Aultman Wins APSE Award A
U L T MAN H E A LT H FOUNDATION was recently selected as the recipient of the 2012 Employer Award by the
Ohio chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE). APSE is a national and state mem-
bership organization formed to focus exclusively on improving and expanding integrated employment. Each year, the Ohio chapter of the APSE recognizes employers who go above and beyond the norm in their work to advance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. This year's award was presented to Aultman representatives Sept. 13 during the annual Ohio APSE state conference in Columbus. Aultman
Health Foundation was nominated by Siffrin, Inc., for their Project Search program which focuses on advancing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Over the last four years, Project Search
has provided internships for more than 60 young adults with disabilities. The Ohio APSE recognized Aultman employ- ees as being instrumental in making the program successful by providing the time and energy to become natural supports for the interns as they learn to carry out their jobs. They noted that to date, 10 individuals from the program have been hired by Aultman Health Foundation and all are making above minimum wage with some accruing benefits.
The Ohio APSE also praised Aultman's
partnerships with local school districts to provide work development programs for people with disabilities. Other area businesses are invited to Aultman Health Foundation to tour the facility and observe the experiences with Project Search to encourage participation in similar programs. APSE recognized Aultman not only for improving the lives of people with disabilities, but also the community it serves. s
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012 s MDNEWS.COM s MD NEWS Cleveland/Akron/Canton | 29
