Employment is for Everyone.

Real work, for real pay, for all people with disabilities

We are the Georgia Association of People Supporting Employment First (GA APSE), a proud state chapter of the National Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE).

Join the Georgia APSE Board!

Inclusive employment across Georgia doesn’t move forward on its own. It moves forward because committed professionals step into leadership. Georgia APSE is currently seeking new board members, and we’d love to invite you to consider serving.


Complete the nomination form and send it to GeorgiaAPSE@gmail.com by February 13, 2026.

Georgia APSE Nomination Form


APSE is the only national organization dedicated solely to advancing inclusive, competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. At Georgia APSE, we are committed to the Employment First philosophy—believing that real work for real pay should be the expectation for all.

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ABOUT US

OUR VISION: A Georgia where all people with disabilities have access to competitive, inclusive employment in the general workforce.


OUR VALUES: At Georgia APSE, we believe: Everyone can work and has something valuable to contribute. Everyone should have the dignity of choosing their own career path. Employment is a right, not a privilege—and inclusion strengthens our workplaces and our communities.

meet the board

What is Georgia APSE?
Georgia APSE is the state chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), the only national organization exclusively dedicated to advancing competitive, integrated employment (CIE) for people with disabilities. We work to ensure that all individuals—regardless of disability—can pursue meaningful careers in inclusive work environments.

What is Employment First?
Employment First is a national systems-change movement and values-based philosophy that promotes the belief that all people—including those with significant disabilities—can work and should have the opportunity to do so in the general workforce. Employment is considered the first and preferred option for everyone.

Why is Employment First important?
Employment enriches lives, fosters independence, and builds inclusive communities. It promotes dignity, self-determination, and financial stability. Georgia APSE supports Employment First because we believe real work for real pay should be the expectation—not the exception—for people with disabilities.

What does Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) mean? CIE refers to meaningful work where individuals with disabilities:

Earn fair wages (at or above minimum wage) and equal pay for equal work
Work alongside coworkers with and without disabilities
Have real opportunities for advancement, leadership, and career growth
Choose jobs that reflect their goals, strengths, and interests

A Glance back at the GAPSE Conference –October 28–29, 2025

Tubman African American Museum | Macon, GA

Thank you for being part of our recent Georgia APSE Conference and for your continued commitment to advancing inclusive employment in Georgia. Your participation, insights, and advocacy make a real difference. Together, we are building stronger systems, deeper partnerships, and expanded opportunities for people with disabilities across our state.


meet the board

Tracy Rackensperger, Ph.D.

President of Georgia APSE

Public Service Associate, Employment Initiatives Coordinator and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Outreach Specialist.

Heather Smith

Secretary, Georgia APSE Board
Training Associate II, Institute for Community Inclusion

George Baldwin III

Peer Support Program Supervisor
Community Friendship, Inc

Tamika Woods

General Board Member / IDD Care Extender at Rivers Edge

Stacey Ramirez

Georgia APSE, Vice Chair
Crimminz & Associates

Danny Hoover

General APSE Board Member. Chief Operations Officer at Diversified Enterprises



GET IN TOUCH

email

Georgiaapse@gmail.com

address

Georgia, USA

Call Us

+1 (912)-XXX-XXXX

CONTACT US

WANT TO KNOW MORE?


How can I get involved with Georgia APSE?


There are many ways to support the Employment First movement:


Become a member of Georgia APSE. Attend our annual conference or events. Submit a proposal to present at our conference. Sponsor our initiatives or partner with us. Advocate in your community or workplace