Bradley has quickly risen through the ranks after finding employment at CVS during the height of the pandemic. Find out what’s next for Bradley as he works on accomplishing his goals.
Turn it up: DD Audio and DRTC providing PPE
A unique partnership between a local nonprofit and worldwide manufacturer of high-quality mobile audio equipment is putting much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) in the hands of first responders in the metro.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), a nonprofit that provides training and jobs for people with disabilities, and Digital Designs Audio (DD Audio) are teaming up to produce face shields in response to COVID-19. The face shields are being manufactured for health care providers at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD).
DRTC is using DD Audio’s source files to cut the materials needed and then assembles them to specifications. While the agency’s Vocational Rehabilitation programs have been temporarily closed since March 26, 2020, staff on the main campus are producing 300-500 face shields daily.
“We learned that DRTC has the equipment necessary and can do manufacturing as well,” said Shawn Wright, with DD Audio. “This project helps both entities with their missions as well as helping the community at large.”
“DRTC has partnered with DD Audio since 2012 assisting with their packaging and kitting needs,” said DRTC Sales/Business Manager Mark Claunch. “This opportunity helps address a critical need in the community while maintaining our relationship with DD Audio during the pandemic.”
Send inquiries for completed face shields to sales@ddaudio.com; source files are available at http://ddaud.io/face-shield-files.
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 or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
DD Audio is an Oklahoma based manufacturer of high-quality mobile audio products. For more information visit https://ddaudio.com.
A new swagger at DRTC
Youth sporting over-sized, custom championship rings; working professionals taking meeting notes in pad folios; agencies handing out branded health-related promotional items at trade shows. What do they all have in common? The Swag Team working in DRTC Promotional Items.
Our detail-oriented team carefully inspects each item that passes through DRTC, ensuring quality while providing an extra level of benefit for customers across the state and beyond Oklahoma’s border. Promotional items companies typically ship orders directly to customers. At times there can be errors with the imprint, functionality, or even quantity; at DRTC, you know your order is 100%!
On this day, a large order takes over most of one work floor. Individuals are removing pad folios from a cardboard box, inspecting the zipper, and making sure they include a pad of paper—300 in all. Each one is pored over, looking for imperfections. If it doesn’t pass the test, it doesn’t go to the customer.
“We catch issues with the items,” said Shon, who proudly recounts providing quality control. She says depending on the item ordered, she can go through a whole box of up to 1,000 items.
“I like to have fun with it,” added Shon.
Dennis enjoys the pace of the job. “It’s fast and furious,” he jokes.
Lindsey agrees. She’s also on the Swag Team and has helped check all kinds of items, from custom-branded apparel to medicine containers and even emergency kits.
“I think it’s pretty awesome,” said Lindsey.
Their work is well known and greatly appreciated. Among the most notable jobs: custom youth baseball championship rings. Moore Youth Baseball Association (MYBA) is a repeat supporter of DRTC. Last year, MYBA ordered 2,400 championship and finalist rings for its tournament. In 2020, they ordered 4,000.
“Those went over like a hit,” said MYBA Tournament Director Matt Purser. “It’s been a smashing success.”
MYBA first started working with DRTC in 2011 through a trophy order. Over the years, though, the need for tournament trophies shifted to championship rings. The larger-than-life rings feature a custom MYBA design in various colors and stand out for the young athletes who earn them on the field. For Matt, the partnership extends beyond the diamond.
“We try to do as much local (business) as we can,” said Matt. “You guys are running a good business and that’s why we keep coming back.”
The District Attorney’s Council (DAC) is another repeat supporter of DRTC and stands behind the work of the Swag Team. Dale Rogers Training Center has several items listed in the State Use Program which provides work opportunities for people with disabilities.
“Quality and workmanship (are) fantastic,” said Tina Harman with DAC. “We truly love that your mission embodies putting people to work.”
Back at DRTC, quality control continues as workers discuss their favorite Pokémon characters (Lindsey & Shon prefer Pickachu, while Dennis likes Charizard, by the way).
They’re bringing a new kind of swagger to businesses, agencies, and nonprofits alike.
How can your group provide more work opportunities at DRTC? Email PromoSales@drtc.org, visit our website PromoPlace.com/DRTCpromos, or stop by in person to learn more.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
Governor’s Awards 2019
Congratulations to all of the 2019 Governor’s Disability Employment Awards winners! DRTC was well represented at the 34th annual awards ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion: five Employment Services Program participants and seven partnering businesses received honors. DRTC’s Employment Services Program works with Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services to match individuals’ capabilities and skills with job openings in the area, helping them learn the job at no additional cost to the employer. Do you own a business and want to partner with our award-winning program? Email SupportedEmployment@drtc.org.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs approximately 1,000 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
