Dale Rogers Training Center Leads Efforts for a Disability-Inclusive Workforce in Oklahoma

Deborah Copeland, Executive Director and CEO, Dale Rogers Training Center ● Photo Credit: 

OKLAHOMA CITY, October 22, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – The Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), under the leadership of Executive Director and CEO Deborah Copeland, is working to build a more disability-inclusive workforce in Oklahoma. Through various employment and training programs, DRTC aims to ensure that people living with disabilities have access to the same job opportunities as their peers.

According to the organization, Oklahoma has been an Employment First state since 2015, which emphasizes that employment should be the preferred option for people with disabilities. However, there is still progress to be made. At DRTC, 64% of employees identify as having a disability, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to inclusion.

“Our mission is to promote a more disability-inclusive workforce across Oklahoma. In every workplace, in every corner of the community, people living with disabilities deserve full access to employment opportunities”, Copeland said.

Founded in 1953, DRTC provides paid vocational training and offers programs tailored to individual needs. The Employment Services Program, for instance, helps match individuals with job opportunities and provides on-the-job training to prepare them for their roles. In 2023, DRTC’s programs generated $6.2 million in earnings for individuals with disabilities.

“Investing in disability inclusion is not only beneficial for people with disabilities but the community as a whole. In Oklahoma, about 30% of people who do not participate in the workforce have a disability. These are people with great values and great motivation who don’t have access to employment, so we need to make sure every workplace is accessible”, Copeland added.

One of DRTC’s upcoming initiatives is the Hub Business Incubator Program, which will provide support and training for individuals with disabilities who want to pursue entrepreneurship. This program will offer workshops, mentorship, and long-term support to help participants develop their business plans and succeed in their ventures.

Copeland emphasized the personal impact of employment on individuals, stating, “We have a saying at DRTC: ‘Employment makes you the hero of your own life.’ Every day, I see folks find employment, and they change their own lives. They may buy a car, get married, or contribute to their household income. Employment opens the door for people to write their own story.”

For more information on DRTC’s programs, visit www.DRTC.org or contact the center at 405-946-4889.

Source: Dale Rogers Training Center