OKLAHOMA CITY — It’s always exciting when an individual finds employment. It’s no different for a person with a disability. The difference lies in the barriers that can make it difficult for people with disabilities to find work.
In 2024, 1,045 Oklahomans with disabilities went to work thanks to the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation and the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired employment programs.
DRS is joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month. NDEAM is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October.
This year, NDEAM is celebrating its 80th anniversary. This year’s theme is Celebrating Value and Talent.
“This year is a milestone for National Disability Employment Awareness Month and celebrating people with disabilities finding careers,” DRS Executive Director Melinda Fruendt said. “DRS is proud to assist Oklahomans who have a disability by having employment programs that create dependable, job-ready clients with disabilities ready to build a career.”
DRS encourages anyone facing barriers to employment due to a disability to apply for services by calling 800-487-4042 to reach a local office, visiting www.okdrs.gov for more information or filling out a self-referral online.
DRS Services include career counseling, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental disabilities, education and training, assistive technology and job placement – all intended to improve future employment outcomes.
To qualify for services, clients must have a physical or mental disability that is a substantial barrier to employment. They must be able to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services in ways that lead to finding or maintaining employment.
The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
On average, DRS clients who became employed earned $30,465 in annual wages and paid $4,570 in annual taxes in 2024. VR and SBVI staff also served 13,565 Oklahomans with disabilities on their way to employment in SFY 2024.
DRS also helps Oklahoma employers hire and train qualified workers through VR and SBVI offices and the agency’s Business Services Program. Every county in the state is served by these programs.
DRS staff work with employers to set up on-the-job training experiences for clients and may cover a portion of their salaries for a specified time. The only requirement is that the business must have a vacant position that can be filled by the trained individual upon completion of the experience.
In addition, federal Work Opportunity Tax Credits provide financial incentives that reduce tax liabilities for businesses employing people with disabilities.
“People with disabilities should never be underestimated,” Fruendt said. “In my time with DRS I have seen Oklahomans who are disabled find careers, receive accommodations so they can keep their jobs or even start their own businesses. They are the most dedicated and hardworking people out there.”
For more information about employment programs offered by DRS, visit www.okdrs.gov or phone 800-845-8476.
###