Annual Employment First Awards

The Colorado chapter of the Association for People Supporting Employment First (APSE) is proud to present the 5th Annual Colorado Employment First Awards. The awards recognize and honor individuals, businesses and community partners who make exemplary efforts in the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities. Awards will be given during the June Annual Meeting!

Nominations are due by Friday, May 30th, 2025. 

AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

Select a category to access the nomination form. 

Wendy Wood Emerging Leader Award

Professional for Individual Award

Personal Achievement Award for a Person with a Disability

Dave Hammis Innovation Award

Best Practice Award for an Organization

Excellence in Benefits Counseling Award

Employer Award (Large and Small Employer)

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

Wendy Wood Emerging Leader Award:
This award will recognize an emerging leader in Colorado that is developing a vision and creating action toward full inclusion of citizens with disabilities in our society.

Professional for Individual Award:
This award aims to recognize an individual for outstanding state-of-the-art practices and professional achievements in Employment First as a job coach, job developer, employment specialist, or other personnel.

Personal Achievement Award:
This award recognizes an individual’s personal achievement, through integrated employment or self-employment.

Dave Hammis Innovation Award:
This award is offered to individuals or organizations who demonstrate innovation in technology, customized strategies, and/or self-employment for individuals with significant disabilities.

Best Practice Award:
This award is to recognize an organization for outstanding accomplishments in promoting state-of-the-art practices in Employment First.

Excellence in Benefits Counseling Award:
This award is available for an agency, direct service provider or current certified benefits counselor that is working to promote the access to or provision of benefits counseling services within the State of Colorado; or the nominee has worked closely with a beneficiary of a federal, state, and/or local benefit and supported them in pursuing a chosen career path while navigating benefits.

Employer Award (Large and Small Employer):
This award is available for a large (50+ employees) and a small (1-50 employees) employer that is proving and demonstrating to be an advocate for Employment First through inclusive business practices and recognition of the contributions made to their business by hiring people with disabilities.

Nominations are due by Friday, May 30th, 2025. 

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If you have questions or would like support in submitting a nomination, email us at coloradoapse@gmail.com.