Virginia APSE

11/04/2025

Register for the Collaborations Conference Today and Hear Opening Keynote Dr. Amy Armstrong - Regular Rate Expires this Friday! https://vaaccses.org/2025-collaborations-conference/

10/30/2025

Make sure to register today.

Register for the Collaborations Conference Today and Hear Opening Keynote Dr. Amy Armstrong - Regular Rate Expires this Friday! https://vaaccses.org/2025-collaborations-conference/

10/30/2025

Here is the full agenda for this year's conference.

Big News, the Collaborations Conference is Almost Here and We are Very Excited to Share Our Conference Opening!

Our conference will be opened by State Senator Angelia Williams Graves, followed by a Keynote from Dr. Amy Armstrong, check out the full agenda and register today!

https://vaaccses.org/2025-collaborations-conference/2025-agenda-at-a-glance/

10/30/2025

Check out all the excellent speakers you will see it this year's conference.

It’s Here, the 2025 Collaborations Conference Agenda is LIVE! We’ve packed this year’s programs with bold ideas, powerhouse speakers and real takeaways you can use the moment you get back to the office.

Register Now, Don’t Wait – start planning your experience today!
https://vaaccses.org/2025-collaborations-conference/2025-agenda-at-a-glance/

10/30/2025

VAAPSE is looking forward to this year's collaboration conference.

04/13/2021

Everyone, please watch this incredible story from Last Week Tonight about assisted living homes, but it also affects people with disabilities and long-term supports and services. This is the best breakdown of an issue that I fight for in my policy work every day I’ve ever seen. We must work to fix this problem.

John Oliver explains the industry behind nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and why long-term care needs fixing. Connect with Last Week Tonight on...

02/28/2021

Here is a thought-provoking read about how the pandemic has affected the hiring of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who support individuals with disabilities.

The job is not well-known, but it is critical to helping people with disabilities maintain their independence.

01/06/2021

This organization is doing great work around integrated employment and inclusion for people with disabilities in the workplace. I highly encourage anyone to read this article from the New York Times.

The Kansas City, Kan., company connects people with disabilities ― a chronically untapped talent pool ― with prospective employers.

12/22/2020

We love to see a business understanding the value of inclusion in the workplace. Why to go Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe

12/22/2020

This is a great story that highlights competitive integrated employment and how it’s fantastic for the entire community.

All has he ever wanted was a chance.
And if he was given that chance, they’d never forget him.

They said Jake Pratt of Vestavia Hills would never contribute.
They said he’d never make his high school football team.
They said he’d never graduate from high school.
They said he’d never get his driver’s permit.
They said he’d never graduate from college.

Jake Pratt has proven them all wrong, and now I have the pleasure of announcing some big news!

Jake has landed a job at UPS!!!
He’s not driving a truck, but he is working up to 8 hours a day running packages to our doorsteps.
He’s walking some 15,000 steps a day.
He’s doing it with a smile.
Yes, he's now "Jake From UPS".

Oh, and that’s in addition to Jake working maintenance at a golf course from 6-10 am seven days a week.
That big backpack blower?
Piece of cake.

Yes, Jake Pratt is making his lunch the night before each workday.
Placing his clothes out.
Turning in early.
Ready to remind us that he will not be forgotten.

All he ever wanted was a chance, and the UPS folks have given him as chance.

Now, this 21-year-old with Down syndrome is showing the world what people with special needs can accomplish with hard work.
This young man is helping to make our Christmas merrier.

My heart is full as my pride in Jake runs deep.

Please congratulate Jake, and if you see him on his route, give him a yell.

All has he ever wanted was a chance.
And if he was given that chance, they’d never forget him.

I have to admit, "Jake From UPS" is going to be tough to forget.

Please share this great news! https://bit.ly/3fZzF1G

Pictures from Kathy and Jay Pratt

UPS Clemson University Rick Karle WVTM 13
The Kelly Clarkson Show Alabama Football
Auburn Tigers Southeastern Conference Alabama Crimson Tide Fans

11/17/2020

Everyone please consider join this wonderful conversation on December 3rd with young people from Our Voices as we discuss legislative self-advocacy during a pandemic. The registration link can be found below I hope to have you a part of this conversation.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8HKNo97-QSyrvAJeU6RONg

10/20/2020

Check out this great read that outlines even more evidence that 14C may soon be on the way out the door.

An independent federal agency says it's time for a decades-old government jobs program for people with disabilities to come to an end.