Issue 11 | October 2018

View in Browser

‌ ‌ ‌

The first national certification program for employment support professionals

The Employment Support Professional Certification Council (ESPCC) supports: National Disability Employment Awareness Month

America's Workforce: Empowering All

It's October, and time to celebrate the annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month! NDEAM aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Resources: Learn more on ODEP's website Get the NDEAM official poster or official poster in Spanish Get the CESP NDEAM poster Add the APSE NDEAM Facebook frame to your profile picture!

Join in on the movement....

Establish Direct Support Professional Occupational Code DSP turnover rate: 45%. Average hourly wages: $10.72/hour. Learn how you can help by signing the petition today to establish a DSP Standard Occupational Classification. Let us advocate as one & band together. DSPs should not have to work anonymously. Read more www.nadsp.org

We Have A Stake Movement Included. Supported. Empowered. We all have a stake in making sure that people with disabilities can be involved members of our community, making society stronger and enriching our whole community. We must make investments in the supports and services on which people with disabilities rely.

Join the  We Have A Stake Movement  to ensure that more of your policymakers, colleagues and neighbors know about the work being done everyday to make sure people with disabilities are included, supported and empowered in the places where they live and work!

LEARN MORE

CESP Celebrates NDEAM: 10 Free Ways to Earn CE credits

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), here are 10 ways to earn free Continuing Education credits for the CESP and move competitive, integrated employment forward!  (Each activity has different documentation requirements. Please see the Requirements for CE Credits for more guidance.)

Serve on your state APSE board (or on a committee!) Be an ambassador or representative for your chamber of commerce Give a presentation to a networking group about supported employment Develop and implement a marketing strategy for your department Serve as an item writer or reviewer for the CESP* Help the ESPCC by volunteering your time to the CESP* Free online webinars related to the content outline. A few resources include the LEAD Center, VCU-RRTU, and EARN. Start a job developers' network in your region to come together to learn and talk about similar issues Attend an in-service training at your agency, specific to the content outline Write an article for your city's newspaper

* The ESPCC will be actively recruiting volunteers to serve as item writers, to review ESPCC policies, and market the credential. Interested in helping?  Fill out this form . Seeking more opportunities? We post upcoming trainings, webinars, and more to our Facebook page .

Looking for more information about the recertification process?

Sign up for a 3-part email series about the CESP recertification! Click Here to Sign Up

Additional Training & Opportunities

Four free webinars from the LEAD Center! Get started to earn CESP credit. Customized Employment: Moving Beyond the Basics Customized Employment: Success Through Partnerships Guided Group Discovery: Paving the Way to Employment Financial Literacy and the Workforce Development System

Other Resources to Find Training: Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research & Training Center (VCU-RRTC) Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability LEAD Center Southeast ADA Center Workforce GPS National Allliance for DSPs

WEBINAR REMINDER Promoting Competitive Integrated Employment: What You Can Do WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018  3:00 - 4:30 pm ET (1.5 CE credits with documentation)

Please share resources with us to include in future newsletters! Email cesp@apse.org .

How Do I Know if My Continuing Education (CE) Activity Counts Toward Recertification?

How to document activities that do not include a certificate of attendance: Ensure the supporting documentation includes: the date; who was watching; what the activity was; and have a verifying signature from HR or your supervisor. The more attendance documentation provided will assist with the acceptance of the activity towards CE credit. 1. Make sure the activity is listed as an acceptable activity. 2. Ensure you have acceptable documentation showing proof of completion.  3. Ensure it's related to the content outline (activities should clearly relate to your work as an employment support professional).

Other Announcements & Reminders

CESP ™ Seeking Volunteers As the certification grows and expands, the ESPCC is looking for assistance with the following: Review of exam eligibility requirements Reviewing applications in question for eligibility Reviewing continuing education requirements for CESPs Reviewing of recertification applications - we audit 10% a year Item writing for the exam Item review for the exam Marketing of the exam to potential certificants, businesses, employers, and more! Sign Up to Volunteer Your Time and Expertise

Upcoming Application & Testing Windows

Application Window October 29-November 26, 2018 Dec. 31st, 2018-Jan. 28th, 2019 February 25-March 25, 2019 Testing Window December 3-9, 2018 February 4-10, 2019 April 1-7, 2019

Once submitted, your application is only good for the testing window in which you are applying. Learn more here. If you want to recertify by exam, please email CESP to receive the discount code to pay the recertification price!

* There is not a training program or endorsed study guide for the CESP™ exam. The CESP™ exam tests the ability to apply the practical knowledge required to work in supported employment settings. Any training program that enhances knowledge and experience that can generate positive employment outcomes will be beneficial for any candidate. The ESPCC does not recommend or endorse any particular programs for exam preparation.