2026 Facing The Future Virtual Event

 
The Boggs Center and NJAPSE invite you to the 2026 Facing the Future Virtual Event. This event is intended to provide an opportunity to gather virtually to drive transformation and advance competitive integrated employment (CIE) for New Jerseyans with disabilities across our state. It will challenge us to reimagine our approach to services, break down barriers to meaningful work, and ensure sustainable, community-inclusive opportunities for everyone.
 
Join us for an inspiring lineup featuring leaders at the forefront of Employment First.
 
PRESENTERS
 
An APSE Snapshot: National Trends and Understanding Competitive Integrated Employment in 2026
 
Julie Christensen will share a high-level overview of the shifting landscape in disability employment. This presentation reviews emerging federal priorities, pending legislation, and momentum across states accelerating Employment First policies. Discover how policy reform and the phase-out of subminimum wage models are establishing Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) as the growing standard across the nation.
 
Julie Christensen, LMSW, PhD
Julie Christensen, LMSW, PhD
Executive Director
APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First)

 
Transforming a Social Enterprise from Segregated Work to Competitive Integrated Employment
 
Theresa Santana and Liam D'Aquila will share how Popcorn for the People shifted from a sheltered social-enterprise model to true Competitive Integrated Employment with mixed teams, career ladders, competitive wages, and natural supports. You’ll hear about their journey to CIE and what inclusion looks like when neurodiverse and neurotypical staff grow side by side.
 
Theresa Santana, MA
Theresa Santana, MA
Executive Director
Popcorn for the People

 
Liam Daquiula
Liam D'Aquila
Lead Production Associate
Popcorn for the People

  
REGISTRATION
 
The 2026 Facing the Future Virtual Event will be held on the Zoom Webinar platform.
 
The webinar is free of charge. Space is limited. Open to people who live or work in New Jersey.
 
To access the webinar, you must register in advance on The Boggs Center Online Registration System.
 
Click the REGISTER button below. You will need to log in or create an account in order to complete your registration request.
 
For additional information, please view Zoom Frequently Asked Questions
 
If you have any further questions or need assistance with registration, please contact lucy.white@rutgers.edu
 
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE  
 
As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, The Boggs Center offers this program for social work continuing education credit per NJAC 13:44G6.4.c(5). The Boggs Center is a registered NJ Department of Education Professional Development Provider. The program has also been submitted to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and APSE (Certified Employment Support Professional - CESP) for continuing education program approval.
 
The 2026 Facing the Future Virtual Event is offered for 2 hours of continuing education recognition. To demonstrate completion and receive a certificate, you must be logged into the webinar from start to finish and complete a survey at the end of the webinar. Certificates of Attendance will be emailed to attendees meeting these requirements two weeks following the event.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open December 11, 2026  10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Zoom Webinar

Register