Employment For All Virtual Mini-Conference
Join us on Friday, November 6, 2026
Keynote
12:00-12:50 PM EST
Olmstead, The Integration Mandate, and Thanks for all the Fish,
Barry Whaley
The Olmstead Decision (Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999)) is one of the most important disability rights cases argued before the Supreme Court. In writing for the majority, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg remarked that “institutional placement of persons who can handle and benefit from community settings perpetuates unwarranted assumptions that persons so isolated are incapable of or unworthy of participating in community life.” She also stated that “confinement in an institution severely diminishes the everyday life activities of individuals, including family relations, social contacts, work options, economic independence, educational advancement, and cultural enrichment.” In this session, we will learn who L.C. was and why Olmstead is important to enabling people with disabilities to live a self-determined life. We will discuss the integration mandate found in ADA Title II, and how a court case about fishing rights may impact the Olmstead Decision.
Breakouts
Employment 101
Session 1- 12:55-1:55 PM EST
Title: Making Workplace Accommodations Work: Practical Decision-Making for Employment Service Professionals, Jeffrey Tamburo
Description: Understanding workplace accommodations under the ADA requires more than knowing the rules—it requires applying them in real-world situations.
This interactive session provides a focused overview of key ADA concepts, including disability disclosure, the interactive process, and reasonable accommodation, while also emphasizing practical, real-world application of these concepts. Designed for employment service professionals, this session will build confidence in recognizing accommodation needs, supporting job seekers in making informed disclosure decisions, and guiding employers through thoughtful, ADA-informed accommodation processes.
Session 2- 2:00-3:00 PM EST
Title: What Families Wish We Knew: Bridging the Gap Between Systems and Real Life, Gwen Brown & Jan Dougherty
Description: Families are juggling work, caregiving, and complex systems every day—and most workplaces never see the full story. What Families Wish We Knew gives employers, HR teams, and colleagues a rare, candid look at the real pressures shaping employees’ lives. It’s a fast, eye‑opening session that builds empathy, strengthens culture, and helps everyone show up better at work.
Session 3- 3:05-4:00 PM EST
Title: Talking to Employers about Autism, Bev Harp
Description:
The ability to explain the characteristics of the job seeker’s disability clearly and concisely to a potential employer is one of many skills every employment specialist needs. When it comes to autism, these conversations, can be muddled by preconceived ideas and misinformation. The complex nature of autism with its highly variable presentation doesn’t make the job any easier! This highly interactive session will address some common questions and concerns expressed by employers. We will work together to compile our best responses, assess their accuracy and their usefulness to the job seeker, and frame them for various types of employers. Participants will leave with a script full of persuasive arguments for hiring an autistic candidate.
Only $25 for APSE Professional Members!
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Registration |
APSE Professional Member Registration |
Live & Recorded - Up to 4 CE Credits
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$75 |
$25 |