Reaching New Heights

Finding Your Place In Competitive Integrated Employment

Friday, October 9th, 2026 l 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

NJ Law Center, One Constitution Square, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Dear Attendees, Presenters, Panelists, Advocates, Families, and Friends;

On behalf of the New Jersey Association of People Supporting Employment First (NJAPSE), it was our sincere pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 NJAPSE Summit. Thank you for joining us and bringing your knowledge, experience, passion, and commitment to this important gathering.

In NJAPSE, we believe every person with a disability should have the opportunity to pursue gainful, integrated, and meaningful employment. Our mission is to educate and advocate for the advancement of competitive integrated employment (CIE) and Employment First initiatives throughout the state. To do this, we create opportunities for professional development, community discussion, and statewide advocacy regarding service improvements and the employment rights of people with disabilities. 

NJAPSE recognizes that the path to CIE is rarely easy or straightforward, especially for people with significant and complex support needs. Funding and support systems, employer interest, and public perception all have their own unique barriers within our current environment that make it challenging for individuals with disabilities to access and maintain CIE. As such, we want to dedicate our time and resources to deconstructing these barriers and making the changes needed to ensure CIE becomes accessible for all. This starts with events like the 2026 NJAPSE Summit, and it also starts with you. Each person brings their own experiences and expertise to today’s conversation, and the information and perspectives shared will guide the next wave of changes for employment services in New Jersey.

We hope this summit provided you with supportive information, meaningful connections, and renewed inspiration to take back to your communities. Most importantly, We hope we left this gathering with an even stronger commitment to collaboration and community efforts that support the employment needs and rights of people with disabilities. 

With gratitude, 

Brooks Sanders 

NJAPSE President