Partners in Success
To support employers in hiring people with disabilities, the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO), in partnership with Pathways to Partnerships, offers Partners in Success—a free workshop and support program for businesses interested in workplace tours, job shadowing, training opportunities, or employment pathways for students with disabilities transitioning into the workforce.
What the Workshop Covers
- Tax credits and financial incentives
- Helpful resources and business supports
- Partnership opportunities with schools and community programs
- Common misconceptions about disability in the workplace
- Workplace accommodations and relevant employment laws
- A business case exercise to identify the benefits for your organization
Program Features
- No cost employer training
- Access to free consultations, partnerships, and additional training opportunities, including AFO's LEAD: Neurodiversity in the Workplace program
- Complimentary AFO Sensory Kit for each participating organization
- There is no obligation—just an opportunity to explore how competitive integrated hiring can benefit your business and your community.
LIVE Workshops
- 2 hour training available in-person or virtually
- Flexible delievery in one section or divided into sections
- The live program is pre-approved for 1.75 PDCs for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.
Sign up for a scheduled session:
or request a free training at a time that is convenient for you!
On-Demand Training
Can't find an in-person training that fits your schedule?
Our asynchronous, self-paced online course offers the same valuable content and resources as teh live workshop allowing you to complete the training anytime, anywhere at your convenience.
- Provides 90 minutes of programming
- The self-paced program is pre-approved for 1.5 PDCs for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.
Autism Foundation of Oklahoma is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.

Working Together Community Workshop
Connecting business leaders and students with disabilities to build an economically vibrant community. Join us at this community event that includes tracks for employers, students, and parents. To learn more about this opportunity please visit AFO's website.
Students will register through Pre-ETS.
- Tuesday, August 7th
- 9:30am - 1:30pm
- Mercy Hospital, 4300 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK
Networking
Make an IMPACT
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services is committed to building a workforce that values diverse perspectives and expands opportunities for people with disabilities. Through collaborations, innovative solutions, and strong partnerships, DRS supports inclusive workplaces and provide resources that help businesses and ALL Oklahomans succeed.
This is more than a meeting - it is a movement towards a workforce rooted in collaboration. Join a DRS IMPACT group and be part of the change.
IMPACT meetings are held regionally and quarterly. Connect with your Business Liason in your region.
Regions
- South Central
- Central
- Eastern/Tulsa
- Northeastern
- Southern
- Western
What is Employment First?
Employment First means that employment in the general workforce should be the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities receiving assistance from publicly-funded systems. Simply put, Employment First means real jobs for real wages.
The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) is the only national membership organization focused exclusively on Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community.
To learn more and get connected visit the APSE website.


BEST/STEP Worksites Wanted!!
We are currently looking for businesses in the OKC area to partner with us and host interns this summer.
This summer transition employment program (STEP) is a 4 week summer training and internship program for high school students, ages 16-21. Each student will have an assigned work skills trainer to support them in your workplace.
- No Cost or liability to your business
- Interns are employed and insured through our program
- Ongoing support from a Work Skills Trainer
Interested in making a difference and helping a young adult gain real world job experience, please contact Jeff Newton.
