Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services

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. #DisabilityPrideMonth

Thanks to LANE Trailer Manufacturing Company 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://lnkd.in/gPKE5kpc

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 #webinar 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://lnkd.in/eP93E6d 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://lnkd.in/g_uV5Zts

School may be out for the summer, but programs helping Iowa youth are in session! The #Decorah Vocational Rehabilitation office recently kicked off its Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program at the Decorah Fish Hatchery and Vesterheim Museum. #Students did activities and also learned history. These programs assist #Iowa youth with disabilities as they transition out of the #education system and into the workforce. Stay tuned for more updates about Pre-ETS programs. Learn more about them here: https://lnkd.in/g4ywsiqp

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://lnkd.in/g7C6_JDU

Local IowaWORKS offices around the state provide resources and services for job seekers—no matter where they're at in their employment journey. The #DesMoines 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 employers that have a welcoming environment for success. Learn more by visiting: https://lnkd.in/e_sUBdBn

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 #career! Learn more about Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation, including youth resources, by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gRPzdTAn