DRTC celebrates People with Disabilities Awareness Day every year — even when it’s virtual!
DRTC celebrates workplace inclusion
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:
- Main campus programs – includes Special Needs Program, Vocational Services, Transition Services for area schools
- DRTC divisions – DRTC Awards, Framing, gift shop and Promotional Items (including screen printing)
- Federal contracts – providing custodial and food service at Tinker Air Force Base, FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, federal buildings downtown OKC
- Employment Services – matching job seekers with openings in the area that fit their skills and interests
“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.
Bradley’s Employment Journey
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.
DRTC introduces Chief of Contract Services
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), an entrepreneurial nonprofit agency that promotes independence through employment for people with disabilities, announces the hiring of its new Chief of Contract Services.
Kevin Sonntag joins the agency to provide leadership for DRTC’s federal contracts at multiple locations including Tinker Air Force Base, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center at FAA, US Marshals and federal buildings downtown. Sonntag will also continue to build on DRTC’s long-standing relationship with SourceAmerica®, a national nonprofit that helps link the federal government to private sector organizations as they seek to procure services through AbilityOne®.
“Kevin brings a very dynamic combination of experience and expertise to the agency and our federal contracts,” said DRTC Executive Director Deborah Copeland, M.Ed.
Sonntag most recently served as Director of Population Health & Analytics at NorthCare where he supported the agency’s transition to value-based care through improving data-driven leadership capabilities and leading population health and analytics projects. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma and has led a team of therapists at Sunbeam Family Services as Director of Counseling. Sonntag received his BBA in Management-Human Resources from Texas A&M University and completed his MA in Counseling at Denver Seminary.
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.
