Joan Michaelree, the Vocational Evaluator for SHC and I attended the New York State APSE Conference in Lake Placid. “APSE is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities. APSE is a growing national non-profit membership organization, founded in 1988 as the Association for Persons in Supported Employment, now known as APSE. (taken from the APSE web site) It was a wonderful, informative two days. The overall message was “all people can and should work” There were presentations on transportation, funding, iPad apps and New York State policies. The key note speaker, Joe Marrone, was the kind of guy who “walked the walk” and “talked the talk”. It was evident that he believed in the philosophy that everyone can work and had a no-nonsense approach to making it happen. The state is questioning adult placements, such as day habs. A person who has the ability to work is strongly encouraged to do so. Transitional Day Habs, which work to prepare individuals for work, generally have a goal of getting a person into supported employment within 18 months. This type of day hab is becoming more available. It is clear that students need preparation to be successful in employment. Families can talk to their young children about what they want to do when they grow up. We all need to embrace the philosophy that we are preparing ALL students for employment. Preparing students with disabilities for employment is a team effort. Families, teachers, service coordinators and adult agencies all play an important role in this process. For more information on APSE, visit the web page: http://www.apse.org/