Worcester, MA, October 1, 2026, with the Massachusetts APSE state chapter of APSE, the Association of People Supporting Employment First. This year’s theme is Collaborating for Inclusive Employment. Come prepared to engage with businesses – including those created by disabled entrepreneurs! – as we collectively seek to create a more equitable workforce. Employment Matters is all about practical skill development, professional networking, and pushing the boundaries of possibility.
* If you work in employment services, workforce development, disability services, advocacy, education, or inclusive hiring, this is an opportunity to step outside of your day-to-day work and connect with others asking the same questions:
• How do we create more opportunities?
• How do we build stronger employer partnerships?
• How do we support careers instead of simply finding jobs?
• And how can collaboration help us build a more equitable workforce?
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – TBA
2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Andy Arias serves as the Component Manager for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Families at the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence. In this role, he oversees the advancement of cultural and linguistic competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities -Georgetown University NCCC Partnership for Systems Change. Prior to his work at the NCCC, Andy served as a Policy Advisor for the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment, collaborating with federal agencies to develop employment policies. He also worked as a System Change Advocate and Program Manager for Orange County and Los Angeles. In addition to his policy work, Andy has acted in numerous productions and an accessibility consultant, he advises producers and directors on creating greater media visibility for people with disabilities.
Fees apply, registration is required – Partial & full scholarships available.
