January 2025

Dear APSE Missouri Members,

We have completed one more trip around the sun! 2024 was an incredible year for APSE Missouri and we are looking forward to what’s in store for 2025!

One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of APSE Missouri is the incredible events we host throughout the year. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and community engagement. As we look ahead, here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss:

Employment University is going on the road to six different cities this Spring! This event is an excellent way to jump-start your knowledge and skills as we dive into important topics surrounding employment services and inclusion. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, Employment University offers something for everyone.

The APSE Missouri Summit will be held in July and is a must-attend event for those passionate about advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. With expert speakers, interactive workshops and opportunities to connect with peers, the APSE MO Summit serves as a cornerstone of our chapter's annual programming.

We will be holding Professional Development Day this October as part of our celebration for NDEAM. Pro Day provides members with hands-on experience, offering direct engagement with industry leaders and professionals. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your expertise, build new relationships, and gain valuable insights into best practices.

These events, along with many others, are what make APSE Missouri so special. I encourage each of you to participate, connect with others and take full advantage of the resources we provide. We are stronger together and as we move forward, we will continue to advocate for and create inclusive employment opportunities for all.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and together, let’s continue to make a positive impact in Missouri.

Amanda Line

APSE Missouri President

New Board Member Spotlight

Welcome Kim Buckman of Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities. Kim joined the board in September of 2024.Kim has 20 years of experience in the field of disability services. For the past 15 years, Kim worked in Targeted Case Management. She began with County Connections in 2009 when they first began their case management program. Starting out as a case manager, Kim quickly moved into the supervisor role and then the Director of Support Coordination.

Prior to this, Kim worked for Learning Opportunities/Quality Works as an Employment Consultant for 5 years. Having started in Employment Services, Kim retained a passion for Employment First principles. Throughout the past 20 years, Kim has participated in various projects, grants, and initiatives to promote self-determination and employment including the Employment First Advisory Board, Living Well, and the Employment Believer Series. Kim is trained as a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador. Kim was the recipient of a Charting the LifeCourse Innovation Award in 2020 and a nominee for a National APSE Emerging Leader Award in 2019.

Outside of work, Kim is a mother of three daughters and lives with her daughters and husband in rural northeast Missouri. Kim and her family love camping and spending time with friends.

Employment of Workers with Disabilities under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act

In December, the United States Department of Labor announced a proposed rule to phase out certificates which allow employers to compensate  workers with disabilities at a rate below minimum wage. Below is a letter sent by Amanda Line, APSE Missouri President, to the Department of Labor reiterating our strong support of the proposal. 

Public comment closes January 17th, 2025. 

Employment Summit 2025

July 24th & July 25th, at the Courtyard, Marriott in Columbia, MO 

Sending a warm welcome to APSE Missouri's newest members!

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