November 10, 2026
Iowa Honors Employers During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
2026 Awards Honor the Work of Both Large and Small Businesses who Showcased a Strong Commitment to Disability Employment.
Des Moines, Iowa – In recognition of the recently celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), in collaboration with the State Disability Access Committee (DAC) of the State Workforce Development Board, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 NDEAM Employer Awards.
These annual statewide awards span across the workforce and exist to recognize employers who demonstrated an exceptional commitment to creating workplaces that welcome, support, and expand sustainable employment for Iowans with disabilities. Through their leadership and dedication, these employers help foster work environments that welcome, support, and empower individuals with disabilities to succeed.
These NDEAM recognition efforts were spearheaded by the State DAC and supported by IWD’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Division. Efforts to promote NDEAM and recognize outstanding employers were carried out in partnership with IowaWORKS centers across the state, which serve as the connection point for career development and employment services for Iowans with disabilities.
This year’s awards include both small and large businesses who displayed leadership in disability employment practices and their efforts exemplify the spirit and mission of NDEAM.
This year’s award categories and honorees are listed below.
Champion for Disability Employment Award
Recognizing an employer demonstrating exceptional commitment to supporting the disability community through proactive hiring, community engagement, and workplace supports.
Awardees: Hope Haven, Inc. (Spencer) and Broadlawns (Des Moines)
New Business Partnership Award
Recognizing a newly established business partner that has quickly demonstrated meaningful progress in supporting individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
Awardees: Pech Optical (Sioux City) and Geater Manufacturing (Independence)
Innovative Employer Award
Celebrating a business that has shown exceptional creativity in hiring, retaining, and supporting individuals with disabilities through forward‑thinking workplace practices.
Awardee: Hy-Vee, Inc. (West Des Moines)
VR/IDB Recognition Award
Honoring a business that has demonstrated strong partnership and engagement with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) or Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB), helping advance successful employment outcomes.
Awardees: Grout Museum (Waterloo) and Durham School Services (Ottumwa)
The state congratulates each of these outstanding employers and thanks them for their continued commitment and partnership to building sustainable careers for Iowans with disabilities.
For more information about VR services or business partnerships, visit workforce.iowa.gov/vr.