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DRS Transition School to Work in Action

 

11.26.07: News story by KSBI in Oklahoma City.  To open the video in Windows Media Player, click here.



“Transition to Work” video transcript:

Monica Price and Kealey McIntire, reporters, KSBI-TV Channel 52, Oklahoma City

Hundreds of thousands of people in our state have disabilities and it can make it difficult to find a job, but a state agency offers a program that helps those with special needs transition to the work force. It’s one of our special series “Building better minds.”

There are many with special needs in Oklahoma including 20-year-old Caleb Risley. Kent Risley, Caleb's father, says, "We knew life wasn't going to be easy for him that's why we gave him the name Caleb."

He goes on to say, "It's a bible name. Caleb didn't have his life easy in the bible either, but he claimed his mountain and Caleb will claim his as well."

Life may not be easy but that's not stopping Caleb. He works for a local landscaping company and beautifies Oklahoma Christian University.

"Caleb always dreamed of being a student at Oklahoma Christian," says Kent. "Maybe that's not going to work out, but like one of his buddies said most people pay to go to Oklahoma Christian. Caleb gets paid to go there because he comes out here and works."

Caleb admits its hard work but its work he enjoys. The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services made it possible for him to land the job. Its part of a program called "Transition School to Work."

Kent says, "He needs help and assistance along the way just like everyone of us does."

Bonnie Allen is a Rehabilitation Specialist with the state agency. She says, "It's very beneficial to the students because it allows them to be able to have support on the job where otherwise they may not be able to maintain their jobs that they have."

In our state, there are many like Caleb with special needs. The latest statistics show there are more than 336,000 Oklahomans with two or more disabling conditions. There are also about 190,000 who have visual and hearing disabilities. In addition, some 400,000 have physical disabilities.

"I hope parents will take advantage of the program," says Kent.

It's a program that's changing lives and helping those like Caleb shoot for their dreams.

Kent says, "Caleb's a wonderful young man. He's going to make a great contribution to this world."

He is an amazing young man. For more information on the Transition to Work program and other similar programs go to the D.R.S. web site at www.okrehab.org.