District of Columbia APSE: The Network on Employment Home
Welcome!
The District of Columbia Chapter of APSE (DC-APSE): The Network on Employment, formerly known as the Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE) was developed to serve as a voice for District of Columbians with the most significant disabilities regarding supported employment and advocacy. Due to the dedication of its volunteers and assistance provided by National APSE, DC-APSE is now in its developmental stages, but it will continue to grow. This chapter was developed on June 9, 2008! We are very excited about having this opportunity to serve the community and hope that you will consider joining us.
Mission
DC-APSE: The Network on Employment is on a mission to improve and expand quality integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for persons with disabilities. Please explore our site to learn more about DC-APSE, its vision, values, and its goals by clicking on the hyperlinks, or by using the navigation bar to the left.
Pictured above are (Back row, Left to Right) Ms. Belinda Wiley, Ms. Marian Paige-Thomas, Mr. William Frye, Ms. Mary Koehler, and Ms. Jacqueline Jones; (Front Row: Ms. Bettie Palmer, Ms. Femilayo Johnson-Coker, and Ms. Rolanda Wray.
Latest News!
- Have you all heard of D.C. Hunger Solutions? With the economic downturn, budgets are tighter than ever. High food, fuel, and housing costs make it difficult to make ends meet. This may be especially true for individuals with disabilities and those on fixed incomes, among others. One program that may be helpful is the Food Stamp Program. The Food Stamp Program is the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the country. Food Stamps can be used at most grocery stores and some convenience stores to purchase food.
Have mobility concerns? Phone interviews for the Food Stamp Program are available.Help D.C. Hunger Solutions spread the word about this important program!
You can:
1. Call Ms. Srinidhi Vijaykumarat 202-986-2200, ex. 3023 with any questions about the program or for application assistance;
2. Post their flyer, which is available here in PDF and Text Formats; and
3. Print and distribute copies of our Guide to the Food Stamp Program, also available in a Text Format.
- Change Begins with Me. The Case Foundation is a champion of efforts that provide individuals the opportunity to connect with their neighbors, decide what matters most to them, form solutions and take action. That’s why, starting December 23rd, the Case Foundation just launched an online civic engagement campaign – “Change Begins With Me” – that calls on Americans everywhere to “be the change.” People across the nation are invited to visit the Case Foundation’s web site (casefoundation.org/change) and make a personal pledge to “be the change” in 2009. By finishing the sentence, “Change begins with me…” individuals can share their commitments to change their neighborhood, community or the world in 2009. One lucky participant (and guest) will be selected to come to Washington, DC to attend the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and related Inaugural festivities. And, in the spirit of giving and active civic engagement, this person will be part of the Washington, DC Martin Luther King Day of Service.
- Developmental disabilities won't shut door to college--
VU program is first in Tennessee to offer courses, life skills
By Rachel Stults, THE TENNESSEAN
- D.C. to Make Shelters Disabled-Friendly. Read more here.
- "A Life Like Yours," a documentary regarding waiting lists for people with developmental disabilities Geraldo At-Large - FOX News cable station (http://www.fox.com/links/affiliates.htm)
Airs Saturday, December 27th, 10pm
Repeats on Sunday, December 28th at 1:00 a.m.
Geraldo Rivera, host of the Fox network’s “Geraldo at Large,” says he will present a one-hour news special in January documenting the lives of the hundreds of thousands of Americans with disabilities who languish on waiting lists for government services, unable to receive the help to which they are entitled.
Speaking at the Arc’s national convention, Rivera asked people to come forward immediately with video and stories to demonstrate the challenges they face.
It is currently estimated that between 300,000 and 400,000 Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities are eligible for services such as in-home personal assistance and job training, but are not getting help because their states have failed to fund those programs adequately. Voters in Colorado last week turned down Amendment 51, which would have eliminated the state’s waiting list by increasing the sales tax by a fraction of a percent.
As a young reporter, Rivera won a Peabody award in 1972 for a documentary that documented rampant abuse and neglect at the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, New York. His reports led to government investigations of the institution, which was eventually shut down. http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/11/11/geraldo-waiting-lists/
Paula Sotnik
National Service Inclusion Project
Institute for Community Inclusion,
University of Massachusetts BostonThis report is a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the Rehabilitation Act on the employment and postsecondary education outcomes of eligible transition-age youth.
This report is a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the Rehabilitation Act on the employment and postsecondary education outcomes of eligible transition-age youth.
- Call for Presentations, APSE's National Training Conference. Presentations are encouraged on a wide range of topics within eight theme tracks related to improving and expanding integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes. If you wish to submit a conference proposal, please review the descriptions for the themes, and submit a proposal according to the instructions provided. The deadline for submission of proposals to present at the 20th National APSE Conference on Integrated Employment has been extended. If you are interested in presenting at the conference, you now have until January 9, 2009 to submit your proposal. Details and information on submitting proposals are on the APSE website at www.apse.org.
- The 20th Annual National APSE Conference will take place from June 30 - July 2, 2009 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The APSE conference focuses exclusively on facilitating integrated employment outcomes for people with significant disabilities. This year, Milwaukee will be the place to share their knowledge and expertise on the latest and best innovations related to employment! We can make "Employment for All" a reality!
- DC Aging and Disability Resource Center and its website are now available. There, you can find programs, information and services about long term care for older adults (60 and older) and persons with intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Perspectives on Employment of Persons with Disabilities Conference: The source for information and insight on disability employment issues in the federal government for more than 25 years.
- Are YOU registered to vote? Please click on "Registering to Vote" to begin the quick process.
