To recognize an organization for outstanding accomplishments in promoting state-of- the-art practices in Employment First.  

To recognize employers in the public and private sectors for outstanding achievements in advancing Employment First.    

To recognize an individual’s personal achievement in advocating for inclusive, individualized, community-based employment and/or independent living. 

Lois Curtis paved the way for people with disabilities to live in their own communities while receiving the services they need.  June 22, 2019 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Olmstead Decision. The plaintiffs in the case were Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson (deceased December 4, 2005), two women who were diagnosed with disabilities and had been treated in both institutional and in community-based settings. The case rose to the level of the Supreme Court and the court decided that "unjustified isolation" of a person with a disability is a form of discrimination under Title II of the ADA.  Lois spent 18 years living in an institution. Since the Olmstead Decision went into effect in 1999, Lois has been able to live in an apartment she shares with a woman who helps her with activities of daily living. Today, Lois says her life is a better life.

To distinguish an individual who has excelled in grassroots advocacy to ensure that local, state and/or federal policies meet the goal of increasing Employment First. The Public Policy Leader is someone who inspires others to make a difference by engaging with elected officials and key stakeholders in discussions to promote policies that support the mission of Employment First! 

To recognize emerging leaders who are developing a vision and creating action toward full inclusion of citizens with disabilities in our society.   

Wendy M. Wood is the founding Executive Director of APSE.  To begin this organization took great vision, effort, determination and risk.  To honor her contribution to this organization and to the overall field of supported employment and Employment First, APSE’s Board of Directors established this award.  

To honor Dave’s contributions to APSE and Employment First, this award is offered to individuals or organizations who demonstrate innovation in the area of technology, customized strategies, and/or self-employment for individuals with significant disabilities.

Dave Hammis was an incredible innovator in the field of community-based and customized employment.  His creativity and fresh approach to supporting people in inclusive workplaces---whether at a business or through self-employment---inspired many of us to see beyond the realities of what we thought possible.  To honor his contributions to APSE and to the overall field of customized employment, APSE has established this award. 

To honor Rebecca’s contributions to APSE and the employment of people with disabilities, this award is presented to an APSE Chapter Leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership, tireless volunteerism and extraordinary commitment to the mission and vision of APSE within their state chapter.

Rebecca McDonald was a tireless advocate for supported employment and a dedicated friend and champion of APSE.  She passed away in August of 1999 after a long and valiant struggle with breast cancer---this year will mark 20 years since her passing. She was one of supported employment’s greatest advocates, serving APSE in various ways for 11 years.  She was the organization’s founding Vice-President, served as its President for three years, and was an officer for the APSE Foundation until a few months before her death. 

Rebecca deeply believed in the principles APSE was founded upon and she supported and encouraged others to give and share resources to make those principles a reality.