MN APSE

The organization supports the only annual national conference focused solely on the advancement of integrated employment.

MN APSE is a state chapter of APSE-The Network on Employment, a national membership organization formed in 1988 to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities. The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), founded in 1988, is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and c

areer advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities. MN APSE is the state chapter for Minnesota, promoting employment for individuals with disabilities in Minnesota

APSE is a 3,000+ and growing national non-profit membership organization. APSE’s Goals
• Promote employment opportunities for all people, through local, regional, and national networks.
• Help establish and expand equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Advocate with federal, state, and local legislators for legislation promoting integrated employment.
• Work with federal, state, and local policy makers to increase funding for integrated employment.
• Raise awareness within the business community as to the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities.
• Advocate for social change to help those with severe disabilities achieve a lifestyle that approximates that of individuals without disabilities.

07/28/2025

Join us on Thursday, August 21 from 12 to 1 PM for our quarterly Lunch and Learn Conversation!

This month, Jack Gordon joins us to lead a conversation on how the Disability Hub MN can assist individuals navigate work and benefits.

Register now using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sce2srTMqEtL4Z3aGVNzJ8SR2MQf2u9R7?_x_zm_rtaid=SCF5H8sfQ2OQs1uank7jLg.1694114741254.1afdbf046819b46de156bbade0096de2&_x_zm_rhtaid=54 #/registration

About the presenter:

Jack Gordon is a Community Capacity Builder with Disability Hub MN where he has been for approximately 8 years. He is a Certified Work Incentive Practitioner (CWIP) who has completed intensive training on Social Security Benefits and the impact of work with Cornell University.

In his time at Disability Hub MN, Jack has supported Hub users via calls and chats as well as building the capacity of community partners and fellow Hub staff in an extensive breadth of topics via in-person and virtual presentations.

07/24/2025

Did you catch the latest episode of the Minnesota APSE Podcast?

In the latest episode, our host Chris Davies is joined by Keeri Tramm, the Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks.

Keeri is an Autistic professional dedicated to fostering equity and empowerment for the disability community.

With a career spanning nonprofit and for-profit sectors, she leverages her expertise in business and data analysis to drive impactful outcomes. Keeri holds a degree in Special Education, CPACC certification, and serves on the board of Minnesota NEAT, where she influences disability policy and practice.

Listen to the Minnesota APSE Podcast on your favorite streaming platform or watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b-apTvCm-0

Audio transcription from featured segment on podcast:

Keeri says: “So, I design and create a lot of 3D printed assistive technology.”

Chris respond: “Okay, can you give us an example of something that you’ve created?”

Keeri answers: “Yeah, one thing that I think was really cool was there was a woman who uses a power wheelchair and she has a service dog. And, she really knew how to train this service dog on her own, like shape its behaviors and everything, but physically was unable to give it treats herself to shape that behavior. So, she needed to pay someone to help her train the dog. Just to give it treats, essentially, cause she already knew how to do everything. So, we created a treat dispenser that attached to her wheelchair so she could just press the button so she could train and shape that service dog.”

07/23/2025

Next month join us for our next Minnesota APSE Mingle!

On Wednesday, August 6, we will be at Earl Giles Distillery in Minneapolis from 4:30 to 6:00 PM!

This is a great way to learn more about Minnesota APSE and to connect with members, self-advocates, and professionals in supported employment.

All are welcome to the mingle and encouraged to join our Board meeting before the Mingle from 3:00 to 4:30 PM.

The address for this event is 1325 Quincy St NE Suite 100 in Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413.

Food and drinks are always included – we hope to see you there!

07/15/2025

A new episode of the Minnesota APSE Podcast is live!

On this episode, we are joined by Keeri Tramm. Keeri, the Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks Services Inc., is an Autistic professional dedicated to fostering equity and empowerment for the disability community. With a career spanning nonprofit and for-profit sectors, she leverages her expertise in business and data analysis to drive impactful outcomes. Keeri holds a degree in Special Education, CPACC certification, and serves on the board of Minnesota NEAT, where she influences disability policy and practice.

Listen to Keeri Tramm in conversation with our host, Chris Davies, on your favorite streaming platform, or watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b-apTvCm-0

Audio transcription from featured segment on podcast:

Keeri says: “So, one key thing that I really remember is, during a transition meeting, my dad standing up – I had a 504 plan growing up – my dad standing up, and just getting very irritated during the meeting and saying why does it matter if she, you know, isn’t great at cooking, or budgeting, or any of these life skills, if she has already passed all of her college calculus classes, and all of this kind of stuff? If she can have a job that’s good enough to pay other people to do these things for her, why are you focusing on these life skills and not helping her pursue a very successful career?”

07/14/2025

Members of the Minnesota APSE board attended the 2025 National APSE Conference last month in Washington, DC!

Here are a few pictures from the general assembly, the Midwest regional meeting, and advocates during the APSE Day on the Hill.

07/07/2025

Learn and connect with MN APSE members, self-advocates, and professionals at our 2025 state conference!

On Thursday, October 2, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, join us at the Shoreview Community Center for the state’s premier conference focused on employment services in Minnesota.

This year, we are excited to offer two tracks for attendees: Employment and Transition Age Youth and Best Practices for Employment Providers.

Save the date in your calendars and stay tuned for more information about registering for the conference!

07/02/2025

The state legislative session wrapped up last month in St. Paul.

Here are the biggest things impacting employment services in Minnesota:

Beginning January 1, 2026, inflationary adjustments for reimbursement rates will be determined using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) and capped at a maximum of 4% annually

There will be limitations on rate exceptions requiring DHS consultation with the DWRS advisory council regarding how rate exceptions are submitted to lead agencies and to DHS

Clarification that Day Training and Habilitation (DTH) is no longer a service included under the disability waiver plans.

The effective date of the required encumbrances of specified percentages of disability waiver services revenue for direct care staff compensation will be delayed until January 1, 2029.

07/01/2025

New episode of the Minnesota APSE Podcast coming soon!

On the next episode, we are joined by Keeri Tramm!

Keeri, Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks, is an Autistic professional dedicated to fostering equity and empowerment for the disability community. With a career spanning nonprofit and for-profit sectors, she leverages her expertise in business and data analysis to drive impactful outcomes.

Keeri holds a degree in Special Education, CPACC certification, and serves on the board of Minnesota NEAT, where she influences disability policy and practice. Her experience as a case manager in Oregon and Minnesota underscored her commitment to advocacy and creating lasting change.

Stay tuned for the release to hear Keeri Tramm in conversation with our host, Chris Davies.

06/24/2025

A new episode of the Minnesota APSE Podcast is live!

On this episode, we are joined by Rahul Gupta, a 27-year-old Dead individual who works as a pharmacy technician at the Mayo Clinic, with two years of hands-on experience supporting in-patient care and pharmacy operations.

Rahul, who is fluent in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English, has become a strong self-advocate who is dedicated to empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Deaf Blind, and other individuals to recognize their potential, build meaningful lives, and set and achieve their personal goals.

Listen to Rahul Gupta in conversation with our host, Chris Davies, on your favorite streaming platform, or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_f9KT9UYFI

Audio transcription from featured segment on podcast. The interpreter is speaking to what Rahul signed:

Rahul says: “Well my dream is I would like to help Deaf, Deaf Blind, hard of hearing, and people with disabilities, to encourage them to develop their skills and their self-confidence. And if they feel like they’re not succeeding, I would say apply to VR and that they can provide those supports. And if you’re interested in going to college, you could go for vocational training and pick a trade. But yes, just something that they can develop themselves.”

06/12/2025

New episode of the Minnesota APSE Podcast coming soon!

On the next episode, we are joined by Rahul Gupta!

Rahul is a 27-year-old Deaf individual who works as a pharmacy technician at the Mayo Clinic, with two years of hands-on experience supporting in-patient care and pharmacy operations.

Rahul, who is fluent in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English, has become a strong self-advocate who is dedicated to empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Deaf Blind, and other individuals to recognize their potential, build meaningful lives, and set and achieve their personal goals.

Stay tuned for the release to hear Rahul Gupta in conversation with our host, Chris Davies.

05/27/2025

The 2025 National APSE Conference in Washington, DC is just a few weeks away!

Register for the conference today: https://apse.org/2025-conference-registration/

Check out the breakout sessions: https://apse.org/2025-schedule/

Not an APSE member? You’ll save by joining APSE! Become a member today: https://apse.org/membership/

05/14/2025

Tomorrow from 12 to 1 PM for our quarterly Lunch and Learn Conversation!

This month, Ray McCoy joins us to lead a conversation on how Minnesota’s Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) is helping businesses remove barriers, boost retention, and create inclusive work environments – without breaking their budgets.

In this session, Ray will unpack how ERAF reimburses businesses up to $30,000 annually to cover workplace accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities. Whether you’re supporting employers, job seekers, or navigating these systems yourself, this is a great opportunity to learn how ERAF can be a strategic tool in advancing workplace equity.

Real stories, practical steps, and an open Q&A included!

Register now using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sce2srTMqEtL4Z3aGVNzJ8SR2MQf2u9R7?_x_zm_rtaid=SCF5H8sfQ2OQs1uank7jLg.1694114741254.1afdbf046819b46de156bbade0096de2&_x_zm_rhtaid=54 #/registration

About the presenter:

Ray McCoy is the ERAF Program Coordinator at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Address

Richfield, MN

Website

http://www.mnapse.org/

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