BFIT Summer Program Benefits Young People with Disabilities

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BFIT participants Nicholas Jones and Ryan Dunn prepare burgers, salad and brownies for others in the class as a part of their life skills training.

Left to right: Michael Huddleston, PJ Allen, Instructor Doug Ross and Christina Chatelain, discuss different ways to search for a job.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services’ (DRS) Transition: School to Work offers high school students with disabilities a fun, motivational and informative summer program. Brighter Futures in Transition (BFIT) provides young people with disabilities with training and work experiences necessary to make informed career choices after high school.

BFIT is a nine week summer program that helps students with disabilities in DRS’ Visual Services and Vocational Rehabilitation employment programs get pre-employment and life skills training and paid work experience.

“Nothing beats a little hands-on experience to let a kid learn what work is all about,” Danny Robison, transition specialist, said. “Whether it’s what to wear to an interview to how to work the bus system, these are critical to becoming a productive member of the workforce.”

The first week of the program beginning June 7, participants evaluate and improve their skills in resume writing, interviewing, job search, money management, self-marketing, transportation and travel safety.

The next eight weeks include real work experience and paychecks as well as opportunities to discover personal strengths and meet potential employers.

There is no fee to participate in the BFIT summer program and transportation is arranged for students if needed.

For more information about DRS, call 405-951-3400 or 1-800-845-8476. Also, visit DRS Online at www.okdrs.gov for comprehensive information about DRS, including employment-related, education and self-sufficiency services provided to Oklahomans with all types of disabilities.

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