Virtual Pre-Conference
Announcing #APSE2025 Virtual Pre-Conference Sessions!
Join us on Friday, November 8, 2024.
11am-3:30pm EST
Registration information:
APSE Professional Members: $20
(up to 7 CE credits PLUS access to recordings following the event)
Non-members: $60
(includes live event only, up to 4 CE credits)
Non-members: $100
(up to 7 CE credits PLUS access to recordings following the event)
Employment for All Virtual Pre-Conference: Keynote
11am-Noon EST
Focus on Ability - The Power of Storytelling
Keynote Speaker: Ryan Goodwin
A Focus on Ability presentation mixes together 5-minute short films that take the viewers on a journey into the lives of people with disability right across the globe. It highlights challenges, triumphs, highs and lows. The medium of film presents the viewers disability information in an informative but entertaining way. Festival Creative Director Ryan Goodwin has presented the festival in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Thailand, Spain and at the United Nations. Our catalog of films can provide the audience with a truly unforgettable experience.
Choose your breakout sessions:
Noon-1pm EST
Effective Job Coaching from the Employers Perspective
Presenter: Elysse Forbush
This presentation will focus on the do’s and don’ts of onsite job coaching, from the employers perspective. We will discuss how to appropriately communicate and strengthen relationships with employers while coaching your clients towards independent, meaningful employment. Leave with tools to create skill-based resumes that can increase your client’s chance of securing employment by highlighting their best abilities. Come prepared for a candid and practical discussion that will help you sharpen your job coaching practices and promote your clients’ success!
Noon-1pm EST
Stages of Change and Supported Employment
Presenter: Meka McNeil
Understanding and using the stages of change can assist employment staff with helping individuals with psychiatric disabilities who present unmotivated and/or ambivalent about achieving their employment goals. Whether that goal is to find employment or change jobs, this session will provide examples and tools on how to assist individuals with working through barriers while pursuing employment.
1:05-2:05pm EST
Discover AI Tools to Reduce Stress and Enhance Productivity for Employment Support Professionals
Presenter: Steve Pelton
Explore how AI can revolutionize your daily routine! In this engaging session, you'll discover powerful AI tools designed to save time and effort for Employment Support Professionals both at work and home. Learn how to streamline your life and enhance client support while maximizing your overall productivity and impact. These AI tools will help you work smarter, not harder!
1:05-2:05pm EST
Beyond Labels - Navigating (Latino) Self-Identification
Presenter: Doug Alves
U.S. Latinos have historically used a variety of identifying labels, shaped by evolving social, political, and cultural contexts. These labels reflect not only personal understandings of self but also broader historical and geographical influences. Factors such as how long ago their families immigrated to the U.S., the strength of their connection to their ethnic roots or country of origin, and the significance of representation play a crucial role in forming identity. While geography plays a part, personal and familial ties to culture often hold greater importance in shaping identity. This training will increase awareness of the diverse ways U.S. Latinos identify themselves, and how understanding these nuances can help us challenge stereotypes, ensure more accurate representation, and develop practices that genuinely address the needs of individuals and families.
2:10-3:10pm EST
The Right Fit: Business Engagement Strategies
Presenters: Jeffrey Tamburo & Wendy Quarles
We all know that striving for a job match or the "right-fit" job is one of the top priorities for job seekers and employment specialists.
This session will provide tips and techniques to discover opportunities for strong job matches through innovative business engagement activities. Join your colleagues from across the country to explore the ins and outs of forming partnerships with employers in your community.
2:10-3:10pm EST
Cultural & Collective Collaboration: Rural and Indigenous Community Focused Disability Response
Presenters: Joshua Drywater & Wendy Parent Johnson
Virginia is home to seven federally-recognized tribes and 88% of its land is considered rural. However, with transportation and other barriers, these populations often have the most difficulty in benefitting from disability services and supports. The VCU-RRTC implemented Native Initiatives in Fall of 2023 and will bring best practices and lessons learned from the first year of startup and plans moving forward. Audience participation is encouraged to ensure a robust and mindful discussion on current issues and paths to overcoming and building strong community-focused programs that place the needs and desires of rural and Indigenous communities at the center of program provision.