Join us for the 2025 APSE Missouri Employment Summit, taking place July 24–25 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Columbia, Missouri. This premier event brings together employment professionals, providers, families, and advocates to advance inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The summit offers specialized training and breakout sessions focused on Technology, Leadership, and Community Life Engagement.​

We are thrilled to announce that Doug Crandell, acclaimed author of Twenty-Two Cents an Hour: Disability Rights and the Fight to End Subminimum Wages, will be one of our keynote speakers. Crandell is a nationally recognized advocate for disability employment equity, and his insights will inspire and challenge attendees to push for systemic change.​

Doug has published eight books with publishers including Penguin-Random House, Chicago Review Press, Virgin Books, and Cornell University Press. His essays on labor, mental health, and disability appear regularly in the SUN magazine https://www.thesunmagazine.org/contributors/doug-crandell He directs the training and technical assistance center known as www.advancingemployment.com and supports the work of www.tellthevaluedstory.com Additional information is available at: www.dougcrandell.com  and www.abolish14c.com

We will also have Barry Whaley joining us as another keynote speaker! Barry is a Project Director and Principal Investigator at the Burton Blatt Institute, Syracuse University. For forty-four years he has worked toward equitable access for people with disabilities in our country and worldwide. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including The Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, Laws, and the Journal of Forensic Science & Addiction Research. His current research examines the impact of the intersectionality of race and disability, on three ADA-related issues: 1) employment, 2) access to digital technology, 3) long and short-term poverty. Mr. Whaley is qualified in federal district court to give expert testimony on applicable guidance and industry standards for accommodating people with disabilities in the workplace.

On top of our amazing keynote speakers, we will also have breakout sessions though out the two days with sessions focusing on technology, best practices and supporting transition aged youth. 

Whether you're an employment support professional, a family member, or someone passionate about Employment First, this summit offers invaluable opportunities to learn, connect, and lead.​

For more information and to register, visit the Events page or click the links below! 

Want to get more involved with the APSE MO Summit?

We are looking for Sponsors and Presenters for this event! 

Click Here To Submit A Speaker Proposal