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2025 National APSE Board of Directors At-Large Candidate

CLICK to meet all nominees before the election ends on March 10.

Please describe your history/nature of involvement/interest in promoting competitive integrated employment in your state. Additionally, explain why you are passionate about competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities:

I have been involved in promoting competitive integrated employment in Hawaii for several years. As the Director of Employment Services at Work Now Hawaii, I have worked to create and lead a new Supported Employment program that has grown to serve over 150 clients in just 14 months. I also launched a successful Pre-ETS program, which expanded services for youth with disabilities. In addition, I have taken on the responsibility of running the Hawaii APSE branch, which involved developing marketing materials, organizing meetings, and managing other responsibilities associated with chapter direction. I also started the first Supported Employment Community of Practice (CoP) in Hawaii. Additionally, I have given over 20 presentations aimed at advancing the ability for providers in Hawaii to secure competitive integrated employment for their clients. I am passionate about competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities because I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to work and contribute to society. I have seen firsthand how employment can help people with disabilities gain independence, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging. I am committed to working towards a future where all people with disabilities have the opportunity to achieve their full potential through competitive, integrated employment.

What best represents your position/lived experience?

Family Member of a Person with a Disability; Service Provider or Manager

What skills, knowledge, or lived experience do you have that will contribute to strengthening and growing the financial health of APSE and promoting its mission to advance employment and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities?

I have a proven track record of developing and implementing successful programs that serve individuals with disabilities. In my brief time at Work Now Hawaii, I launched and ran a highly successful program that has become profitable within the first 15 months of operation. This program has created opportunities for over 150 clients across multiple employment fields, with many resulting in above average wages and matching pre-identified job goals. The Work Now Hawaii programs heavily focus on individualized support and promotion of independence and self-advocacy for our clients.

In addition to my time at Work Now Hawaii, I have taken on the responsibility of leading the Hawaii APSE chapter, managing the organization’s mission and outreach efforts to expand the reach of CIE efforts throughout the state. I also launched the first Hawaii Community of Practice, which aims to improve service levels across the state through collaboration and training with all providers in Hawaii.

I also serve as support to the Hawaii State Independent Living Council by promoting independent living strategies and programs for people with disabilities.

What relevance does/should APSE and its chapters/members have in national and state conversations regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion?

APSE and its chapters/members play a crucial role in national and state conversations regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion by advocating for competitive, integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. Our expertise should be the guiding light in all conversations across all employment fields, opening up a wide range of opportunities for our community and the employers within the community. By sharing best practices, data, and personal stories to highlight the benefits of competitive, integrated employment for both individuals with disabilities and employers, APSE can demonstrate the numerous benefits of developing relationships with this highly talented and diverse workforce. APSE chapters can also work with local organizations and businesses to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives. By actively participating in these conversations, APSE and its members can help create a more equitable and inclusive workforce where everyone has the opportunity to succeed

Biography

Riley Dettman is a lifelong advocate for improved support for people with disabilities and others. He currently serves as the Director of Employment Services for Work Now Hawaii, leader of the Hawaii APSE Chapter, and council to Supported Employment and Independent Living programs across Hawaii. In addition, Riley frequently gives presentations on self-advocacy, ethics, and workforce development to a wide range of audiences.

Riley is originally from Rockford, IL where he worked as a Special Education Teacher before moving to Denver, CO and beginning his career in the Employment Services field. He is a strong advocate for individualized support, Employment First, and accessibility initiatives across the country. He holds an ACRE and CESP certificate as well as a Master’s degree in International Development. In his spare time, Riley likes to make music, walk his Great Dane, and work in his garden.