National Disability Employment Awareness Month Highlights Success Of Oklahomans With Disabilities

OKLAHOMA CITY — Last year, 2,247 Oklahomans with disabilities began earning paychecks thanks to vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance from the state Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).

DRS’ governing board, the Commission for Rehabilitation Services, recognized the achievement of both clients and agency staff at their Oct. 13 meeting.

Commission Chair Steve Shelton said, “October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month –- the perfect time to celebrate the success of hardworking citizens who reduced their need for disability benefits and become taxpaying contributors to the state’s economy.”

One in five Oklahomans has a disability, while 635,170 working-age citizens face disability-related barriers to employment.

DRS’ Visual Services and Vocational Rehabilitation staff provide career counseling, education and training, medical services to improve employment opportunities, special technology and job placement.

According to a The University Oklahoma Outreach report, “An Analysis of Program Impacts:”

DRS clients who receive vocational rehabilitation services are 77% more likely to be employed within three months after their services end.

When clients work 10 years, they repay each $1 invested in their vocational rehabilitation services with $2.3 dollars in taxes paid and reduced need for public assistance. This represents a 230% return on investment.

When clients work 30 years, the return on taxpayers’ $1 investment will be $5.3 dollars.

For more information about programs and services offered by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, visit the agency’s website at www.okrehab.org  or phone 800-845-8476. The number is accessible by phone or telecommunications equipment for the deaf.

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