October is National Disability Employment Awareness month, and Iowa Workforce Development is joining the rest of the nation in celebrating the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
Throughout October, IowaWORKS offices around the state will be hosting a variety of presentations and job events where Iowans can learn about topics such as adaptive technology and reasonable accommodation.
“Iowa needs every worker it can get, and many employers are seeing tremendous benefits from employing people with disabilities,” said Linda Rouse, Division Administrator for the Iowa Workforce Development that includes IowaWORKS. “With proper accommodation, people with disabilities can become innovative and loyal employees while helping companies create a diverse culture. Meanwhile, workers can improve their quality of life, enhance self-confidence, and feel like they’re a larger part of the community.”
The theme of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” and is intended to showcase supportive, inclusive employment policies. One example of such policies, according to Rouse, is the Ticket to Work Program.
Ticket to Work provides free career development services and supports people ages 18-64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Employment networks such as IWD, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS), the Iowa Department of the Blind, and other agencies recognize that many individuals with disabilities have the talents and skills that employers want.
Job seekers are encouraged to contact their local IowaWORKS office to learn more or visit IowaWORKS.gov to set up a virtual one-on-one consultation.
Employers interested in learning more about hiring people with disabilities, or any other workforce-related challenges, can contact our Business Engagement division at 1-833-469-2967 or iaworks@iwd.iowa.gov.
Check out the list of events below and contact your local IowaWORKS office for more details.
Iowa Disability Employment Awareness Events:
Decorah
10/19, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Presentation for businesses: Disability inclusion in workplace
Council Bluffs / Dennison
10/19, 1 - 2 p.m.
Presentation: Accessibility and reasonable accommodation
Cedar Rapids /Iowa City
10/19, 3 - 5 p.m.
NAIMI presentation on mental health; panel discussion.
Dubuque
10/20, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Visits with local employers
Fort Dodge / Spencer
10/24, 2 p.m.
Virtual event: Disability: Part of the Equity Equation
Des Moines
10/26, 8 - 10:30 a.m
Speaker: ADA & Employment; technology lending library
Ottumwa
10/26, 10 - 11 a.m.
Presentation for employers: Assistive technology
Creston
10/26, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Virtual Lunch & Learn: Reasonable accommodation; panel discussion
Sioux City
10/27, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Presentation for businesses: Disability inclusion in workplace