Think Ability develops inclusive work environment in Duncan

Apr. 14—For numerous years, a local nonprofit has dedicated its mission to develop employability skills and quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Think Ability's Executive Director Robin Arter joined the Duncan Noon Lions Club to chat about how Think Ability works to engage and employ residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the community.

When Think Ability began around 2014, Arter said they merged a vocational and residential company to form Think Ability. She said they've created more opportunities and are a more disability-inclusive community workforce.

Arter said they have several opportunities and a variety of programs focused on support needs for people to be successful whether, at home or in the workforce.

"Our vocational program provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and expand their work skills in a safe work environment," she said.

At the PowerPrint Shop, Arter said they teach the individuals the silk screen printing process and more printing options.

She said in silk screening they are limited on colors they can use, but with the new printer they can print an unlimited number of colors.

"You just bring us a picture and we put the t-shirt on a machine and it goes through just like a printer and prints it," she said.

Arter said they have a variety of jobs for different workers to take part in based on their skill level at the print shop.

In addition to the PowerPrint shop, Arter talked about the community gardens, where she said about 75% of their projects are cultivated by people with disabilities.

She said their individuals work throughout the year to cultivate thousands of plants — from hanging plants to vegetables.

"We just got a big order of spring plants in," she said.

As part of the community gardens, Arter said they have bed spaces available for lease.

"You come in and you can lease a bed space and for one price you work it," she said. "All the tools are there, gloves are there, seeds are there — it's good soil."

For an additional cost, Arter said they will work the garden for community members and they keep it going.

"We just call you up and say 'you've got cucumbers' or 'you've got tomatoes,'" she said. "You just swing by on the way after work and we'll run a bag out to you."

Arter said one of the reasons they started the community gardens was to provide food and allow the community an opportunity to engage with the workers.

Per tradition, the garden will host its annual lady bug release this year.

Arter said: "Lots of families bring lots of kids out."

She said as soon as they take the ladybugs out and prepare for release, they begin stirring and moving around.

In 2023, families helped to release 12,000 ladybugs.

Think Ability Gardens recently celebrated one year at its Main Street Duncan location.

Arter said the market is located on the first floor and when they first opened, they began stocking the shelves with several Amish products, because there was nobody else who carried those type of goods.

She said they began building their inventory inside their gift shop.

"We have a lot of Made in Oklahoma products," she said.

Through Think Ability's mission, Arter said they work with individuals with disabilities to provide job accommodations.

Arter said one of their workers has difficulty communicating verbally and she would communicate with gestures.

She said she had a device to help her, but it just didn't work right most of the time, but she still wanted to work. She said they fashioned a mop to an employee's seatbelt so she could work at the market.

"She drives around the first floor and sweeps for us," Arter said.

Arter said these opportunities give these individuals a purpose. She said they are in the process of updating a communication device so communication would become a lot easier.

Inside The Gardens is The Garden Cafe and the ballroom.

Arter talked about the many accomplishments of the individuals they work with, from those who saved their money, secured a loan and established credit to purchase a car. She said another married couple saved money and purchased their own home.

"People with disabilities have lots of opportunities," she said.

Think Ability employs individuals at Braum's, the hospital, McDonalds, Ace Hardware and the nonprofit is working on other areas throughout Duncan.

"It's really grown," she said.

Think Ability Garden Market, Garden Café and the Garden Banquet Hall is located at 805 W. Main and Think Ability Garden and the Garden Hub is located at 2109 W. Beech in Duncan. For more information, visit thinkabilityfirst.com or call 580-252-8000.