Ability at work
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), Oklahoma’s highly disability inclusive employer, installed its Program Year 2022 Board of Directors in a recent meeting. Ten members swore in to make key decisions for the agency as it continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic by providing an essential workforce for the Oklahoma City metro.
DRTC celebrates People with Disabilities Awareness Day every year — even when it’s virtual!
Dale Rogers Training Center recently celebrated the dedication of its essential staff who work at the agency’s federal contracts. DRTC employs approximately 350 people at these locations completing custodial and food service work.
Oklahomans are no stranger to dense fog, but a different kind of fog is also becoming more common at Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC). Trained staff are fogging and misting office spaces in the name of safety during this era of COVID-19.
“The agency is attuned to the safety concerns brought on by COVID-19,” said DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. “We are happy to provide this additional service to keep staff as safe as possible, while still following recommended guidelines.”
While the imagery of a fogger or mister may lead one to conjure visions of dense fog, the result is actually quite the opposite. DRTC utilizes each method to disinfect areas: foggers produce more of a spray bottle effect, while electrostatic sprayers are more targeted when applied and create a fine mist. Another key difference is the sprayers can be used safely on electronics. Basically, the electrostatic sprayers positively charge the disinfectant that seeks out negatively-charged surfaces.
Dozens of staff on DRTC’s main campus and federal contracts are trained in the use of these disinfectants, with the goal of having multiple people in each building capable of treating their area. In the future, operations may expand opening the way for people with disabilities to develop new skills with the equipment. DRTC employs approximately 300 people at its custodial contracts.
“Offering this training would encourage skill development and build confidence for our staff,” said Carolyn Thompson, DRTC Director of Custodial Services.
Cleaning Industry Management Standards (CIMS) has certified DRTC’s federal contract locations since 2012. The most recent re-certification, in 2020, again saw DRTC pass with honors. CIMS is sponsored by ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is Oklahoma’s leading community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains, serves or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), Oklahoma’s leading nonprofit employment center for people with disabilities and limiting conditions, continues to promote disability-inclusion in the workplace during National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. DRTC employs, trains or serves approximately 1,000 people with disabilities in the OKC metro every year through the following programs:
“People with a disability are an essential workforce in Oklahoma,” said Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. “We specialize in accommodations to help people reach their employment goals, and can help employers fill their employment needs with talented and dedicated personnel.”
People of all abilities can view DRTC job openings at DRTC.org/now-hiring. Positions at federal contract sites are designated as critical infrastructure, pay more than minimum wage, and include great benefits. Last year, people with disabilities in all DRTC programs earned a combined $5.9 million. DRTC is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is Oklahoma’s leading community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains, serves or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
One of our Employment Services Program participants is reaching new goals through his job. We first told you about Bradley in the June Quarterly Newsletter. He started as a Sales Associate at CVS Pharmacy during the height of the safer-at-home guidelines, and has since been promoted to Shift Supervisor.
Working in an essential business, Bradley experiences the demands of customer service.
“(I’m grateful) to have an essential job… to continue to work and to provide food, supplies and medicine to those in need,” said Bradley.
Lisa, Bradley’s Employment Training Specialist, commends his work ethic for his success.
“Brad doesn’t let his wheelchair stop him from working,” said Lisa. “He helps to unload the trucks and to stock as well as do the front counter work.”
Now that Bradley has reached one of his goals in the form of his promotion in just a few months’ time, he now has his sights set to the future. Next up? Go to college and take courses in psychology as he pursues a Bachelor’s degree. In the meantime, Bradley stays focused during the pandemic through exercise and video games.
Bradley’s employment success serves as a reminder of the importance of an inclusive workforce. Qualified applicants need the opportunity to shine and put their abilities on display.
Is your business ready to welcome a more inclusive workforce? Contact us at supportedemployment@drtc.org.
Learn more about DRTC in our 2019-2020 Annual Report.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, is Oklahoma’s leading community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains, serves and employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
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