AL-APSE, Association for Persons Supporting Employment First

Membership

APSE, The Network on Employment members receive four copies of theAdvance, the APSE newsletter, each year. Topics discussed in theAdvance include:

• Public Policy affecting People with Disabilities
• Empowerment of Supported Employment Workers
• Management of SE Programs
• Personnel Competencies and Training
• Alternative Funding Sources
• Ethical Standards for Service Providers
• The Americans with Disabilities Act
• Best Practices in SE
• SE in The Rehabilitation Act
• SE Worker and Employer Satisfaction
• Transition From School to Work
• Natural Supports
• SSA Work Incentives, PASS, IRWE, etc.
• and a myriad of other issues

Products/Resources

APSE members have access to various resources and products developed through the Association. Valuable packages are available at low or no cost on SSI and SSDI Work Incentive programs, the ADA, fee-for-service structures, best practices in supported employment, conversion, and more.

Annual Conference

APSE sponsors an annual national conference to provide a forum for sharing and collectively improving SE practice and opportunities for persons experiencing severe disabilities. APSE members have access to conference activities at reduced rates.

State Chapters

APSE members involved in the development and implementation of supported employment are tied into a national network of others involved in supported employment. State and local Chapters are forming to facilitate the continued expansion of quality SE in their states and localities. APSE currently has fully-chartered State Chapters and State Chapters in Development. Many other groups are working to develop chapters in their states.

Legislative Action and Policy Change Activity

APSE monitors issues including funding support for SE and community integration, rights for people experiencing disabilities, technical assistance, eligibility and entitlement, special education, rehabilitation, social security, and so on. In addition, APSE staff provides a voice for SE as policies are established and funding decisions are made that may have an impact on the services you are able to provide. We will bring SE issues to the table in this year's Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act. In Washington, D.C., APSE works with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) to make recommendations on the legislative language and regulations on all issues which impact the national implementation of supported employment services. APSE members are updated on national policy relevant to the continued growth and development of SE through theAdvance and periodic member service documents and policy updates.

Voting Privileges

Members have voting privileges in board elections and other questions brought before the members. Each Individual Member has one vote. Each Organizational member (as a group) has one vote.

Future Plans

As APSE gains more members, we will be able to do more to promote SE. With the increased operating capital associated with increased membership, APSE will expand membership services to include: expanded staff support for technical assistance, increased policy updates, a quarterly trade magazine, expanded representation in Washington, D.C., increased chapter support, training opportunities, state level advocacy, and a national public awareness campaign on SE.

Select here to apply for membership in APSE.