Affiliations: Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA | The Center for Disabilities at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA | APSE, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA | The North Carolina Employment First Technical Assistance Center, Charlotte, NC, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Laura A. Owens, APSE, 416 Hungerford Dr., Suite 418, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel.: +1 301 279 0060; Fax: +1 301 279 0075; E-mail: lowens@apse.org
Abstract: This article describes a recent certification initiative to build an international network of professionals who have the knowledge and skills to provide quality integrated employment services to individuals with a variety of disabilities. An overview of the history and conceptual framework guiding the development of the Employment Support Professional Certification Program will be followed by a presentation of findings from a preliminary survey study of 93 professionals who have been certified. Survey respondents identified both personal and professional motivations for pursuing the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) designation, including the desire to (a) achieve a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction, (b) demonstrate a professional standard of competence and commitment to the profession, and (c) garner professional credibility and enhanced opportunities for career advancement. The authors describe ongoing efforts and recommendations for validating the credentialing program and for increasing the number of certified professionals equipped to establish and expand equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Keywords: Certification, certified employment support professional, disability, employment
