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Supported Employment Resources

APSE is committed to Supported Employment and the impact is has on improving the quality of life of anyone associated with SE programs. in order to improve services and make them available to an increasing number of people who want or need job support, APSE provided technical assistance and education to people involved with SE, encourages service delivery based on sound values and ethics, and is actively involved in legislative and policy change for SE. to accomplish these goals, APSE was formed to provide a strong partnership with others who share this dedication to SE.

The purpose of the Virginia Commonwealth University RRTC on Workplace Supports and Job Retention is to study those supports that are most effective for assisting individuals with disabilities maintain employment and advance their careers. The primary stakeholders for this project are persons with disabilities, with an emphasis on those who are unemployed, underemployed or at risk of losing employment. Worksupport.com is the web site for VCU-RRTC on Workplace Supports and Job Retention. In addition to Worksupport.com, the VCU0RRTC has many projects and web sites. For a full listing of the VCU-RRTC projects and web site, please visit Projects section of the Worksupport.com web site.

Based at the University of Montana since 1979, the Rural Institute advocates and supports full participation in community's life by rural Americans of all ages. From integrated childcare to supported employment, the Institute's wide range of grant-funded research, service and training projects blend innovative approaches and techniques with existing community services.

The Washington Initiative for Supported Employment  (WISE) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to expanding employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Our consultant team works intimately with private businesses's, country governments, school districts, social service providers, and families to offer technical assistance, innovative project design and demonstration, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) consulting, financial systems analysis and design, information technology assessment, organizational development and management coaching.

ICI  offers training, clinical, and employment services, conducts research and provides assistance to organizations to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in school, work, and community activities.

The SELN is a cross-state cooperative venture of state mental retardation and developmental disability (MR/DD) agencies that are committed to improving employment outcomes for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities.

TRN  has many resources on the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in their communities.

State Agencies

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) within the Department of Social Services assists persons with disabilities in their desire to obtain or maintain employment and/or achieve independence in their communities by providing rehabilitation services and working cooperatively with business and other community resources.

Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities 
Mission: The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing quality services and supports, information, and opportunities for choice to people of Louisiana with developmental disabilities and their families. Vi son: Building relationships and supporting choices.

Office of Behavioral Health 
Office of Behavioral Health's Vision: "We envision a future in Louisiana where every individual has the opportunity to live a full, satisfying, and productive life in their community." Office of Behavioral Health's Mission: OMH will advance a resiliency, recovery and consumer focused system of person centered care utilizing best practices and evidence based practices that are effect ice and efficient as supported by the data from measuring outcomes, quality and accountability.

Disability Specific Organizations

Since 1876, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) has been providing worldwide leadership in the field of mental retardation. They are a powerful community of leaders with a strong voice and important mission*(SEE LINK). AAIDD, (formerly AAMIR -- American Association of Mental Retardation) is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals and citizens concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Mission Statement of Autism At Workis: "People on the autism spectrum can contribute greatly to the workforce. Let's work to achieve this goal."

The Autism Society of America, the nation's leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They are involved in increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the life span, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education and advocacy.

Founded in 1980, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is the leading national organization serving and representing individuals, families, and professionals who are touched by a life-altering, often devastating, traumatic brain injury (TBI). Together with its network of more than 40 chartered state affiliates, as well as hundreds of local chapters and support groups across the country the BIAA provides information, education and support to assist the 5.3 million Americans currently living with traumatic brain injury and their families.

LD Online.orgis the world's leading web site on learning disabilities and ADHD, serving more than 200,000 parents, teachers, and other professionals each month. LD Online seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD. The site features hundreds of helpful articles, multimedia, monthly columns by noted experts, first person essays, children's writing and artwork, a comprehensive resource guide, very active forums, and a Yellow Pages referral directory of professionals, schools and products.

National Down Syndrome Societyenvisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to realize their life aspirations. NDSS is committed to being the national leader in enhancing the quality of life and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome. the mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy.

NAMIis the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country. What is the NAMI mission? NAMI recognizes that the key concepts of recovery, resiliency and support are essential to improving the wellness and quality of life of all persons affected by mental illness. Mental illnesses should not be and obstacle to a full and meaningful life for persons who live with them. NAMI will advocate at all levels to ensure that all persons affected by mental illness receive the services that they need and deserve, in a timely fashion.

TASH is an international membership association leading the way to inclusive communities through research, education, and advocacy. TASH members are people with disabilities, family members, fellow citizens, advocates, and professionals working together to create change and build capacity so that all people, no matter their perceived level of disability, are included in all aspects of society.

United Cerebral Palsy(UCP) is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy*(SEE LINK) and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability. As one of the largest health charities in America, the UCP mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through and affiliate network.

Federal Agencies 

DisabilityInfo.org provides quick and easy access to comprehensive information about disability programs, services, laws and benefits.

Office of Disability Employment Policy(ODEP) provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing the use of evidence-based disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on employment of people with disabilities. Vision: A world in which people with disabilities have unlimited employment opportunities.

Social Security Administration
Social Security Online-Benefits for People with Disabilities

Assisstive Technology

Closing the Gap 
Founded over 25 years ago by Budd and Dolores Hagen, parents of a child with a disability, Closing The Gap strives to provide parents and educators alike, the information and training necessary to locate, compare, and implement assistive technology.

Easter Seals Project ACTION promotes cooperation between the transportation industry and the disability community to increase mobility for people with disabilities under the ADA and beyond. We offer numerous resources, as well as training and technical assistance, in an effort to make the ADA work for everyone, everyday. Almost two decades after our creation, our goal - and our name - remains unchanged: Accessible Community Transportation In Our Nation (ACTION).

JAN  is a free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities by: 1) providing individualized work-site accommodations solutions, 2) providing technical assistance regarding the ADA and other disability related legislation, and 3) educating callers about self-employment options.

LATAN  assists individuals with disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life and greater independence through increased access to assistive technology (AT) as part of their daily lives. LATAN serves Louisiana citizens of all ages with all types of disabilities and limitations due to aging who need assistive technology and daily living aids. This includes aids that individuals use to assist them in daily activities, such as canes, wheelchairs, communication devices, hearing aids, keyboard alternatives, and vision aids.

RESNA  is an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability. Our purpose is to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology. We serve that purpose by promoting research, development, education, advocacy and provision of technology; and by supporting the people engaged in these activities.

USSAAC  (United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is dedicated to providing information and support on the issues, technology, tools and advancements within the world of AAC.