Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Iowa’s Vocational Rehabilitation division is always looking to improve and grow to better serve with disabilities. Iowa Capital Dispatch recently published an article about how Vocational Rehabilitation is improving its processes for Iowans receiving services and working more closely with its partners out in local communities throughout the state!

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services to end wait times for service • Iowa Capital Dispatch People with disabilities using Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) to find work won’t wait to be served starting in September.

Iowa's Vocational Rehabilitation team works daily to assist, guide, and help connect Iowans with disabilities to meaningful employment. During Disability Pride Month in July, we recognize that disabilities aren't always physical or visible. However, embracing those differences can help build a better Iowa and a stronger workforce.

Thanks to LANE Trailer Manufacturing for hosting Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) students in Boone, IA! They provided hands-on welding opportunities and a tour to see how the shipping trailers were made and the manufacturing process.

Learn more about Pre-ETS and how students can explore career options after high school by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/vr/education/parents-and-educators

While school may be out for the summer, the learning doesn’t stop for some students in Iowa! Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services works with hundreds of with disabilities every summer to help introduce them to new paths through Pre-Employment Transition Services (PRE-ETS). In , IA, students got hands-on experience climbing power poles and learning how helicopters play a role in the county’s electric grid. Marshalltown Community College

🎬 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG65fW6UNjI

From all of us, we hope you have a great 4th of July! Our offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Normal business hours will resume on Friday, July 5, 2024.

Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) offers webinars for Iowans ages 18 - 64 who receive Social Security Disability benefits. This includes programs like the Ticket to Work Program, which helps those with disabilities work toward being financially independent. A new for how working will impact Social Security Disability Benefits will take place June 26, 2024, from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM. Learn how to achieve your goals and find success through these support programs.

Register now here: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/
To learn more about Ticket to Work in Iowa, please contact: [email protected]

Vocational Rehabilitation programs are available to all Iowans in need. Get the assistance, resources, and support to join the workforce by starting the process and filling out an application for services. Get more information, including updates for students by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/vr/apply-services

School may be out for the summer, but programs helping Iowa youth are in session! The Vocational Rehabilitation office recently kicked off its Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program at the Decorah Fish Hatchery and Vesterheim Museum. did activities and also learned history. These programs assist youth with disabilities as they transition out of the system and into the workforce.

Stay tuned for more updates about Pre-ETS programs. Learn more about them here: https://workforce.iowa.gov/vr/education/students

Congratulations to the newest State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) Chair, Eva Castillo! The Council works closely with Iowa's Vocational Rehabilitation Services Division to provide guidance and feedback on the effectiveness of services for Iowans with disabilities. Eva has worked in the supported employment arena for more than 20 years. Eva’s passion is promoting Employment First, a practice that connects people with disabilities to employment who are utilizing state-funded programs.

For more information on SRC, visit: https://workforce.iowa.gov/vr/partners/state-rehabilitation-council

Honor and remember. We hope you enjoy the weekend. As a reminder, our offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

NEW job opportunity! The Iowa Disability Determination Services (DDS) Bureau is seeking a Disability Examiner. The position will provide timely Social Security Administration disability determinations. The role will manage the ongoing development of disability claims and perform detailed reviews to determine eligibility. Salary range is from $50,731.20 - $76,502.40.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/4503777/disability-examiner?department[0]=283%20-%20Iowa%20Workforce%20Development%20-%20Vocational%20Rehabilitation%20Services&sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Local offices around the state provide resources and services for job seekers—no matter where they're at in their employment journey. The IowaWORKS office recently held a group forum where a recruiter from UnityPoint Health shared vital tips for applicants, including interviewing guidance and best practices for their job search.

Iowa's Vocational Rehabilitation can help connect job-ready candidates with that have a welcoming environment for success. Learn more by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/vr/businesses

Representatives from Iowa's Vocational Rehabilitation division, Iowa Department of Education, and ASK Resources (Access for Special Kids) recently attended the 2024 Capacity Building Institute (CBI) in Charlotte, NC. There, they met with others from around the United States to discuss how to better serve youth with disabilities in Iowa and prepare them for their future !

Learn more about Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation, including youth resources, by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/vr

Iowa's Vocational Rehabilitation division recently held its annual internal conference for partners and staff. During the event, groups focused on concepts and idea sharing that will help improve the ways VR serves Iowans. Thank you to the city of , local businesses, and restaurants for welcoming us in!

Learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation here: https://workforce.iowa.gov/vr

Are you or someone you know an aspiring ? We've got the experience for you! Join the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) to connect with peers and learn leadership skills. All interactive sessions are free and virtual. Spend a few hours a day to gain for life!

Apply now here: https://www.iowaddcouncil.org/yla

Iowa's new Vocational Rehabilitation is now live! The new design and layout provide a more streamlined experience that puts services for Iowans with disabilities all in one place.

Take a tour for yourself by visiting:

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Vocational Rehabilitation Services is the state's primary division that helps Iowans with disabilities advance in successful employment.

Iowa's new Vocational Rehabilitation website is now live! The new design and layout provide a more streamlined experience that puts services for Iowans with disabilities all in one place.

Take a tour for yourself by visiting:

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Vocational Rehabilitation Services is the state's primary division that helps Iowans with disabilities advance in successful employment.

Today is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day! Many types of assistive tech help individuals with disabilities navigate their home and work environments. In Iowa, there is even a program where you can learn how to fit the right assisted technology for Iowans in need.

Learn more about the program at Easterseals Iowa & Camp Sunnyside here:

Home - Easterseals Iowa | Assistive Technology Program The Easterseals Iowa assistive technology team serves Iowans of all ages with all types of disabilities, including persons who are aging.

Iowa’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services will soon have a new website! Later this month, the Vocational Rehabilitation website will merge with Iowa Workforce Development, creating one central location for all available workforce resources and services. Stay tuned for future updates!

Are you an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator, city staff, or a interested in in the workplace? Iowa Workforce Development's Business Engagement Division and the City of Des Moines - Government invite you to join the Community of Practice (COP) initiative, which will bring together a community of support professionals to create best practices and conversations around the ideas of belonging in the . The group will hold trainings, create a chat forum to ask questions and provide access to verified ADA coordinators to help.

To join, please visit: https://forms.office.com/g/nr4mfcp4af

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners who helped kick off the inaugural Transition Resource Fair in Creston, IA! The April 4, 2024, event hosted at Southwestern Community College showcased information and resources for Iowans whose children with disabilities face barriers following their transition out of the school system.

Assisted devices for Iowans with disabilities can vary from closed captioning to hearing aids and even teletype phones. These unique technologies can help people navigate their workplace and even experience events like the upcoming happening next week on April 8!

Learn more about the science behind this device used in astrology for those with visual impairments:

Experiencing the total solar eclipse without sight New technologies, projects, and resources aim to help people with blindness and low vision experience the eclipse.

Changes to accessibility and inclusion in the workplace don't always happen overnight, often times meaningful change starts with a conversation. The United States Department of Labor wants to hear from small business owners and how they recruit, retain, and support people with disabilities in their small businesses.

Learn more by visiting:

Community

The transition out of high school can be full of tough life decisions. Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services is here to provide resources to Iowans with disabilities, including medical, , and guidance. Join us on April 4, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, at Southwestern Community College, in , IA! We hope to see you there!

All Iowans deserve to thrive in their local communities. The Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council is seeking Iowans with disabilities to provide feedback in a virtual session. Join us Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00M. Live captioning and interpreters will be provided for this virtual public input forum.

Register now here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwudumoqjIvGdWgFnYxFi9r7qeklC3vm1Yu? #/registration

Are you currently receiving disability benefits, but have questions about working in a job? is hosting a webinar today at 2:00 p.m CT to talk about finding financial independence and while maintaining a successful career! Sign up here:

Registration for Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) Attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) online webinar to learn about the Ticket to Work program or Work Incentives.

More than 30 employers in one fair! Join us on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Waukon High School Gym and speak with representatives from 34 . Auxiliary aids and services are available for Iowans with disabilities. Contact the IowaWORKS office for more info. Thanks to our partners from Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism, Allamakee Community School District, and Northeast Iowa Community College for hosting the event.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation offers a variety of resources for Iowans. Visit any one of the local offices to connect with staff for guidance and resources for Iowans with disabilities. From business services, independent living, and more please visit:

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