Pictured from left are DRS Commissioner Janet Barresi, Shelly Rentz of Central Technology Center, DRS Commissioner Theresa Flannery and DRS Executive Director Melinda Freundt. (Photo provided)
Media release
(OKC, Okla) — Shelly Rentz from Central Technology Center was honored Tuesday as a 2024 Workforce Partner of the Year during the 31st annual People with Disabilities Awareness Day in Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services hosted the event that was held at the Oklahoma History Center and brought together hundreds of people with disabilities, their families and their supporters.
Rentz played a key role in the success of the partnership surrounding DRS/Pre-Employment Transition Services, also known as Pre-ETS. She helped ensuring the delivery of essential Transition services throughout the year, including summer programs. These programs, the Building Employment Skills for Today and Summer Employment Transition Program, are important opportunities for Oklahoma students with disabilities.
The BEST program provides a one-week opportunity for students aged 16 to 21, whether they are DRS clients or potential clients, to develop crucial skills for future employment.
These include job search and career interests, workplace readiness, social and independent living skills, as well as self-advocacy and teamwork. Students also had the chance to explore post-high school education and training options, all while engaging in fun activities.
STEP, building on the foundation laid in BEST, offers a four-week summer work training and experience program. Students who completed the BEST camp participated in part-time, paid internships within their communities, receiving daily support from work skills trainers and on-site employer mentors.
Rentz was one of 12 individuals and groups honored at the event.
Other award winners included:
- Vocational Rehabilitation Client of the Year – Mason Hightower
- Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Client of the Year – David Joy
- Oklahoma School for the Blind Student of the Year – Piper Conner
- Oklahoma School for the Deaf Student of the Year – Alex Layton
- Workforce Partner of the Year – Michelle Murray from Kiamichi Technology Center
- Agency Partner of the Year – OMES Risk Management
- Agency Partner of the Year – OMES Construction and Properties
- Community Involvement – Oklahoma School for the Deaf staff
- Excellence in Communications – Channel 6 KOTV
- Business of the Year Award – TTEC
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Jody Harlan
“This year’s People with Disabilities Awareness Day was a celebration of Oklahomans building strong foundations for their own lives, and the groups and people who have helped that journey along,” DRS Executive Director Melinda Freundt said. “Their efforts make it possible for Oklahoma’s future to grow brighter every day.”
Follow the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services on social media including @OKDRS on Twitter and Facebook, and at @okdrs on Instagram.
Last year, DRS served 85,947 individuals with disabilities with career preparation, employment, residential and outreach education, independent living programs and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits. The agency helps job seekers with disabilities face barriers to employment, such as inaccessible worksites, lack of transportation or the need for specialized equipment or training. For more information, visit http://www.okdrs.gov or phone 800-845-8476.
