Wisconsin APSE Celebrates 20 Years
December 12, 2018 – In 2018, the Wisconsin Association for Employment First (Wisconsin APSE) celebrates its 20th year of supporting principles of inclusiveness and integrated employment for people with disabilities. This year has been monumental for statewide inclusiveness, with the passing of the Employment First Bill and Partners in Business Bill. Due to the work of a coalition of many disability advocacy groups, including Wisconsin APSE, the entire state has a heightened understanding and responsibility for ensuring that people with disabilities who want to work can do so.
During this pivotal time, Wisconsin APSE has reviewed its role in the progress of employment and will shift its focus further into educating and training businesses, prevocational and supported employment organizations, and schools on the best ways to support people with disabilities in achieving and succeeding in the workplace. Molly Gilgenbach, Co-President for Wisconsin APSE shares: “Wisconsin has made a lot of incredible progress over the last five years and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcomes of 2018. Our board is stronger than ever and focused on continuing to encourage the advancement and empowerment of people with disabilities.”
Wisconsin APSE has launched a new website which showcases success stories of people with disabilities in addition to providing training information and many resources on self-determination, community inclusion, and employment best practices. Wisconsin APSE has also recently partnered with the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and others to be a part of a federal Living Well Grant which will take steps to advance home and community-based supports across the state. This work will leave a lasting mark over the next five years and is designed to allow people with disabilities to live more safely and independently in the community. Wisconsin APSE is very excited to be a driving force in its employment activities.
Find out more about Wisconsin APSE, its board, trainings, resources, and partners, and how to become a member at www.wiapse.org. You can list your employment-related news and upcoming events with us by sending information to Molly Gilgenbach at molly.gilgenbach@goodwillsew.com.
You can also visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WisconsinAPSE or connect to us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/wisconsinapse. If your organization is interested in partnering with us to host a training in 2019, please contact Beth Lohmann at bethl@eastersealswise.com or (262) 953-2208.