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2026 National APSE Board of Directors At-Large

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:

Through my work in disability service, I have been actively involved in promoting competitive, integrated employment. In my current leadership role, I work closely with individuals, families, staff, and community partners to strengthen employment services that are person-centered, community-based, and focused on real outcomes. At my agency, my teams have intentionally shifted how we think about day services by using day habilitation as a pathway to employment. We emphasize that working in the community is an achievable goal. I support teams in moving away from facility-based models by helping them focus on each person’s strengths, interests, and goals, and by building realistic, individualized paths to competitive, integrated employment. This includes coaching staff, improving employment practices, aligning services with HCBS requirements, and addressing barriers that limit full participation in the workforce. My interest in competitive, integrated employment grew from seeing the difference it makes in people’s lives. I have watched individuals who were once underestimated gain confidence and pride after getting jobs where they are valued as coworkers. Seeing someone earn their first paycheck, be recognized by a supervisor, or build natural relationships at work has reinforced for me that employment is about more than income—it’s about dignity, identity, and belonging. I am passionate about competitive, integrated employment because I believe people with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to work, grow, and contribute as anyone else. Employment should be the norm, not the exception. Through my leadership and advisory roles, I am committed to helping shift expectations, elevate the voices of individuals and providers, and support systems where competitive, integrated employment is achievable, sustainable, and truly inclusive.

What best represents your position/lived experience?

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 bring leadership experience, program knowledge, and hands-on perspective that can support APSE’s financial health while advancing its mission to expand employment and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. In my current role, I oversee programs, support staff, and make sure services run efficiently, even when it is difficult at times. I also continue to provide direct care on the floor, which keeps me connected to the realities of service delivery and helps me make informed decisions about resources, program improvements, and staff support. Staying engaged with day-to-day operations ensures my leadership remains practical and grounded in what works for both individuals and teams. I’ve navigated system-level changes, including Iowa’s newly waiver redesigns and evolving HCBS requirements, which gives me insight into how policy and funding impact programs. That perspective allows me to contribute to discussions about growth, partnerships, and strategic use of resources in ways that balance mission and sustainability. Another focus is investing in staff development. When teams are trained, supported, and empowered, outcomes improve, programs run more smoothly, and the organization is stronger financially. Clear expectations, strong practices, and data-informed decisions help ensure both mission impact and fiscal stability. By combining hands-on knowledge, program expertise, and strategic thinking, I aim to help the organization grow, strengthen its resources where I can, and expand its ability to support people with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and self-sufficiency.

How do you think serving on the National APSE Board will help you grow as a leader in the Employment First Movement?

Serving another term on the National APSE Board would let me keep growing as a leader in the Employment First movement while building on what I’ve learned during my current term. Over the past few years, I’ve participated in national discussions, contributed to policy and advocacy efforts, and worked alongside board members from across the country. That experience has given me a broader view of systems, and the impact of Employment First practices. Re-serving also allows me to expand my contribution to APSE’s mission on a national level, supporting policy change, promoting high expectations for employment outcomes, and mentoring other leaders in the movement. It’s a chance to give back while continuing to grow, combining hands-on program experience with strategy, advocacy, and leadership. Ultimately, staying on the board would strengthen my ability to drive meaningful change, advance competitive, integrated employment, and help APSE continue moving the Employment First movement forward nationwide.

Biography

Carolyn Schaefer is the Director of Day Habilitation and Employment Services with Imagine the Possibilities in Iowa, where she leads programs that support individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and community engagement. She began her career in 2015 as a job coach and quickly expanded her expertise to job development, earning her Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential the same year. Over the past decade, Carolyn has moved into supervisory and programming roles, ultimately taking on leadership of both employment and day habilitation services. Throughout her career, Carolyn has played a vital role in developing business partnerships, securing contracts, and launching innovative programs, including Imagine Pet Products in 2018. From 2016 to 2021, she contributed to the creation of two Project SEARCH sites, providing hands-on opportunities for individuals to gain competitive, integrated employment. Carolyn’s professional achievements reflect both her dedication and her leadership in the community. She completed the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, serves on the Rotary Board, and will begin her term as Rotary President in the summer of 2026. In 2023, she was appointed to the National APSE Board, further extending her influence in the Employment First movement. Known for combining hands-on experience with strategic leadership, Carolyn is committed to advancing opportunities for people with disabilities, strengthening organizational capacity, and mentoring the next generation of professionals in the field. Her career demonstrates a consistent focus on innovation, inclusion, and empowering individuals to achieve independence and success.