The District established its own chapter of APSE in 2012.  APSE is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for people with disabilities.  A nonprofit organization that has chapters in 35 states, APSE was founded in 1988, and aims to 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; and advocate for social change to help those with severe disabilities achieve a lifestyle that approximates that of individuals without disabilities.   The 24th Annual National APSE Conference was held June 25-27, 2013, and will be held again in June 2014.  To learn more about the conference, click here.  To learn more about APSE in general, please visit www.apse.org.