and personality.”

Giovanni

Disability: Learning Disability

Activity 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesThe ORC will utilize the needs assessment on transition services final report in the next state planning update.Explanation: This activity was added mid-year. However, there are plans to continue this partnership and discussion during FFY17.Activity 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoUtilize the needs assessment on transition services final report in the next state planning update. Explanation: Inviting Lyuda to come to the next meeting to discuss these assessments with the committee. In September – October 2017 time frame, this information will be utilized for the update to the State Plan.It was discussed that the tate Plan Team will get this information in September – October 2017 and the information will be utilized for the update to the State Plan.

Goal 7: Develop and conduct a needs assessment of individuals with disabilities for transition career services and pre-employment transition services, including services coordinated with transition services provided under IDEA with a Note of: This goal will satisfy the final requirement listed in the VR Services portion of the Unified State Plan – Description – Statewide Assessment.

Employment CommitteeWith an increased emphasis on employment under the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), this committee will work together to strengthen coordination with employment and training services for individuals with disabilities who are job seekers.

Goal 8: The ORC will collaborate with DRS to proactively promote Job Seeker Customer motivation, thus reducing “no-show” activities.

Employment Committee Objectives Met

Objective 1-1: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoDetermine whether or not a model or toolkit addressing this job seeker challenging issue already exists. Committee decided months ago to not pursue the toolkit idea as the DSA will be starting a pilot project with the individual Placement and Supports (IPS) Model.Explanation: Next steps with the committee is further exploration and research as to the causes behind why youth and adults struggle with following through on activities which would provide them with enhanced employment opportunities. Improved efforts need to happen with parents and/or guardians in order to help them understand how to better prepare their children for realistic expectations associated with career readiness and employment. Suzanne Williams with Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance

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Employment Committee Objectives (continued) MetAbuse discussed with the committee the new contract with DRS that will be piloting the Oklahoma Individual Placement and Supports (IPS) Program. There are pilots in Oklahoma County, Tulsa County and GrandLake Area. These pilot programs are related to the transition age youth and adults. In depth knowledge, it allows counselors to have a comprehensive report to share with job seekers specifically knowing what they want / need. Collaboration between DRS and ODMHSAS to use IPS to enhance services providing enhanced outcomes and case closures. The program allows the counselors to have better understanding, meetwith employers within the first 30 days, develop a career profile, process them fast, job development with employers, meet them out in the community, don’t have to go to the office with them, go to meet them and employer buy in. There are other states doing this and they are Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Florida, New Hampshire and Washington State. Jackie Shepp has requested meeting with Noel Tyler.Counselor surveys regarding ‘client no show’ to go out this year. VS is currently implementing a phone survey with VS clientele to gather information. PM to get with Mark and Teresa for more information and questions to ask for the survey. Information about the IPS Model is a national model with improved ‘rapid placement’ employment that has had great results. DRS has met with ODMHSAS and has started a pilot program.Suzanne Williams will be providing data prior to having IPS and other data that ORC could bring forward. 5 states have had an improved rate.Committee met on this day to discuss in detail the IPS and how it works. There is a lot of research that needs to be done and continue before any moves can be made for DRS. We are dealing with policy changes that need to be made and a close look at the outcomes / vocational goals for the DRS job seekers. OKDMHSAS is doing a pilot on the Oklahoma Now is the Time (ONIT) project, NOT the IPS. This was discovered in today’s meeting.Janie Fugitt and Melinda Bunch with the ESS Unit at DRS attended the International IPS Conference back in May 2017 and they were very impressed with the idea of the IPS model and are interested in learning more and getting more data to see if Oklahoma DRS will or can utilize this model for better employment outcomes.

Employment Committee Activities Met

Activity 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoEach committee member researches the topic and then decides whether a new model or tailored model is needed based on their findings.Committee has a different focus at this time and will pursue the IPS Model for the DSA to research and provide pilot projects in a few areas.

Explanation: Tailor to fit our clients. Road maps. Connect the bullet points.This is on hold until the committee finds out more information regarding the model and needs from the findings.Suzanne Williams is to get some data to the council committee members to take a further look into the IPS model and to see what the outcomes can be for DRS.

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Activity 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoDevelop a survey on motivations and de-motivations to be administered to job seekers.Committee has a different focus at this time and will pursue the IPS Model for the DSA to research and provide pilot projects in a few areas.

Explanation: PI Unit to come and work with development of these questions. Verify that it is an issue. PM is to discuss the survey with Mark and Teresa and with their permission the Business Services Team as well as the Process Improvement Unit will be involved to assist with the questions on the survey. The handbook could act as a good guide in providing the committee with thoughtful questions for the survey development. This would need to be approved by DRS. It was also suggested that the ORC PM ask other states at the NCSRC conference whether or not they have worked on similar initiatives.PI Unit met with Melinda Fruendt, Linda Jaco and Renee Sansom to discuss the role of the PI unit in this committee. Tiffany Davis will be assisting with this committee as needed from the PI Unit for the development of the survey. VR/VS job seekers are not showing up and won’t come to appointments. One question that PI has is if this really is an issue for DRS counselors? Will there be a job seeker survey and a counselor survey?Is there any supporting data? Lyuda is to check with Rod VanStavern about getting this no show information from AWARE. Is this society’s problem? Maybe these questions can be imbedded in the open case satisfaction survey that the PI Unit completes. VS has developed a similar survey. Maybe VR could utilize the same information that VS is using for this particular survey. The survey will be completed by summer 2017 from the PI Unit.Tiffany Davis reported from the PI Unit that a phone survey is currently being done for VS and it started in January. They have made 3 attempts to contact 650 + job seekers. They have called 220 attempts. Theresults will be completed this summer. Rod VanStavern reported that there is no way to capture this no show information from AWARE. Job seekers have reported that they don’t feel like the counselors are sending them information to show up to anything. Since Rod can’t get a survey of the staff’s notes or information in AWARE, is it possible to survey the teachers, vocational evaluators, AT evaluators, etc. Current findings seems to be perception-based rather than evidence-based as the result of gathered data. It was brought up to add this tothe open case survey in the beginning of the year. Tiffany wants to remove 7 or8 questions and utilize the no show and workforce questions in their place. Is there a 3 strikes you’re out “rule” within DRS? PM found out that there is no policy per se, but it certainly does say in policy under consumer’s responsibility that clients will make effort to participatein their case and to seek employment (paraphrased).

Christi

Disability:

Bipolar,

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After receiving help from her Mental Health Counselor and DRS, Christi attended Culinary Tech School at OSU- Okmulgee and graduated with honors.“I’m very excited to be a success story for DRS. I have been helped greatly.”

Employment Committee Activities (continued) MetThe VS survey results are in and they reveal that:The total population included 1,064 active adult Visual Service clients who had cases open in service or employed status on January 11, 2017.The target population included 662 clients that were selected via a stratified proportional random sample based on counselor caseload using IBM’s Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.The survey was conducted via telephone by a member of the Visual Services’ staff from February to April of 2017. Contact was attempted at least three times for each client in the target population.Responses were provided by 261 clients for a response rate of 39.4%. This response rate is sufficient to be representative at a confidence level of 95% +/- a 5.27% margin of error.The majority, 64.8%, of clients did not report being offered any of the possible activities and did not provide an activity in the “Other” category.Within the group that reported being offered activities, an equal number reported attending all activities offered as reported not attending any of the offered activities (48.4%).Of those that reported being offered an activity, 92.5%, reported they received enough advanced notification, and 89.0% reported they received enough explanation about the activity.Of those that reported being offered an activity, the barriers to attendance that were most often reported from a preset list were health needs (27.0%), transportation (24.3%), and life events (21.6%).Of those that attended activities, 83.3%, reported they found the activity they attended useful, and 77.1%, reported they would attend other similar activities.The majority of clients, 74.4%, felt their counselor contacted them

enough. The majority of clients reported preferring contact via

telephone (67.2%).

Activity 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoDevelop and implement a Strategic Training Plan of the toolkit to staff within the Divisions of Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services.Committee has a different focus at this time and will pursue the IPS Model for the DSA to research and provide pilot projects in a few areas.

Explanation: This information is still yet to be determined. PM will need to get more information from Teresa and Mark.The tasks of the employment committee have veered down a separate path and it is unlikely that the toolkit will be developed at this time as through research, we have discovered other possibilities for employment outcomes

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Year In ReviewCOUNCIL

STRUCTUREDuring FFY2017, the ORC fulfilled all membership requirements of Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act with appointments by the Governor. The council had 19 members, 3 being ex-officio nonvoting members from DSA. Of the voting members, the council had 52% representation from persons with disabilities. The council members are a cross-section of individuals with disabilities who have a stake in vocational rehabilitation services. Members serve three-year terms, with the exception of the Job Seeker Assistance Program representative; no voting member can serve more than two consecutive full terms.

The council structure includes a Chair, Vice-Chair and three members-at-large as Executive Committee members. Each member-at-large of the Executive Committee holds the position of Chair on a committee. At the request of the ORC, the agency has assigned a staff liaison to each committee that acts as a content specialist to that committee called Associate Members. The Associate Members are vital due to the importance of the work of each committee

(See Appendix A, page 40, for biographies and photos of council members)

Quarterly MeetingsIn compliance with the Rehabilitation Act, the council scheduled and held four quarterly meetings during FFY16 and held an annual strategic planning meeting. Meeting dates were:

••••••

September 15, 2016 (FFY 17 Strategic Planning Meeting)November 17, 2016February 16, 2017May 18, 2017August 17, 2017September 21, 2017 (FFY 18 Strategic Planning Meeting)Sub-committees met at least once per quarter throughout the year, or more often if needed, to

complete their tasks as outlined in the ORC Strategic Plan.To request additional copies or alternate formats of this publication or for more information about the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council please contact:

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500 • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

73112-4824 (405) 951-3579 V/TTY • (405) 951-3532 Faxorc.okstate.edu

renee.sansom@okstate.edu

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DSA reported the following FFY17 data to the Commission: •

•••••••

2,014 cases had successful closure2,022 cases were closed without employment after receiving services 6,212 new applications were received which decreased by 20% drop 2,830 plans were written in the year which decreased by 45% drop 15% closed as an applicant (676 applicants)0% closed from delayed/wait list status (0 job seekers)26% closed after eligibility, before services (1,175 job seekers) 59% closed after services were initiated (2,719 job seekers)Successful Closures 2,014 vs. Unsuccessful

Closures 2,022

••••

Average days in application status: 29 days Average months in eligibility: 2.2 months Average months receiving services: 27.6 monthsAverage months in delayed status: 3.8

Cost Per Closure Type

••••

Average cost per successful closure: $8,083 Average cost per Closed Other (with IPE): $3,461The average cost per successful closure decreased by +6% The average cost per unsuccessful closure decreased by +4%3

0

6

$8,083

$3,4

1

2,014

2,022

Federal Fiscal Year 2017 was another successful campaign to help Oklahomans leave the disability rolls and move into true competitive and meaningful employment. The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services was able to assist 117 SSI/SSDI recipients completely alleviate their need for those benefit checks and turn the corner into a lifetime of substantial gainful employment. In terms of revenue generation, this brought $1,458,796.22 back to the agency followingreimbursement from the Social Security Administration. This achievement is a direct result of the dedication of rehabilitation counselors, rehabilitation technicians, DRS’ internal SSA certified Work Incentive Counselors, and other staff. The agency continues to be collectively and wholly committed to the mission of helping people with the most severe disabilities defeat the odds and say goodbye to disability benefits through quality rehabilitation counseling!

FFY17 Standards and Indicators Information: DSA met Standards and Indicators, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.1. They did not meet indicator 1.1, which is the number of closed cases with employment outcomes and 1.2, which is the number of closed cases with an employment outcome over the previous year’s outcomes. The agency came in with 2,125 successful closures and last year’s number was 2,299 for 1.1. The agency came in with 53.82% and the federal minimum is 55.80% for 1.2.

Order of Selection Information:The DSA was under an Order of Selection for the FFY17.

PROGRAM AND PLANNING COMMITTEEChairperson – Diana Garrett DRS Liaison – Tina

Program and Planning activities include, reviewing, analyzing and advising the DSA on the standards and indicators as laid out by Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Active participation on the DRS State Plan Meetings. Active participation on the Statewide Assessment development initiative. Analyze the trends of the Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Customer Satisfaction Survey Key FindingsThe 2017 VR/VS Client Satisfaction Survey was returned by 339 out of 1,998 clients, for a response rate of 16.97%. This is enough for a confidence level of 95%, plus or minus a 5% margin of error when assuming a 70% positive skew in theresponse distribution, indicating a representative sample from the total population of 9,978. Rates for the VR division are also representative at 95% +/- a 5.1% margin of error. Rates for the VS division are not

•

The overall combined valid satisfaction rate for VR and VS is 81.9%, a slight decrease from the overall satisfaction rate reported in the FFY2017 survey (84.8%).

The overall valid satisfaction rate for VR (82.7%) dropped slightly from last year’s satisfaction rate of 84.2%.The overall valid satisfaction rate for VS (76.4%) dropped 12.7 percentage points from last year’s satisfaction rate of 89.1%. The response rate for neither year was high enough to be representative of the total population.

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Customer Satisfaction Survey Key Findings (continued)

The highest combined agreement rates were for statements regarding whether clients felt their counselor treated them with respect (91.9%), whether the counselor was knowledgeable about their disability (85.8%), and whether their counselor helps them clearly understand what the program is about (85.6%).

The lowest combined agreement rate was for Statement 12: “I understand the availability and the role of CAP” (59.8%). In addition, 48 clients did not respond or answered NA to this statement (14.2% of the total respondent population). Statement 6: “My counselor refers me to other agencies or organizations that might provide additional services,” dropped nine percentage points to 68.2%.

Comments about other DRS staff and former counselors are included in Appendix 2. Comments about other needs not being met are included in Appendix 3. Additional comments are included in Appendix 4 and are classified as positive, neutral, or negative.

The combined agreement rate for statement 6: “My counselor refers me to other agencies or organizations that might provide additional services,” dropped nine percentage points to 68.2%.The majority of statements experienced drops in their agreement rates from the FFY2017 survey results.MethodologyThe 2017 Client Satisfaction Survey is a survey of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Visual Services (VS) clients age 18 or over in an active case status for whom an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) has been completed. This survey is conducted annually for the administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services. Clients without an IPE are excluded because most services do not begin until an IPE is signed. In December of 2016 data was extracted from Aware, the case management system used by the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), for the 9,978 clients that met the requirements. This group was designated the target population for the survey.

Using IBM’s Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, a random selection of 1,998 clients, approximately 20%, was made from the target population and designated as the sample population. Survey packets were mailed to each member of the sample population during the week of January 9th. Packets included a letter, the survey (numbered for confidentiality and reliability), and a postage paid return envelope.

The survey consists primarily of 5-point Likert scale questions. The options for the Likert scale are 5 (Strongly agree), 4 (Agree), 3 (Neither agree nor disagree), 2 (Disagree), 1 (Strongly disagree), and N/A. Another two questions are about response times. The three remaining questions are open-ended. The survey is included as Appendix 1.

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Surveys were returned by 339 clients, resulting in a response rate of 16.97% (Another 165 surveys were returned by the US Postal Service due to bad addresses). There is a sufficient response rate to allow application of the results to the target population at a confidence level of 95%, plus or minus a 5% margin of error when assuming a 70% positive skew in the response distribution. This assumption can be safely made based on the response distributions of multiple years of previous satisfaction surveys of this population. Frequency distributions and statistics were calculated based on data collected from the respondents. Only valid responses were included in the calculations; missing and ‘Not Applicable’ responses were excluded.

While the combined response rate is representative at 95% +/- a 5% margin of error, it should be noted that when separated and analyzed by division, the response rate for VS is not high enough to be considered representative of the total VS client population, and should be considered as only the opinions of the respondents. The VR division population is representative at 95% +/- a 5.1% margin of error, assuming the same 70% positive response skew.

PROGRAM AND PLANNING COMMITTEE (continued)

• There is collaboration with ORC, DRS, Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Oklahoma State Department of Education to improve employment outcomes. The employment Committee is working with the Executive Committee regarding IPS to improve employment outcomes.Process Improvement (PI) Unit with DRS will include Program and planning members on a panel and/or advisory team as part of the dissemination plan. There will be a stake holder team as well as a research team. The planning year is 2017-2019.This is a 3 year process that will be done in-house at DRS and ORC will be more involved, various committee members assisted with different tasks. The PI unit has assembled members of the advisory team and finalized (with the ORC Transition Committee) a Public Transition Needs Assessment Survey, targeting Youth with Disabilities between the ages of 18-24, School Staff, Parents of Youth with Disabilities, Partner Agencies staff (other state agencies, CRPs, disability advocacy groups), employers, and DRS staff. This survey was be conducted online and is anonymous.PI Unit has now done away with the closed case survey and it is only the open cases. A new survey for open cases will reflect new WIOA changes including questions from Workforce and some questions from ORC.There were 13 recommendations from the last assessment that were accepted by Administration.The current statewide assessment is in progress. The PI Unit completed the research goals and dissemination plan and an extensive project regarding the employment support services contractors (the ESS360), which will be used in the supported employment section of the needs assessment. The ESS360 allowed clients and counselors to rate the vendors and the vendors to rate DRS and answer questions regarding the clients we forward to them.The 13 Recommendations were approved and ORC is moving forward with collaborating with the Employment and Transition committees as they relate to the ORC.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEChairperson – Bill DunhamExecutive is comprised of the SRC Chair, Vice-Chair, and 3 members-at-large. The Executive Committee also consists of the Associate Director and Director of Sponsored Programs of the OSU, Department of Wellness, who oversees the contractual administration of the ORC. Ensures that committees are assigned to meet the requirements of Section 105 of the Rehab Act with regard to the following activities:

•••••

Public Hearings State PlanStatewide Assessment Job Seeker Satisfaction Annual Report

••

The ongoing dialogue between the DSA Director and ORC kept us informed of agency activities.DSA was under an Order of Selection during the FFY17 year and more than 18,000 job seekers were served in the state of Oklahoma.The Executive Committee works to oversee council activities in response to the mandated functions. It manages all council operations and ensures council decisions and recommendations are implemented. The Chair serves as the primary point of contact for the council.The Executive Committee continued to work closely with the Director to build a positive working relationship to accomplish the necessary tasks of the council. This included much involvement with the Designated State Agency (DSA) on their policy development teams, Statewide Assessment (SA) and development of the state plan. In collaboration with the ORC, the DSA divisions of vocationalrehabilitation and visual services continue to incorporate findings from all the SA into the state strategies and priorities.

•

•

• The Executive Committee purchased the 36th publication of the Institution on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI) book for the council and the Executive Committee to have available for consistency and compliance of the SRC functions.The Executive Committee approved a Sponsorship today in the amount of 1,200 for 10 break out rooms in the amount of $120.00 a piece for the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR) Conference, which involves the Tribal VR Programs.ORC Program Manager is currently the co-lead with Becky Weirsig for the 2018 Annual Summit on Performance Management in VR that will take place in September 2018. The conference will be at the Skirvin downtown Oklahoma City.ORC will be providing DRS 10 copies of the WIOA Federal Regulations bound and printed as a partnership opportunity.

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POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEEChairperson – William Ginn DRS Liaison – Jean

Policy and Legislative activities include, but are not limited to, advocacy and education, policy and State Plan review, State Plan Public Hearings and Success Stories. Also, responsible for the reviewing/monitoring of pending and current disability-related legislation, particularly with respect to impact on funding; suggest/ develop legislation as needed. Active participation on the DSA Policy Re-engineering Committee. Support DSA with both national and state efforts to enhance advocacy activities and services for VR/VS job seekers.

• The assigned liaison for this committee is the DSA Legislative Coordinator. This committee educates, informs and influences the state and federal legislative agenda as it relates to the public vocational rehabilitation program and disability employment policies.The Policy and Legislative Committee continue to utilize a disability primer for Legislators. Disability primer was created to promote education and awareness to Oklahoma Legislators. This will show the partnership with the agency to assist Oklahoma Legislators as they review and discuss laws andregulations moving forward. The primer was completed prior to the 2017 Oklahoma Legislative Session. A second primer was also created and is being utilized to use with the general public at various statewide disability-related events. Both primer documents were updated in July 2017. (See Appendix C for the primer)The Policy and Legislative Committee collaborated with the DSA Communication Office with Disability Awareness Day 2017 at the State Capitol. More than 750 people with disabilities and their advocates attended the 2017 event filling the hallways of the State Capitol and sharing their stories with lawmakers. The event drew 74 exhibitors, 290 volunteer workers, and a featured a keynote address from the Oklahoma Governor, Mary Fallin. The keynote included, information about the state Legislaturefacing a challenging budget year, and she had submitted ideas to increase revenues that included a modernization of the state’s sales tax system. She said her proposals were a starting point, and she challenged lawmakers to come up with their own ideas if they.Committee members served as legislative guides by providing direction and assistance to participants in visiting their legislators.The Policy and Legislative Committee continued its collaboration with DSA in the implementation of the Job Seeker Success Story initiative. The ORC utilized this information, which was shared withCongressional members in Washington, DC and their local staff. Job Seeker Success Stories were shared with state legislators in preparation for the Disability Awareness Day event.ORC staff and members participated in the CSAVR 2017 spring conference in Bethesda, Maryland, as well as, the 2016 fall conference in San Diego, California. While in the DC area, visits were made ‘On the Hill’ to the Oklahoma delegation to advocate for the public VR program and develop relationships with our Congressional members. This has opened doors to key players involved with legislative issues concerning people with disabilities. Our primary focus this year was the issue and concerns regarding the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

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POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE (continued)The committee continued its involvement with the DSA Policy Committee, which reviewed and analyzed agency policies to make appropriate recommendations for change to the DSA Commission. The involvement of both ORC and the Client Assistance Program throughout the entire process helps to ensure better understanding of the barriers that job seekers face regarding proposed changes to DSA policy.

• HB 2230: This bill would exempt county jail commissaries from the state law which gives licensed blind managers priority to operate vending facilities in state and county facilities. The bill passed the House 53-37. It passed the Senate General Government Committee 5-4, and next goes before the full Senate. The indication is that this bill is still considered “a work in progress.”

HB-1861: This bill requires DRS to contract out its independent living services for older blind individuals. The bill requires DRS to direct Older Blind federal grant funds along with state match funds to private, nonprofit agencies accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision (NAC). This bill was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on a 19-6 vote, but was not taken up by the full House. It is inactive for the rest of this year, but can be revived next year, if desired.

SB-733: This bill allows DRS to contract out all or a portion of its independent living services for older blind individuals. Although the bill has much of the same language contained in HB-1861, it makes the contracting out of Older Blind services optional rather than mandatory. SB-733 passed the Senate and is now in the House Appropriations Committee.

Revenue: there is no resolution on revenue yet. There are several tax credits they are looking at but nothing has been finalized yet. On the House side they have talked about a 14% cut in State Agencies and programs but this has not been decided yet.

HB 1210 Olmstead - Rep. Claudia Griffith, D-Norman, and Sen. A.J. Griffin, R-Guthrie. The bill recreates the Strategic Planning Committee on the Olmstead Decision, to sunset on July 1, 2020. It has passed the House and is now in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

HB 2406 High Risk Insurance - The Proposed Committee Substitute for HB 2406 creates the Oklahoma Individual Health Insurance Market Stabilization Act. The measure provides that any permanent Oklahoma resident who is qualified for and enrolled in health coverage through the market is eligible for coverage under the Oklahoma Individual Health Insurance Market Stabilization program, with certain exceptions. The program is to be operated by a nonprofit legal entity, with administrative and operational support from the Insurance Department. The program is directedto implement the stabilization program, contingent upon approval for and receipt of federal funds, as well as to collect assessments due from insurers, make payments to provide for market stabilization activities, determine eligibility for coverage, determine amount of assessment and/orpercentage of premiums paid to health insurance plans for coverage by eligible individuals, establishthe reimbursement rate for health insurance plans, and to apply for and receive federal funding

•

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•

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of the program through approval of a Section 1332 waiver under the Affordable Care Act and/or participation in federal grant programs.

The State’s Budget crisis for the current year has been resolved. DRS received an increase of 7.8% in the budget, they are still not at the high fiscal level they were 3 years ago but much better compared to what was received the previous year.

HB 2230: HB-2230 (Rep. Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore) exempts county jail commissaries from the state law which gives licensed blind managers priority to operate vending facilities in state and county facilities.

SB-733 (Sen. A. J. Griffin, R-Guthrie, and Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang) was signed and it allows DRS to contract with a private nonprofit local organization, accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC), to operate all or a portion of its program of independent living services for older blind individuals. (Note: SB-733 is permissive, but a bill that mandated contracting out the Older Blind program, HB-1861, remains dormant in the House and could be revived next year.)SB-478 (Sen. Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow and Rep. Lewis Moore, R-Arcadia) creates the Health Care Choice Act. The goal of the legislation is to increase choice and affordability of health insurance for Oklahomans. The bill allows the state Insurance Commissioner to provide written approval to anout-of-state insurer to sell health or accident policies in Oklahoma. Certain conditions must be met in order for the Commissioner to grant approval for such out-of-state insurance products to be sold in Oklahoma. A compact must be in place between the other states and Oklahoma. Such out-of-state insurers would also have to ensure their health policies sold in Oklahoma abide by all existing health insurance coverage requirements mandated by law in Oklahoma.HB-2406 Osborn, R-Mustang and David, R-Porter: The bill creates the Oklahoma Individual Health Insurance Market Stabilization Act, which prepared Oklahoma to create a high risk health insurance pool to cover individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. A Board is created to implement the stabilization program, contingent upon approval for and receipt of federal funds. The Board will collect assessments due from insurers, make payments to provide for market stabilization activities, determine eligibility for coverage, determine amount of assessment and/or percentage of premiums paid to health insurance plans for coverage by eligible individuals, establish the reimbursementrate for health insurance plans, and apply for and receive federal funding of the program through approval of a Section 1332 waiver under the Affordable Care Act and/or participation in federal grant programs. The bill essentially positions Oklahoma to put a high risk pool in place if the Affordable Care Act is repealed and insurers are no longer required by law to cover individuals with pre-existing conditions. The bill has been sent to the Governor.Interface with the State Treasurer’s Office in November, 2016 to inform about the ORC andexpress our willingness to help educate the public with disabilities about the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.

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POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE (continued)The ORC sought community input from program participants, advocates, employers, educators, and other stakeholders on proposed policy changes through one public hearing and through the website and emails. This public hearing was co-hosted by DSA and the ORC on February 6th, 2017 in Oklahoma City. February 7th in Tulsa and February 8th in Lawton. The ORC sent out notices statewide with non-biased information to explain how the proposed changes may affect consumers.

Proposed policy changes were posted on the DSA website to give job seekers and other stakeholders access to this information. ORC also provided public comments on the proposed revisions. Significant rule changes that became effective in 2017 were:

• Proactive stance which the agency addresses 612:10-7-24.2 to expedite eligibility determinations for applicants who have been determined eligible for VR services by An American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) Program.

• Additionally, ORC is very pleased to see new policy developed in 612:10-7-170 to include work experiences, internships and apprenticeships to help job seekers gain experience in the world of work, improve job readiness, develop career/discipline familiarity, obtain specific skills related to a career choice, or prepare for a specific occupation.

This new policy aligns well with final regulation defined in the Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act and will afford job seeker with a variety of new and appropriate work-related opportunities. Having ORC and the state’s job seeker assistance program involved in the policy development process has proven beneficial, and given individuals with disabilities a greater role in shaping an effective vocational rehabilitation program.

TRANSITIONChairperson – Lori Chesnut DRS Liaison – Kim Osmani

Transition Committee - Active participation on the Oklahoma Transition Council. Support DSA with statewide efforts to enhance transition activities and services for youth in secondary settings to increase successful employment outcomes.

• The assigned liaison for this committee was the DSA Transition Coordinator.• The committee continued participation with the Oklahoma Transition Council, a multi-agency

collaboration, for the purpose of promoting enhanced transition outcomes for secondary and postsecondary youth with disabilities. Committee members and ORC staff participated in the planning, development and implementation of the annual statewide Oklahoma Transition Institute. The 2016 OTI statewide meeting had approximately 600 participants and more than 25 teams.

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• ORC and the committee continue to increase the transition resource links to DSA. There is a Skills to Pay the Bills link for the DRS Transition Page. This page would identify: existing job preparation tools, interest inventories, resume templates and guides, job seeking tips, interview tips, budgeting information, andcommon interview questions to assist the job seeker.

Transition Committee members will continue tosend links as found appropriate for the Transition page at the Public Information Office.

State Department of Education – Lori Chesnut updated the committee on this progress at the end of the year with the Child Count Data and Indicator 14. The information was presented on a Power Point to the committee highlighting the reports from the last reporting period.This committee collaborated with the Process Improvement Unit to disperse and Transition Age Youth Survey. The ORC Transition members sent to all agency partners, Workforce, TAY agencies, SDE, schools, counselors, parents, guardians, OFN, OPC, employers and Tribes.ABLE Tech, Oklahoma Transition Institute Teams and the Transition Committee will work with rural and urban schools to develop short 5 minute or less videos that includes a real AT IEP. This effort will utilize the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT). QIAT is a nationwide host group for web resources and Best Practices for AT. There are 8 indicators for AT and Transition is one of the eight. The website is www.qiat.org.The committee continues to meet with the DSA staff to Identify underutilized in demand occupation areas that could be potential job match for consumers. The committee will review and compare outcomes with demand occupations with the DSA closure job data for transition outcomes. Another long term goal is to develop an instrument to assist DSA consumers to inform all disability support organizations in OK.

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EMPLOYMENTChairperson – Becky Bradshaw DRS Liaison – Thaddeus Babb

Employment will focus on an increased emphasis on employment under the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), this committee will work together to strengthen coordination with employment and training services for individuals with disabilities who are job seekers.

This committee is researching the possibility of DRS collaborating with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) to provided Individual Placement Supports (IPS). IPS is a model of supported employment for people with serious mental illness. IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work at regular jobs of their choosing. Although variations of supported employment exist, IPS refers to the evidence-based practice of supported employment.Mainstream education and technical training are included as ways to advance career paths.

With a high percentage rate of Oklahomans with disabilities who have Mental Health illnesses, ORC finds that this program would be an appropriate avenue to move forward with DRS in successful closures in the future.

39

APPENDIX A

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council Members

From left to right, back row: Timothy Yeahquo, Amy Martin, William Ginn, Becky Bradshaw, Wade Walters, Rick DeRennaux, Katie Woodward, Tracy Brigham*.

Left to right, middle row: Front row:Not pictured:

Linda Jaco, Renee Sansom, Tina Calloway*, Lori Chesnut. Diana Garrett, Suzanne Williams, Carolina Colclasure.Cody D. Cox, Nici Duncan, Bill Dunham, Deidra Edwards, Audrey Farnum, Teresa Flannery, Traci Foreman, Elizabeth Reeve, Noel Tyler.

* DRS Liaisons in addition to those noted above: Jean Jones, Melinda Fruendt, Kim Osmani, Thaddeus BabbBecky Bradshaw Senior HR Manager Cintas Corporation 45 N.E. 42nd St.Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 525-4717bradshawb@cintas.com

Lori ChesnutSpecial Education Coordinator State Department of Education Oliver Hodge Building2500 North Lincoln Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 521-2820lori.chestnut@sde.oKgov

Cody D . CoxArea ManagerOklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC)2102 S.E. Washington, Suite B Idabel, OK 74745(580) 286-6667cody.cox@oesc.state.ok.us

Rick DeRennauxPresident / CEO, Tech-Now Inc. 621 Brookwood Dr.Oklahoma City, OK 73139 (405) 640-7606derennaux@hotmail.com

Bill DunhamArea Clinic Manager, Amputee Empowerment Regional Coordinator Hanger Clinic, Oklahoma Clinics 6052 South Sheridan RoadTulsa, OK 74145(405) 761-0346BDunham@Hanger.com

Nici DuncanDirector of Corporate Human Resources Ditch Witch / Charles Machine WorksP.O. Box 1902 Perry, OK 73077 (580) 572-2244nduncan@charlesmachine.works

40

Deidra EdwardsParent Advising and Training Specialist Oklahoma Parents Center223 N. BroadwayPO Box 512Holdenville, OK 74848(405) 379-6015dedwards@oklahomaparentscenter.org

Audrey FarnumStaff Attorney / Administrative Hearing Office, Oklahoma Tax Commission 3700 N. Classen Blvd.Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 319-8507atfarnum@icloud.com

Teresa Flannery Community Resources and Compliance DirectorDale Rogers Training Center 2501 North UtahOklahoma City, OK 73107 (405) 946-4489 Ext. 1409TFlannery@drtc.org

Diana Garrett Executive Director Dynamic Independence 415 S. Dewes, Suite 202Bartlesville, OK 74003(918) 335-1314DGarrett@dynind.org

Traci ForemanProgram ManagerQuality Counseling and Solutions and Interventions1330 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (405) 269-1887Shacqui28@yahoo.com

William GinnCAP Director,Office of Disability Concerns 2712 Villa PromOklahoma City, OK 73107-2414 (405) 521-3756 (800) 522-8224William.Ginn@odc.oKgov

Amy MartinVR SpecialistDepartment of Rehabilitation 1501 Lera Drive, Suite 1Weatherford, OK 73096-2602(580) 816-4110amartin@okdrs.gov

Elizabeth ReeveMs. Abilities America, Inc., Founder/DirectorOCCC ESL Instructor SILC – At –Large Officer 315 SW 32nd StreetOklahoma City, OK 73109 (405) 774-0741msabilitiesamerica@gmail.com

Noel TylerDirectorDepartment of Rehabilitation Services3535 WN 58th Street, Ste 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73112-4824 (405) 951-3400Ntyler@okdrs.gov

Wade WaltersVS SpecialistDepartment of Rehabilitation 321 S. Third, Suite 2B McAlester, OK 74501-5410(918) 302-4213Wwalters@okdrs.gov

Katie WoodwardProgram Manager, OK Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program 3325 N Lincoln BlvdOklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 523-4810Katie.woodward@okstate.edu

Timothy YeahquoVocational Rehabilitation Director Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes 100 Red Moon CircleConcho, OK 73022(405) 262-0345tyeahquo@c-a-tribes.org

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council StaffRenee N . Sansom, MS Programs Manager, ORC Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council 3535 NW 58th St., Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73112-4824 Phone: (405) 951-3579Fax: (405) 951-3532renee.sansom@okstate.edu

Linda Jaco, MSAssociate Director andDirector of Sponsored Programs Department of Wellness – Oklahoma State University1514 W. Hall of Fame Stillwater, OK 74078(405) 744-9864(800) 257-1705 (v/tty)(405) 744-2487 (fax)linda.jaco@okstate.edu

Carolina Colclasure Administrative Assistant Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council 3325 N. Lincoln Blvd.Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Office Phone: (405) 523-4807 carolina.colclasure@okstate.edu

41

APPENDIX B: Cost Breakdown by County

42

Successful Closures Average Case CostsVR

VS

VR

VSCounty Transitio

nAdult Transitio

nAdult Transitio

nAdult Transitio

nAdult

Adair 1 3 $345

$3,252Alfalfa 2 1 $6,658

$6,822Atoka 3 4 $7,63

1$5,143Beaver 11 1 4 $5,957

$9,976

$7,561Beckham 1 5 1 $12,87

7$3,680

$1,431Blaine 3 3 $13,33

3$7,687Bryan 3 13 4 $15,77

6$17,005

$5,592Caddo 1 7 1 $5,99

5$12,364

$2,705Canadian 11 31 1 $12,07

3$5,837

$1,845Carter 4 10 5 $2,38

3$2,140

$4,881Cherokee 3 17 1 4 $4,91

4$4,099

$2,284

$3,523Choctaw 5 1 2 $11,04

7$19,864

$2,105Cleveland 19 85 4 9 $10,58

5$6,724

$9,427

$8,826Coal 5 1 1 $11,83

2$9,945

$3,844Comanche 9 30 12 $11,94

2$10,117

$7,148Cotton 1 1 $5,01

1$6,097Craig 2 1 $5,94

7$1,290Creek 19 60 3 $6,41

5$5,734

$14,738Custer 1 12 3 $9,91

5$10,379

$21,276Delaware 2 6 2 $2,02

8$5,892

$11,335Dewey 1 1 $5,54

8$3,624Ellis 1 $4,156Garfield 4 45 1 $7,19

9$8,488Garvin 4 8 1 $6,02

5$6,320

$2,464Grady 4 16 7 $8,04

7$5,162

$12,275Grant 2 $2,77

0Greer 4 1 $12,012

$3,673Harmon 1 1 $15,57

4$6,164Harper 1 $1,99

8Haskell 1 6 $2,436

$2,664Hughes 4 $6,390Jackson 1 5 4 $12,45

3$2,266

$8,081Jefferson

Johnston 2 $370Kay 5 24 2 $12,72

5$6,237

$23,120Kingfisher 1 2 $12,49

8$5,502Kiowa 8 $11,33

7Latimer 1 4 $3,602

$3,980

43

Successful Closures Average Case CostsVR

VS

VR

VSCounty Transitio

nAdult Transitio

nAdult Transition Adult Transition Adult

Le Flore 4 16 1 2 $21,194

$5,218

$29,656

$5,831Lincoln 6 10 $11,46

3$6,925Logan 3 10 $13,94

3$7,140Love 1 1 $18,75

9$12,843Major 2 4 $12,26

6$11,870Marshall 4 2 2 $11,78

0$14,371

$5,986Mayes 5 5 1 2 $5,16

2$11,674

$20,747

$7,777McClain 2 7 $3,30

2$13,017McCurtain 4 11 5 $10,44

2$5,439

$6,049McIntosh 4 1 $2,56

9$453Murray 2 10 $21,74

7$5,936Muskogee 1 39 2 10 $0 $4,391

$39,147

$17,224Noble 2 $9,43

1Nowata 4 8 $4,761

$11,783Okfuskee 1 3 1 $3,10

1$4,759

$2,724Oklahoma 85 30

92 24 $8,75

4$8,596

$41,257

$6,001Okmulgee 7 33 4 $2,12

8$3,730

$5,991Osage 11 5 1 $4,51

6$4,471

$5,413Ottawa 1 3 1 $19,04

1$10,235

$34,418Pawnee 3 4 $8,61

5$9,509Payne 4 20 2 $6,91

0$8,658

$4,694Pittsburg 6 30 4 5 $9,93

7$7,625

$15,588

$3,930Pontotoc 5 11 3 $6,42

1$8,467

$12,944Pottawatomie 2 9 1 $2,93

4$8,760Pushmataha 2 3 1 $10,82

5$4,519

$7,738Roger Mills 1 $30

1Rogers 15 34 3 $6,754

$6,077

$15,955Seminole 2 6 1 $2,09

6$12,650

$11,466Sequoyah 2 2 3 $15

0$17,283

$18,340Stephens 1 14 4 $8,60

9$11,090Texas 4 1 $8,74

2$10,994Tillman 1 $4,87

6Tulsa 84 283

27 $7,074

$8,002

$12,106Wagoner 4 16 4 $6,59

9$5,963

$18,179Washington 4 25 1 $8,55

1$8,117

$39,847

$5,211Washita 3 $2,93

9Woods 3 $9,250Woodward 1 20 $17,69

6$4,654Grand Total 38

81,423 22 18

1$8,370

$7,614

$21,008

$9,576

APPENDIX C: Legislative Primer

44

Employment opportunities for Oklahomans with disabilities • The poverty rate among individuals with disabilities infall considerably short as compared with other regions. Oklahoma is 27.4%, compared to 13.7% among individuals Workforce innovations Opportunities Act (WIOA) & without disabilities.Workforce System are to provide access to employment With this small card, we want to introduce, or re-introduce to everyone, ultimately increasing household wealth. The you to The Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC). ORC’s Americans with Disabilities Act adds the piece of legislation mission, as a partner with the Oklahoma Department of that unequivocally improves access to buildings, services and

Rehabilitation Services (DRS), is to assure the services of

telecommunications for those with disabilities. DRS are of high quality leading to employment of individualsDid you know? with disabilities. In FY2016, DRS successfully placed 2,014• Almost 14% of Oklahomans between the ages of 18 and 64 clients in employment. Additionally, ORC facilitates consumer have a disability. education and empowerment.

• Only 35.8% of individuals with disabilities are employedFor more information, please review our 2016 Annual Report onlinein Oklahoma, compared to 75.2% of individuals without @ http://orc.okstate.edu or contact us. Thank you.disabilities in the state. Renee Sansom, Program Manager

• Individuals with disabilities have a median income of 3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500

$21,953, while individuals without disabilities in OklahomaOklahoma City, OK 73112

(405) 951-

Dear Legislator, are you aware of these facts?

15.6% of Oklahomans have a disability.People with disabilities utilize public transportation, taxis, bicycles,walk, etc. This is two times the rate of those without disabilities.70% of people with disabilities, and of working age, are unemployed; contributing to poverty and isolation.

People with disabilities WANT to work!Accommodations don’t have to be expensive –

in fact, the average cost is only

FFY2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Text of Legislative PrimerFront Side of CardDear Legislator, are you aware of these facts?15.6% of Oklahomans have a disability. People with disabilities utilize public transportation, taxis, bicycles, walk, etc. This is two times the rate of those without disabilities.

70% of people with disabilities and of working age are unemployed, contributing to poverty and isolation.People with disabilities WANT to work!Accommodations don’t have to be expensive – in fact, the average cost is only $500.Back Side of CardEmployment opportunities for Oklahomans with disabilities fall considerable short as compared with other regions. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) & Workforce System are to provide accessto employment to everyone, ultimately increasing household wealth. The Americans with Disabilities Act adds the piece of legislation that unequivocally improves access to buildings, public services and telecommunications for those with disabilities.

With this small card, we want to introduce, or re-introduce you to The Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC).ORC’s mission, as a partner with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), is to assure the services of DRS are of high quality leading to employment of individuals with disabilities. In FY2016, DRS successfully placed 2,014 job seekers in employment. Additionally, ORC facilitates consumer education and empowerment.

For more information, please review our 2016 Annual Report online @ http:/orc.okstate.edu or contact us. Thank you.

Renee Sansom, Program Manager 3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73112(405) 951-3579renee.sansom@okstate.edu

45

APPENDIX D: Honors & Activities

ORC Sponsorship SupportIn 2017, the Oklahoma Rehabilitation

Council’s Sponsorship Fund supported two events:

Consortia of Administrators for the Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR) Mid-Year Conference | Catoosa, OK • June 26-29, 2017 The Conference’s theme was “EAGLE: Encourage, Advocate, Guide, Learn & Educate.” It was expected that over 300 individuals would attend theconference representing various Tribal VR programs, state partners and other agencies.

CANAR is the only national organization that is the collective voice for the nearly 90 tribal VR programs in 26 states, and this is the only conference geared specifically toward training or staff in Tribal VR and their partners in best practices of providing culturally-relevant and culturally-appropriate VR services to American Indians with disabilities as the seek to obtain and maintain suitable employment.

This sponsorship has been a benefit to the mission of the ORC in that State VR’s are required to partner with Tribal VRs in their state. This sponsorship has built further relationships and fostered future growth between other

ABOVE | ORC’s sponsorship allowed for 10 breakout session rooms to be utilized during the conference.

organizations and setting an example for the other Tribal VRs and State VRs to work within their own state with their Rehabilitation Council to best serve American Indians with disabilities collaboratively.

People with Disabilities Awareness Day | March 28, 2017Hundreds of people with disabilities and their advocates met with state lawmakers, Tuesday, March 28th, 2017 with a difficult request during these tough fiscal times: Stop the cuts to services. In all, 779 attended People with Disabilities Awareness Day 2017.

This year, we had 118 volunteers. Seventy-eight organizations or programs participated with exhibit tables, which

ABOVE | Albert “Bud” Averyt was awarded as DRS’ 2016 Client of the Year

ABOVE | Erica Cornelius awarded as DRS’ 2016 Student of the Year

46

APPENDIX E: Oklahoma Works System

Workforce Development BoardsToday, employers and job seekers are plagued by a skills mismatch. Communities that can create an effective, on- going talent pipeline ensures there are workers with the right skills to meet the ever changing needs of business can grow and remain competitive. For Oklahoma to have a truly world-class workforce/talent development system, the Governor, along with State Agency Workforce Partners, realized that all involved must go beyond being a “collection of hard-working, effective individual agencies” and become an “efficient, effective system providing seamless and comprehensive services.” To create this system, the decision was made to use the established and proven network of Workforce Development Boards to look at the system holistically and be the convener. The boards, being business driven, recognized that a systems approach for Oklahoma creates not only a more effective service delivery approach for Oklahoma citizens and business, but a true competitive advantage for Oklahoma’s economic development efforts; thus meeting their strategic vision that “Oklahoma’s workforce development system increases profitability for businesses and increases income for all Oklahomans.”

Access for AllOklahoma ABLE Tech is proud to partner with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) to provide training and technical assistance to Oklahoma’s Workforce System.

There are two parts to the Oklahoma Works Workforce System Access for All (referred to as “Access for All” from this point on) Certification in Oklahoma. One aspect considers accessibility in the physical space and the other considers accessibility in technology. Both focus on the environments that Job Seekers interact withwhen participating in services provided through the Oklahoma Works Workforce System Partners. Oklahoma Works Workforce System Partners and Workforce Areas will work through an Access for All Accessibility Process.

RECIPIENT | Kidada

Our shared goal as a Workforce System is to provide access to employment to everyone, ultimately increasing household wealth.

Alumni Celebration EventThe Workforce Alumni Event honors job seekers who have achieved success through DRS and Workforce Oklahoma. This success is made possible by a workforce system, guided by business professionals, and dedicated staff. The Oklahoma Works System was, and will continue to be, a place where many of Oklahoma’s citizens can find the tools that show them the steps to become productive and prosperous. The celebration commemorates the unique partnership between the public and private sectors that allow the workforce system in Oklahoma to be successful. With the partnership, the workforce system is able to provide consumers the chance to learn, grow, and obtain the workplace skills they need to be successful in providing a quality life for them and their families.

RECIPIENT | Carlos

ORC had the privilege to send in nominations of job seekers stories for this event and Carlos and Kidada received awards.

47

APPENDIX F: Support Letters

48

3535 NW 58th Street, Ste. 500 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

73112

November 20, 2017

On behalf of the members of the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC), we proudly present you with this 2017 Annual Report. It is the intent of the Council to have this annual report be a summary o the activities undertaken by the ORC during the year. Council members are extremely proud to work with, and advise, the Department of Rehabilitation Services and to represent the voice of the consumer.

During FFY17, Department of Rehabilitation Services received 6,212 new applications: 2,830 plans were written in FFY17; and 2,014 people completed Individual Plans for Employment and were successfully rehabilitated.The ORC would like to congratulate Oklahoma’s Department of Rehabilitation Services (which includes both Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services) in providing superior services statewide to individuals with disabilities. These accomplishments would not have been achieved without the dedication of the entire DRS staff who worked diligently to provide quality services that enhance Oklahomans with disabilities excellent career opportunities.

The ORC’s four standing committees (Program and Planning, Employment, Policy & Legislative and Transition) continue to work with DRS on major program issues as has been expressed in this report. Several members of the ORC continue to grow their understanding of disability converns by attending national training andeducation opportunities which increases the knowledge, skills, and abilities to improve the overall effectiveness of the Council. This effectiveness was brought to bear over the past few years, throughout Oklahoma andwhile in Washington, D.C., when the Council in partnership with DRS actively provided critical information and support to Oklahoma’s federal legislators. ORC and DRS provided them with the concerns and policy options related to the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act and advised on issues related to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The council continues to focus on understanding the law and appreciates all the support DRS is providing to ensure we are more award how this law will impact consumers.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Chair of the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council and I am excited to continue to serve in this capacity through 2017. The ORC members are a diverse and dedicated group who take their advocacy role seriously and are honored to partner and provide leadership to the Department of Rehabilitation Services and its consumers.

Respectfully,

Bill Dunham, Chairman

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council 3535 NW 58th St.,

Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Phone: 405-951-3579 | Toll Free: 1-800-569-7974Fax: 405-951-3532

FFY2017 ANNUAL REPORT

49

November 6, 2017

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council Members:

The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (ODRS) sincerely appreciates the long-standing positive and constructive partnership we have been fortunate to have over the years with the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC). The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council share a strong commitment to assist Oklahomans with disabilities attain a high quality of life through the provision of high quality services which ultimately lead to high quality employment outcomes and independence.

ODRS has enjoyed another successful year, despite a struggling economic climate, and operating under an Order of Selection by helping over 2000 Oklahomans with significant disabilities get or keep a job! The Agency appreciates the continuous guidance and support the Council provides on key issues. We also appreciate ORC’s advocacy on state and national policy issues. The council is a crucial partner in the future success of the public rehabilitation program.

As Director of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, I firmly believe the Agency is very fortunate that the ORC provides an essential role in helping to strengthen the effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation programs. DRS also appreciates the council's role at a national level, providing leadership and partnership with councils across the country. The ORC membership advocated strongly in support of the new provisions in the WIOA legislation and are to be highly commended their tireless efforts in this regard. The ORC serves a key role in influencing the direction of the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act as it begins to unfold and can play a major role in determining how this new legislation affects our disabled consumers at the state level.

As the Agency faces new challenges, the ODRS will continue striving towards our mission to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve productivity, independence and an enriched quality of life.

Sincerely,

Noel Tyler, DirectorOklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services

Empower Oklahomans with Disabilities

3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 | Office: 405-951-3400 | Fax: 405-951-3529

Director Noel TylerCommissioners Lynda Collins, April Danahy and Jack Tucker

50

November 9, 2017

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council 3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Attention: Renee SansomDear Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council Members:We are pleased to write this letter of support for the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council. As Field Service Coordinators for the Visual Services Division of DRS, we have worked with the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council for many years. We are very proud of the partnership between the ORC and the Division of Visual Services, and can see great enhancements in the lives of our blind and visually impaired consumers as a result of the work of the Council. The Council is very conscientious about upholding the Rehabilitation Act and insuring that consumers are treated with dignity and respect.The ORC involvement in projects such as Disability Awareness Day and various activities involving youth in transition services, along with an unwavering commitment to expand the public awareness of the many services available to citizens through participation in a vocational rehabilitation plan, continually works toward improvement of life and opportunities for people with disabilities. The ORC partners with OKDRS to promote relations with consumers as well as other groups that provide services to Oklahomans with disabilities. We constantly see ORC represented at various job fairs, transition activities and other events across Oklahoma to raise awareness and educate employers, educators and citizens about the abilities of persons with visual impairments and blindness.Please accept our sincere thanks for the hard work ORC does in educational outreach, to build good relationships with our Congressional Representatives and Senators, resulting in improved lines of communication between DRS and our Washington representatives. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call on us.Sincerely,Teresa McDermott, Field Service Coordinator, Visual Services Fatos Floyd, Field Service Coordinator, Visual Services

Empower Oklahomans with Disabilities

FFY2017 ANNUAL REPORT

51

November 6, 2017

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council 3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500 Oklahoma City, Ok 73112

Dear Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council Members,

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Oklahoma Rehabilitation (ORC) for its outstanding collaboration, and partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (OKDRS). The State Of Oklahoma truly has one of the best SRC’s in the nation.

During the past year ORC has been actively involved in participating in our Policy and Re-engineering Committee, which is improving and streamlining OKDRS Policy and Procedures. The ORC is involved in many activities including, Job Seeker Success Stories, Statewide Assessment and development of the State Plan and Workforce Initiatives for OKDRS.

The ORC continues to be involved in projects such as Disability Awareness Day and various activities involving youth in transition services and activities. The ORC partners with OKDRS to continuously improve relations with consumers as well as, other groups that provide services to Oklahomans with Disabilities.

I would like to thank Renee Sansom for her work and increased involvement with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. I look forward to working with the ORC next year and many years to come.

Sincerely,

Mark Kinnison, Division Administrator Vocational Rehabilitation

Empower Oklahomans with Disabilities

3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 | Office: 405-951-3400 | Fax: 405-951-3529 Director Noel Tyler

Commissioners Emily Cheng, April Danahy and Jack Tucker

To contact the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council: 3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500

Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 951-3579www.orc.okstate.edu