Updated 4/3/2020

We have been closely monitoring the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of ensuring the health and safety of job coaches, job developers, and individuals and families receiving services. APSE is working closely in collaboration with other national disability organizations and appropriate Federal government entities to develop and promote a unified and timely response that meets the needs of our most significantly at-risk citizens.

Please ensure you are on our mailing list for APSE Action Alerts. If you are not, click here to sign up and see past Action Alerts sent during this time. 

In the meantime, stay healthy and safe. And don't forget...

🧼Wash your hands

🙅🏽‍♂️Don't touch your face

🤒Stay home if you're feeling sick

We understand that these are difficult times, and we appreciate the efforts of the APSE Community to persevere and continue to promote Employment First principles and values.

#APSE2020 Conference Updates

At APSE, our top priority continues to be the health and safety of our members, conference attendees, and the community. We are constantly monitoring the situation and APSE staff are working to develop contingency plans in the event that June's Conference is impacted.

We promise to share any changes or updates recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) via email and on the website.

We are aware of the possibility that people with compromised immune systems may decide it is in their best interest to stay home. On APSE's end, we are reviewing the cancellation and registration process for individual registrations and will communicate with all registered attendees. We recognize that our current refund policy is currently inequitable to anyone with a compromised immune system. Obviously, the health and safety of our communities are of paramount concern.  The current refund policy was crafted for a time that didn't consider the types of circumstances that we are currently in--and we need to find a refund policy solution that is equitable for the current times.

As we collectively weigh decisions about whether or not to head to work, including to support others who are working in the community, here are a few guiding questions to keep yourself protected:
  1. Has the client/provider, or anyone in the household, traveled outside the country in the last 30-days and experienced recent shortness of breath, or a noticeable difference in shortness of breath, new or recent cough, or fever?
  2. Has the client/provider, or anyone in the household, had in-person contact with someone that has returned from travel outside the country in the last 30-days that has presented with recent shortness of breath or a noticeable difference in shortness of breath, new or recent cough, or fever?
  3. Within the last 30-days has the client/provider, or anyone else in the household, reported or presented with recent shortness of breath or a noticeable difference in shortness of breath, new or recent cough, or fever?
If the answer to any of the above questions is yes:
  • Consult with your supervisor to discuss appropriate next steps.
  • Direct client/provider to contact their primary care provider (PCP) for followup. Offer to assist, if this is helpful.
In Addition:
When interacting with clients/providers:
  • Express that you are not shaking their hand and will keep distance to ensure the health and safety of you and them (precaution).
  • If anyone you come in contact with is exhibiting symptoms, keeping a 6 foot distance is recommended.
  • Whenever possible wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before entering and leaving the home or workplace; if unable to wash hands use hand sanitizer.
  • If there are any questions regarding next steps, consult with your supervisor.
(Special thanks to APSE member, Jennifer White, CEO, Able Opportunities, Inc.,
for sharing this helpful information!)
Coronavirus molecule.

Here are a few additional links and resources that may be of interest:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Certified Employment Support Professional™ CESP Testing Updates

April 2020 CESP examinations are postponed. 

Any eligible candidates who had scheduled examinations for April 2020 have been moved to the June 2020 testing window.

CESP logo
We will be following the CDC's recommendations and encouraging as little number of people to go to public spaces as possible. PSI is communicating test site closures through their website, as well as protocol they are using to help ensure candidate safety.
  • We will allow individuals to test in May as needed if there is a significant impact on their role. Please reach out to cesp@apse.org to communicate with us and we will work on a case-by-case basis to support.
  • PSI owned and operated sites in the United States will be closed March 20-April 30th, 2020. (Updated 4/3/2020)
  • Current CESPs with a March 31st or April 30, 2020 expiration:
    • Those who apply to recertify by examination within the 30 day grace period after the expiration will test in June 2020. The ESPCC will extend the 3 year certification when credential holders pass the exam, without a lapse in their certified status.
    • Those applying to recertify by continuing education (CE) credits will have applications due within the normal deadline (30-days after expiration). The requirement is to submit 36 CE credits that align with the CESP Content Outline and have the necessary documentation.
  • June testing dates have been expanded to June 1-30, 2020.

PSI has made some changes to their rescheduling guidelines and security procedures, as well as enhanced our current site-cleaning program. Please click the button below to read more on PSI's website.

Read More on PSI's Website about Testing Updates

Additional Resources

  • Please see the video to explain COVID-19: Go to the video
  • This website has a lot of resources available for special educators, therapists and families:  Click here to be taken to the website.
  • BPDD’s Living Well team have created a new COVID-19 Toolkit for people with disabilities and their families.
  • National Association of the Deaf: Videos about Coronavirus, as well as access for students and employees to remote status
  • March/April 2020 Newsletter - Special COVID-19 edition from Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion
  • Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules (AFIRM) is an extension of the National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on ASD - they produced the toolkit Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times that may be helpful. Click to be taken to the website.
Posted in APSE News