The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) delivers quality services to Oklahomans with disabilities, increasing opportunities to achieve productivity and independence. Oklahoma ABLE Tech connects Oklahomans with disabilities to assistive technology. Together, we invite you to “Think Accessibility” as you provide important programs and services to job seekers in Oklahoma.
Our shared goal as a Workforce System is to provide access to employment to everyone, ultimately increasing household wealth.
The partnership between DRS and Oklahoma ABLE Tech seeks to narrow some of the gaps in the state between individuals with disabilities and individuals without disabilities. Some facts to know…
- 15.8% of Oklahomans between the ages of 18 and 64 years old have a disability.
- Only 29.2% of individuals with disabilities are employed in Oklahoma, compared with 50.4% of individuals without disabilities in the state.
- Individuals without disabilities in Oklahoma have an annual median income of $48,936.86, while individuals with disabilities have an annual median income of $41,800.24.
- The poverty rate among individuals with disabilities in Oklahoma is 22.4% compared to 14.5% among individuals without disabilities.
(All statistics come from the University of New Hampshire Center for Research on Disability’s Annual Disability Statistics Collection, 2023.)
Oklahoma has gaps to fill when it comes to the employment of individuals with disabilities. The Oklahoma Workforce System has a great opportunity to help close those gaps.
About the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) expands opportunities for employment, independent life, and economic self-sufficiency by helping Oklahomans with disabilities bridge barriers to success in the workplace, school, and at home. DRS partners with numerous state groups, organizations, and employers to provide enhanced services to Oklahomans with disabilities. DRS is committed to Access for All in overcoming barriers to employment and services for consumers with disabilities statewide. Visit the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services webpage for more information.
About Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is a federally funded Assistive Technology (AT) Act Program serving Oklahomans. Oklahoma ABLE Tech staff provides training and technical assistance to Oklahoma state agencies, higher education institutions, and CareerTech centers to help Oklahomans get full access to services, education, and employment opportunities. Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s role includes collaborating with the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) to assist with the oversight and implementation of Oklahoma’s Electronic and Information Accessibility (EITA) laws and standards. For more information, please call Oklahoma ABLE Tech at (800)257-1705 or email abletech@okstate.edu.