The Iowa Department for the Blind has helped thousands of blind and low vision Iowans manage their vision loss so they can continue to live independently.
The Iowa Department for the Blind helps empower blind and low vision Iowans to lead active and fulfilling lives. The Department educates and trains them in alternative techniques while instilling them with confidence for independent living and competitive job placement.
These skills enable those with vision loss to fully participate in life, through work, family , and community, and helps them achieve their dreams.
Because the Department is funded primarily through state and federal tax dollars, most of the services it offers are provided to eligible Iowans at no cost to them.
IDB Programs and Services
The Orientation Center (OC) is an intensive Vocational Rehabilitation training program for adults who are blind or low vision. Located in Des Moines, the Center provides in-depth, comprehensive blindness training for students to live and work independently.
The Business Enterprises Program (BEP) provides opportunities for legally blind clients of the Vocational Rehabilitation program to manage their own businesses. These blind entrepreneurs manage a wide variety of food-service operations, including restaurants, coffee bars, vending locations, highway rest area vending sites, and catering. These businesses can be found at federal, state, county, municipal, and private locations throughout Iowa.
The Department has helped thousands of blind and low vision Iowans successfully find and retain high quality jobs.
The Department provides employment services to blind and low vision Iowans who are looking for a job or want to retain or advance in their current career. The Department for the Blind believes that with the right skills and opportunities a blind or low vision person can be a competitive and valuable employee.
The Independent Living (IL) program serves individuals with vision loss caused by a condition that cannot be corrected with glasses and has affected the person's ability to complete daily activities such as driving, reading the mail, dialing a telephone, cooking safely and more. Individuals served under this program do not wish to pursue paid employment and are at least age 55 or have other disabilities in combination with their vision loss. Rehabilitation Teachers in the IL program travel throughout the state to help individuals obtain the skills needed to live independently and participate in family and community life.
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program assists persons who are blind or low vision in preparing for, obtaining, and retaining employment. Applicants are made eligible based on their visual disability, their need for VR services, and their intent to work. The VR counselor and the eligible individual jointly identify a vocational goal and the services needed to achieve it. Services may include:
Training to help individuals achieve the vocational goals they have selected
Assessment, demonstration, and training in the Assistive Technology Resource Center
The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled brings alternative formats to Iowans who are unable to read standard print. It provides access to information, books, and magazines in audio, braille, electronic text, and large print.
Our technology team's mission is to provide the tech and training that empowers clients and staff to become self-sufficient. Learn about our technology services.
Because it is important to educate the public about blindness and the competence of people who are blind, the Department is eager to participate in public education activities. The Department can make arrangements to:
Give presentations about the Department's services and blindness to schools, churches, civic organizations, and other interested groups.
Provide in-service training about the Department's services and blindness skills to care centers, community rehabilitation programs, and other community service providers.
Participate in fairs, expos, displays, and other public events.
Our Youth Programs & Services provide students the opportunity to learn effective and appropriate self-advocacy through socialization, skill training, and recreational activities.
