Join us for the Pacific Northwest APSE Forum! Calling all Employers!
2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 2025 also marks the year that the Employment First policy that was adopted in 2008, was signed into official law in our state, taking effect on October 1st, 2025.
This means that everyone regardless of disability has a right to fully integrated and competitive employment, free of sheltered and/or sub-minimum wage work settings. For nearly 30 years, Dirkse Counseling and Consulting has been a provider of support services for individuals seeking fully integrated and competitive employment. We strive to create positive relationships with our business community as well, in order to build bridges to the goal of Employment First for our clients.
Our Employment Services Manager Glenn Bishop also serves as the Vice President for the local chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First. (APSE) This is a national non-profit organization that supports Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community.
- APSE Vision: All people with disabilities have competitive employment in an inclusive workforce.
- APSE Mission: To advance employment equity for people with disabilities.
- APSE Values: We believe that everyone can and should work and have the dignity of determining their career path.
Each year the Pacific NW Employment Forum (PNWEF) provides learning opportunities for people who are just joining the field as well as people with years of experience. The 2025, 11th PNWEF will be held in Portland, Oregon Sept 29th-Oct 1st. Go to https://pnwef.org/ to learn more and register.
If you are a business owner, manager, or employer, we invite you to learn about Employment First and how to get involved. Our clients’ successes come from the exciting partnerships we build with businesses, and we would love for you to join us! Visit oregon apse.org/ to get involved.
For more information on our employment services or to join our team, please contact Glenn Bishop: gbishop@dirksecc.com
