January 2026

Happy New Year, APSE Missouri!

As we step into 2026, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for the work ahead. A new year always brings fresh energy, and at APSE Missouri, it also brings renewed commitment to advancing competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities across our state.

This year, we will continue to lean into learning, connection, and action. One of the ways we’re doing that is through our upcoming Employment University sessions. These sessions are designed to equip professionals, advocates, and partners with practical tools, emerging best practices, and real-world strategies that move employment outcomes forward. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned leader, Employment University offers meaningful opportunities to grow your skills and strengthen your impact. Be on the lookout for session dates, locations, and registration details coming soon.

I also want to encourage everyone to save the date for the APSE Missouri Summit in July. Our Summit is always a highlight of the year—bringing together employers, providers, self-advocates, families, and systems partners to learn from one another, celebrate successes, and challenge ourselves to think bigger. Planning is already underway, and we’re looking forward to another inspiring event you won’t want to miss.

As we move through 2026, I invite you to stay engaged, share your ideas, and continue pushing us forward as a chapter. Together, we are building stronger employment pathways and creating real opportunities that change lives.

Thank you for being part of APSE Missouri. I look forward to all we will accomplish together this year.

With appreciation,

Amanda Line
President, APSE Missouri

The 2026 strategic theme is Innovate. Empower. Employed.

APSE MO is gearing up for a future where innovation drives change, empowerment fuels success, and there are employment opportunities for all.

Innovate – Let’s create inclusive employment solutions, embrace new ideas, and ignite change.

Empower – Let’s inspire each other to make an impact, uplift each other, and build a community that thrives.

Employed – Let’s turn bright ideas into real opportunities and see diversity employed in workplaces everywhere.

APSE Missouri’s Employment University is a one-day professional training event offered by the Missouri chapter of APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First). It’s designed especially for people who are new to employment support services or who want a strong foundation in best practices for helping individuals with disabilities find and keep competitive, integrated employment. 

What Employment University Covers

Participants in Employment University receive an overview of the employment support process, including:

• History of employment services for people with disabilities

• Discovery & exploration (identifying a job seeker’s interests and strengths)

• Job development strategies

• Building business partnerships to create job opportunities

• On-site coaching supports and best practices
  The format includes lecture presentations, interactive activities, discussions, and networking. apsemissouri8.wildapricot.org

Who It’s For

Employment University is ideal for:

• Job Coaches

• Employment Specialists

• Job Developers

• Case Managers

• Anyone new to or working in employment services/supports for individuals with disabilities

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