2026 Iowa APSE Conference
Track to Success
Join us September 21–22, 2026, at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel for the 2026 Iowa APSE Conference: Track to Success.
Bringing together disability service providers, individuals with lived experience, employers, job coaches, job developers, and industry leaders, this year’s conference focuses on expanding meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities through collaboration, innovation, and shared experiences.
Connect with others who are helping build more inclusive workplaces, discover new strategies and ideas, and stay on track toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Who’s Headed to the Winner’s Circle?
Every year we get to celebrate the people making a real difference in Employment First across Iowa, and this year we want your nominations.
Professional Award: For a Job Coach, Job Developer, Employment Specialist, or other pro setting the pace in Employment First.
Employer Award: For an employer leading the way with inclusive, disability-friendly hiring.
Advocacy Award: For an advocate pushing policy forward and championing Employment First across the state.
Personal Achievement Award: For a person with a disability who’s crossed the finish line into employment or self-employment.
You can nominate more than one person, and someone can be nominated for more than one award. Self-nominations are welcome too.
Nominations close on September 10. Winners cross the finish line at our awards dinner on September 21 with a plaque to show for it.
“Cody was a highlight of this year’s Alabama APSE conference. He was personable and participated in the conference himself, interacting with attendees. His information was helpful to audience members, and the magic just put the presentations over the top!”
— Byron White, Alabama APSE
2026 Keynote Speaker
Cody Clark
Cody Clark is a professional magician/autistic self-advocate from Louisville, KY. He shares his magic shows and talks with audiences ranging from public library patrons and K-12 students to college students, educators, and corporate employees, sharing how autism makes him see the world differently and that he and others with autism have similar life goals and desires as anyone else. His mission is to help people realize that differences like autism are nothing to be scared of, but rather a different way of thinking.
His past clients include major universities like the University of Kentucky and Ohio State University, corporations like Energizer Holdings, Domino’s Pizza, and Delta Faucet Company, and he’s even testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee!
He can be found at codyclarkmagic.com or on social media as @codyclarkmagic.
Pre-Conference Speaker
Joseph Jones
Dr. Joseph Jones is the Chief Community Impact Officer at United Way of Central Iowa and a recognized leader in public policy, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. He has held leadership roles with Des Moines University, The Harkin Institute, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, and in state and federal government. Joseph serves on several nonprofit and corporate boards, has represented Windsor Heights on the city council since 2017, and has received numerous awards for his leadership and public service. He holds a PhD and Master of Public Administration from Drake University and is committed to strengthening communities through civic engagement and leadership.
2026 Speakers
Dr. Joseph Jones
Chief Community Impact Officer, United Way of Central Iowa
Presentation:
Staying on Track: Advocacy Tools for the Journey Ahead
Mistie Johnson, MBA
Project Director, Disability Rights Iowa
Presentation:
Welcome to the 2026 Iowa APSE Conference: Your Track to Success!
Cody Clark
Disability Advocate & Magician, Cody Clark Magic
Presentation:
Dis-Impos-Ability
Bethany Friedl
Employment & Development Coordinator, Networks for Training & Development
Presentation:
Game On! Gamification & the Environmental Inventory Challenge
Joe Murphy
Transition & Employment Coordinator, Networks for Training & Development
Presentation:
Game On! Gamification & the Environmental Inventory Challenge
Kelsey Teeter
Secondary Special Education Program Consultant–Division of Special Education
Iowa Department of Education
Presentation:
Planning Inside, Outside & All Around The Tracks: Pathways to Post-school Success for Every Student
SueAnn Morrow, PhD
Co-Founder, EDGE Inc
Presentation:
Bridging the Gap: Understanding VR, Medicaid, & Employment
Ashlea Lanz
Co-Founder, Value Inclusion Inc.
Presentation:
Bridging the Gap: Understanding VR, Medicaid, & Employment
Duane Schumate
Co-Owner, Elevations Consultation LLC
Presentation:
From Goals to Growth: Writing Clear Employment Plans & Supporting Long-Term Retention of LTSS Recipients
Ciara Ladroma
Senior Associate, Griffin-Hammis Associates
Presentation:
Living Life Through the Side Door: The Power of Relationships, Curiosity, & Connection in Employment Services
Jeri Bell
Senior Employment Specialist, One Vision
Presentation:
Manufacturing Partnerships That Work: Relationship‑Based Job Development for People with Disabilities
Judy Warth
Program Manager, University of Iowa Center for Disability & Development
Presentation:
Turning Objections into Opportunities: Effective Employer Engagement in Supported Employment
Jess Kreho
Senior Consultant
GriffinHammis Associates
Presentation:
On the Right Track: Preparing the Next Generation of Disability & Rehabilitation Professionals
John McCalley
Whole Health & Equity Director, Wellpoint Iowa
Presentation:
MCOs & Employment First: Building Bridges to Competitive Integrated Employment
Kaily Hoard
Employment Subject Matter Expert, Iowa Total Care
Presentation:
MCOs & Employment First: Building Bridges to Competitive Integrated Employment
Jim Plorins
Employment Specialist, Molina Healthcare
Presentation:
MCOs & Employment First: Building Bridges to Competitive Integrated Employment
Donna Wendt
Strategy & Program Director, Wellpoint Iowa
Presentation:
MCOs & Employment First: Building Bridges to Competitive Integrated Employment
Ryan Kurt
Founder & CEO, The AI Lab
Presentation:
Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Employment Support
Keri Onstot
Executive Secretary to Treasurer Roby Smith, Iowa State Treasurer’s Office
Presentation:
Save. Plan. Empower: The Benefits of an IAble Account
Thanks To Our Generous Sponsors
