Services for Youth and Families

A group of students holding white canes stands together in front of a brick-walled indoor space.

Topics:

Youth
Services

Overview

Our Pre-employment transition (Pre-ETS) Programming offers dynamic workplace readiness training in a variety of engaging environments designed to prepare students (ages 14-21) for post-secondary opportunities. Weekend retreats take place one weekend every month throughout the school year at different locations throughout the state. The summer program takes place in the Des Moines metro area from May to August. Students may attend all or part of the scheduled sessions as their schedule allows. 

Navy blue graphic with a yellow illustrated lightbulb and text that reads "Thrive Thursdays"
Join Us for

Thrive Thursdays - Summer 2026

Thrive Thursdays offer the perfect opportunity to experience a day of impactful programming in a fun and dynamic setting!

View the 2026 Schedule

Youth Services

Submit a Referral

Please use this form to submit a referral to the Iowa Department for the Blind. Enter the name of the individual being referred to the Iowa Department for the Blind. We will contact the person referred to discuss our services and answer any questions.