AL-APSE, Association for Persons Supporting Employment First

About Us

About:

The AL-APSE, Association for Persons Supporting Employment First is part of a 5,000-member organization with chapters in over 31 states. APSE, The Network on Employment was formed to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities. Supported employment enables people with disabilities who have not been successfully employed to work and contribute to society. Supported employment focuses on a person's abilities and provides the supports the individual needs to be successful on a long-term basis.

Mission:

The mission of the Alabama Chapter of APSE is to enhance innovative individualized employment opportunities, promote careers, and improve the quality of life for individual with significant disabilities by providing education, technical assistance and training, advocacy and support to people, family members, employers, and employment specialists. AL-APSE intends to encourage the development and expansion of employment with supports through coordination, collaboration communication, and choice by way of a team effort.

Goals:

1. Provide training and technical assistance to persons involved in supported employment
2. Work with APSE, The Network on Employment to effect change in Federal, State and local government by advocating and endorsing policies which enhance the employability of persons with significant disabilities.
3. Provide a forum for agencies across the state to identify key issues and to encourage inter-agency dialogue to address issues and concerns.
4. Advocate for the rights of persons with significant disabilities.
5. Provide information and education to the public and business community of the value of full participation of individual with significant disabilities in all aspects of community life.
6. Promote career planning land employment services throughout life.
7. Encourage persons with significant disabilities to be full partners in the development, planning, and choice of life options.

Activities:

• Publication of quarterly newsletter.
• Annual statewide supported employment conference.
• Annual membership meetings.
• Statewide training on a quarterly basis.