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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:

As an autistic man, I have firsthand experience navigating the complexities and inherent difficulties of maintaining consistent employment due to the unique challenges presented by my disability. I have encountered numerous obstacles that are directly attributable to societal biases and misunderstandings surrounding autism. These experiences have reinforced my strong belief that it is fundamentally unfair and unacceptable that a person’s ability to participate fully in the workforce should be diminished or completely barred by their disability. This realization has ignited within me an unwavering commitment to advocate for and actively contribute to a more inclusive and equitable employment landscape. I am driven by the profound desire to ensure that future generations of individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, are not subjected to the same struggles and hardships that I have faced, but rather are afforded the opportunities and supports necessary to thrive in competitive, integrated work environments.

What best represents your position/lived experience?

Person with a Disability; Other: Director of Self-Advocacy for the Alabama Department of Mental Health

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 six years of experience in advocacy and leadership, coupled with my lived experience as an autistic man, to the table. This background has equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in the realm of competitive, integrated employment. My passion stems from witnessing firsthand the transformative power of inclusive workplaces. I am driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of their disability, deserves the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society and achieve financial independence. I am committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive in the workforce.

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

I am confident that my personal experience and expertise, as a full-time employed individual with a disability, would be a valuable asset to the Board of Directors. I am eager to continually learn and expand my professional network, and I believe this presents an excellent opportunity to achieve both.

Biography

My name is Niles Valentine, and I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of thirteen. Being aware of the potential challenges that can arise with these conditions, I have dedicated myself to actively adapting and thriving in various facets of my life. This personal journey has not only shaped my perspective but has also instilled in me a profound motivation to support and empower others, especially in their quest to discover and sustain meaningful employment opportunities. I am convinced that contributing to the community through the sharing of success stories and the promotion of positive outcomes is not only essential but also something that I am deeply passionate about and committed to furthering.