The Iowa Department for the Blind is a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) service agency providing employment services to all blind and low vision Iowans. Through our counseling and training programs, our rehabilitation counselors and teachers will work with you to achieve your career goals.
List items for VR Services
Our experienced counselors and teachers will work with you on career research and exploration, so that you will have all the information you need to make your career choice.
We can work with you to choose a job goal consistent with your strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and interests.
Our vocational rehabilitation program provides nonvisual skill training that will prepare blind and low vision Iowans with the tools necessary to be competitive in their career search alongside their sighted peers.
We will work with you to obtain the devices, technology, and training you may require to be successful at work or school.
We can work with you to create a job-search plan that includes
Creating a cover letter
Building a Resume
Preparing for an interview
Post-interview correspondence
Locating job-search and placement resources
For individuals with limited work experience or multiple disabilities in addition to blindness, we will work with you to access additional, intensive employment services to be successful at a job. We offer job coaching, customized employment, and extended services.
Our staff will visit your job or potential job site and provide an assessment to help you determine if any alternative techniques or accommodations are needed. We will work with you and your employer to provide any access technology or additional training.
Do you dream of running your own business? Through our involvement with the Iowa Self-Employment program, we can offer expert advice in planning, improving, or starting your own business.
After you have achieved your employment goal, your VR counselor will continue to serve as a resource to you and your employer. If questions arise in the future about how to handle changes in technology or duties, we are there to help.
If you have questions about how future employment will impact your benefits and services, our counselors will assist you in finding the appropriate benefits coordinator.
Orientation Center for the Blind (OC) Training your way, techniques that work, true independence. Located in Des Moines, the OC provides courses and training tracks that are designed to fit your life.
Statewide Skills Retreats Skills Retreats offer a dynamic and engaging week filled with opportunities to learn new skills, connect with others, enjoy exciting activities — and so much more!
Business Enterprise Program (BEP) BEP provides opportunities for legally blind Vocational Rehabilitation clients of the Iowa Department for the Blind to manage their own businesses -- operating vending machines, roadside vending sites, or snack bar/catering services.
Youth Programs & Services Our Youth Programming offers dynamic workplace readiness training in a variety of engaging environments designed to prepare students for post-secondary opportunities.
Please use this form to submit a referral to the Iowa Department for the Blind. Enter the name of the individual being referred, and we will contact them to discuss our services and answer any questions.
