December 1, 2012

More CEO’s expect to Cut Jobs Over Next Six Months

Welcome to the Modern-Day Recession

The Serious Cost of a Slow Economy

Jobs Report Disappoints as Economy Adds just 96,000 Jobs

It seems like every time we look at a newspaper there is more bad news about unemployment and the economy. Many of us are at the point where we pay little attention anymore. The news is typically even worse for people with disabilities whose employment rates have deceased at five times the rate of those without disabilities. It is easy to find bad news…

…But those of us who do pay close attention are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel!

Traditionally, many people with disabilities had no expectation of ever having a job. Today, there is a new generation of young people with disabilities who grew up in accessible communities and integrated classrooms who not only expect jobs; they are demanding them. Add to that the numbers of wounded soldiers returning from overseas with the strong desire to work and support their families and we see a prepared, motivated workforce ready to make their mark on the world.

There are many positive developments and reasons for companies to hire people with disabilities:

  • People with disabilities and their families represent a very significant segment of any potential customer base. Globally there are 1.1 billion people with disabilities controlling more than $4 trillion annually. This makes people with disabilities a market roughly the size of China.
  • One in five Americans has a disability making people with disabilities the largest single minority group in the country.
  • 29% of all families have at least one member with a disability; and, marketing research shows that families with one or more persons with disabilities and consumers in general are significantly more likely to do business with a disability-friendly company.
  • President Obama called upon the federal government to hire an additional 100,000 persons with disabilities by 2015. The U. S. Chamber of Commerce challenged private employers to follow suit by hiring an additional one million persons with disabilities also by 2015.
  • Proposed rules from the U.S. Department of Labor require all federal contractors to work toward a goal of having at least seven percent of their workforce, at all levels, be persons with disabilities.
  • And, there is a tidal wave of action moving across the country creating goals, policies, and laws aimed at making employment the first option for even our most disabled citizens.

What does this mean for APSE?

As the premier international organization promoting Employment First, it falls to APSE to help assure that the potential we have outlined above actually impacts Americans with disabilities, that the dreams become reality.

To make this happen, APSE must move our organization to the next level. And that can only happen with your help. We need you to do two things:

  1. We need every member of APSE to recruit one additional member before the end of 2012. By doubling the size of our membership we will have the resources to better assist our members to advance employment for all.
  1. We need you to financially support the APSE Foundation with a tax-deductible donation. With this in mind we have established the giving levels on the next page. You can donate online at or complete the attached form.

It is vitally important that we represent to potential corporate sponsors and grant funders that we not only have an impressive membership, but we are committed enough to our work to invest in the organization beyond the required membership fee. Think about the power of being able to state that 100% of our membership has voluntarily invested their resources beyond the minimum amount required, tosupport the work of the organization.

This is an exciting time that could define not only the future of APSE; but the potential for people with disabilities in the workforce. Will you join us?

Sincerely,

Laura OwensPaula Johnson

Laura Owens, Ph.D.Paula Johnson

Executive DirectorPresident

APSEAPSE Foundation

Yes! I want to make a difference and be a part of the APSE Foundation’s continued efforts to promote the advancement of integrated employment opportunities for citizens with disabilities!

Please indicate the amount and method of contribution. Every donation is greatly appreciated!

_____$5 - $25Friend: Friends of APSE believe in the purpose of successful employment of citizens with disabilities.

_____$26 - $50Supporter: Help fulfill the national mission through direct service to members such as access to resources and training.

_____ $51 - $100Connecting Force: Connecting business leaders, disability industry leaders, and employees with disabilities to commit to working together to increase employment.

_____ $101 - $250+Opportunity Builder: Creating new member opportunities to strengthen business employment practices to include employees with disabilities.

$______Other (any gift is appreciated!)

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Mail this form along with your tax deductible contribution to:

APSE Foundation Or Fax to: 301-279-0075

416 Hungerford Dr. Suite 418

Rockville, MD 20850

416 Hungerford Drive Suite 418 | Rockville, MD 20850

Phone: 301.279.0060 |Fax: 301.279.0075