About OK-APSE
Every Person Has the Potential for Greatness. Advancing employment equity, fair pay, and dignity for Oklahomans with disabilities since 1989.
Who We Are
Dedicated to Growth & Employment Equity
OK-APSE stands as a dedicated proponent of the Employment First initiative in Oklahoma. It’s an honor and responsibility that we take very seriously. Centering on our mutual principles and reaffirming our belief that employment is a universal right, our Governing Board champions strategies that assist lawmakers, financial backers, commercial entities, families, service facilitators, and individuals with disabilities.
We are a team of professionals from diverse backgrounds who all believe in the same core principles: that every person has the potential to make a dramatic impact on the world and in their personal lives when given access to competitive integrated employment.
Our Core Mission
To advance employment equity for people with disabilities across the state of Oklahoma.
Empowering Individual Potential
National Governance
The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)
APSE is the only national membership organization focused exclusively on Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community.
APSE members recognize that everyone has abilities to contribute and that work should be recognized and rewarded with fair pay in inclusive workplaces. Employment enriches and adds meaning to every life, and workplaces and communities are enhanced when they embrace differences.
Oklahoma Policy Framework
The Argument for Dually Contracted Organizations
OK-APSE encourages all organizations providing job training and placement services to citizens with intellectual disabilities in Oklahoma to adopt contracts with both state agencies for seamless quality care.
Dual Agency Contracts (DDS + DRS)
OK-APSE advocates that provider organizations hold contracts with both the Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) and the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).
- Ensures unbroken service continuity during job placement and fading.
- Eliminates gaps when individuals transition from initial VR to long-term waiver supports.
- Standardizes high-quality job development standards statewide.
State Legislative History
In 2005, OK DHS DDSD modified its policy to declare full-time employment at prevailing wage as the optimum goal. In 2015, Oklahoma formally enacted the Employment First Act, establishing competitive integrated employment as the primary outcome.
- Competitive Integrated Employment paying prevailing wages and benefits.
- Aligns state agency policies with Federal WIOA statutes.
- Phaseout of sub-minimum wages (Section 14c certificates) and sheltered workshops.
"You're happiest while you're making the greatest contribution."
— Robert F. Kennedy
"It's not our disabilities, it's our abilities that count."
— Chris Burke
Impact & Outcomes
Community Employment Equals Happiness
When people with disabilities gain real employment in integrated community settings, the positive ripple effects touch every part of life.
Social Networks
Meet co-workers and expand vibrant social relationships in authentic community settings.
Valued Contribution
Feel productive, respected, and recognized for hard work at market rate compensation.
Skill Development
Master new job competencies, career advancement pathways, and lifelong self-reliance.
Financial Independence
Earn real wages, build personal independence, and make self-directed life choices.
Our Supporters
Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors & Partners
We are deeply grateful for the organizations committed to making Employment First a reality across Oklahoma.