We promote and praise those working hard to advance employment for those with disabilities. Featuring quarterly awards honoring Employment Specialists and annual awards recognizing individuals with outstanding service in the field. We acknowledge employers who are true advocates for Employment First, including the terrific people who have joined the workforce and are succeeding in their life goals.
Employer Award: Cook, Inc. - Bloomington
Wendy M. Wood Award: Jessica Myers - Stone Belt, Inc.
Dave Hammis Innovation Award: Jeff Patton - ARC of Wabash County
Best Practice Award: Erskine Green Training Institute
Lois Curtis Award: Megan Utley - St. Vincent de Paul Store
Kirles/Byrkett Consumer Advocacy Award: Bonnie Bomer - Indiana Disability Rights
Nominations for our 2024 INAPSE Read the description of each award below and nominate a qualified individual!
Awarded to individuals or organizations who demonstrate innovation in the area of technology, customized strategies, and/or self-employment for individuals with significant disabilities.
Given to employers who demonstrate outstanding achievements in promoting supported employment, making accommodations, and including people with disabilities in their place of work.
Awarded to a provider organization that has successfully implemented strategies to support those with disabilities to work and further their career path in an inclusive workforce.
Recognizes outstanding community employment advocacy efforts in Indiana by, and for, individuals with disabilities.
Recognizes an individual’s personal achievement in advocating for inclusive, individualized, community-based employment and/or independent living.
This award is designed to reward highly effective professionals who demonstrate trustworthiness, respectfulness, supportiveness and innovation in their interactions with supported employees, as well as with their friends, family members and employers.
Awarded to an individual who has excelled in advocacy work around Employment First. The Public Policy Leader is someone who inspires others to make a difference by engaging with elected officials and key stakeholders in discussions to promote policies that support the mission of Employment First.
Awarded to an Indiana APSE Chapter Leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership, tireless volunteerism and extraordinary commitment to the mission and vision of APSE within their state chapter.
Awarded to emerging leaders who are developing a vision and creating action toward full inclusion of citizens with disabilities in our society.
Are you working with someone who embodies the very best qualities of an Employment Support Staff and you want to recognize them for their hard work? Here is your chance to Recognize a co-worker, a supervisor, or any other employment support staff that goes above and beyond in the things they do for individuals every day! (Plus, they will get $100 and a feature on the website)
Nominate a colleague for the “Spotlight” award to recognize the great work by employment specialists across the state.
The winner of this quarter’s award is Barbara DeJarnett an Employment Specialist, at The ARC of Evansville.
The winner of this quarter’s award is Clay Cramer an Employment Consultant, at Sycamore Services, Inc.
