About Iowa APSE
Advancing Employment Equity for People with Disabilities
The Iowa Association of People Supporting Employment First
Iowa APSE is the Iowa state chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), a national organization committed to improving and expanding integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for people experiencing disabilities. Iowa APSE invites individuals with disabilities, their families, employment providers, funders, employers and others to join with us in making community employment a reality for ALL people with disabilities.
OUR MISION
To advance employment equity for people with disabilities.
OUR VISION
All people with disabilities have competitive employment in an inclusive workforce.
OUR VALUES
We believe that everyone can and should work, and have the dignity of determining their career path.
The Iowa APSE Chapter was formed to improve and expand integrated employment services and outcomes through Supported Employment for persons with disabilities. Supported Employment enables people with disabilities who have not been successfully employed to work and contribute to society. It focuses on a person’s abilities and provides the support the individual needs to be successful on a long-term basis.
It allows people experiencing disabilities, their families, businesses, and their communities to experience the successes of people with disabilities. The partnership that Supported Employment has established between individuals experiencing disabilities and their communities is having a lasting impact on the way the public perceives people with disabilities. Supported Employment allows the public to see the person for who they are rather than seeing the disability.
APSE is committed to Supported Employment and the impact it has on improving the quality of life of anyone associated with its programs. To improve services and make them available to an increasing number of people who want or need job support, APSE provides technical assistance and education to people involved, encourages service delivery based on sound values and ethics, builds a network for those supporting Supported Employment, and is actively involved in legislative and policy change. To accomplish these goals, APSE was formed to provide a strong partnership with others who share this dedication.
We Believe...
Employment is the avenue to community and economic opportunity and independence.
People have the right and responsibility to control the direction of their lives.
In inclusion and the opportunity for full participation in the community.
Supports and services should be of the highest quality, person centered, and delivered with a sense of urgency.
In promoting the involvement and participation of a diverse membership.
Networking and leadership are key to advancing community employment.
Effecting public policy to promote inclusive employment is vital.
That community employment is possible for anyone who chooses to work.
Become a Member Today!
Join Iowa APSE and help shape a more inclusive future.