Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Helping You Find and Keep a Job
IDB's employment services are delivered through our Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. Our VR program helps blind or low vision Iowans prepare for, obtain and retain employment in a wide variety of occupations. Applicants are determined eligible for services based upon their visual disability, their need for employment services and their intent to work. They will work with a VR Counselor to jointly identify an employment goal and the services needed to achieve it.
Our Services
- Career Counseling
Not sure what kind of job you want? Our experienced staff can provide you with advice and information that will help you choose a job goal that is consistent with your strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, interests and informed choice.
- Adjustment to Blindness Counseling
Given the proper training and opportunity, a blind person can compete for jobs in the open marketplace alongside their sighted peers. We work with blind and low vision Iowans to develop the skills, self-confidence, and positive attitude they need to have the job or career they want.
- Access Technology Training and Employment
we will work with you to obtain the devices, technology and training you may require to be successful at work or school.
- Job-seeking Assistance
We can work with you to construct a job-search plan, develop job-seeking skills, write a resume, practice interviewing and locate job-search and placement resources.
- Supported Employment Assistance
Some individuals, such as those with little work experience or multiple disabilities in addition to blindness, require additional, intensive employment services to be successful at a job. For these individuals, we can offer job coaching, customized employment and extended services.
- Work Site Assessment
Our staff can visit your job or possible job site and help you to figure out whether alternative techniques and/or accommodations will help you to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need training in alternative techniques or technology, we will do that, too. We will work with an employer to provide you with access technology equipment you may require on the job.
- Self-employment Planning
Many dream of running their own business. Through our involvement with the Iowa Self-Employment program, we can offer expert advice in planning, improving or starting your own business. Read more about the Self-Employment program.
- Post-Employment Follow-up
After you have achieved your employment goal, your VR counselor can continue to serve as a resource to both you and your employer. If questions arise in the future about how to handle changes in technology or duties, we are there to help.
Learn how working will impact your Social Security benefits.
VR Counselors
VR Counselors work with Iowans who are blind or low vision in in their communities. VR Counselors work with you to develop a vocational goal and a plan for achieving . VR Counselors arrange for the services and tools that you need to participate in training or education as well as assist you in finding employment. After receiving services from IDB, individuals may return to the jobs they formerly held. , change careers, or go into business for themselves.
Our counselors work with employers. Sometimes employers do not believe blind people can do certain jobs. Counselors help employers understand how blind people can do the job and be great employees.
Referrals
If you or someone you know could benefit from our employment services, submit a referral