Chamber Ribbon Cutting on June 24 for State Agency Serving Local Job Seekers with Disabilities

WEATHERFORD, Okla. — Members of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce will convene at 9:30 a.m. on June 24 for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) offices located at 1501 Lera Drive.

The Chamber’s newest members, DRS’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services staff, aren’t expected to hang around their modest, rented offices for long.

“Most of the time, we’re out in the community getting clients with all types of disabilities ready for employment and helping businesses find qualified, job-ready employees who really want to work,” Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Tammy Jones said.

Known for her commitment and enthusiasm, Jones was recognized by DRS in 2007 with a statewide Quality Customer Service Award. It was her idea to join the chamber and make DRS more visible by inviting the community over to see the newly rented office space.

“Our Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services staff helped 2,210 Oklahomans with disabilities find jobs in 2007,” Jones said. “We want people to know that we’re here in Weatherford.”

The divisions also provided vocational rehabilitation and employment services, such as career counseling, mental and physical restoration to improve employment opportunities, rehabilitation equipment and devices, education and job placement assistance to 18,221 individuals who were preparing to go to work.

DRS’s assistance makes job seekers with disabilities 77% more likely to be employed three months after their services end, according to a recent study by the University of Oklahoma College of Continuing Education.

The same study revealed that successfully clients return $2.3 dollars in taxes paid and reduced public assistance for each $1 invested in their vocational rehabilitation services.

Visual Services and Vocational Rehabilitation work with high school-age students with disabilities, who get a head-start on job training and work experience through Transition School to Work Programs.

Although DRS was forced to implement a temporary waiting list for new applicants in Feb. until funds are available to pay for their services, Jones seized the opportunity to take community outreach to a new level by partnering the Weatherford Chamber.

Meanwhile, all Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services staff continue to provide a full range of services to help clients on their current caseloads reach their employment goals.

The Oklahoma Legislature established DRS as an independent agency on June 11, 1993. At that time, six divisions, which were once part of the state Department of Human Services -- Visual Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, School for the Deaf, School for the Blind, Disability Determination and Management Services -- began offering assistance as one agency focusing on vocational rehabilitation, employment, independent living, residential and outreach education programs, and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits.

For more Information, phone (580) 816-4100 or visit DRS Online at www.okdrs.gov .

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