Iowa Workforce Development and its Vocational Rehabilitation Services Division are highlighting National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) during the month of October, and the many contributions and talents that Iowans with disabilities bring to our workforce.

Earlier this year, Iowa's Vocational Rehabilitation Services reorganized to become a division under Iowa Workforce Development as part of the state's efforts to align all workforce-related programs. This move will help provide more opportunities and improved services for the Iowans we serve.

IWD and its Vocational Rehabilitation Services division will be highlighting stories, events, and news throughout the month of October to talk about how Iowans with disabilities can find meaningful employment. Visit the links below, and stay tuned for more information on this page.

Highlights: National Disability Employment Awareness Month

  • Events:

Local IowaWORKS offices and partners are hosting events across the state. For more information on events, visit this link.

  • Press Releases:

Iowa's Vocational Rehabilitation Services announced its new Administrator, James Williams, to oversee the state's VR program and find new ways to integrate the workforce services available to Iowans with disabilities.

  • Podcasts:

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Kick-Off: Eric Evans of Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services talks about how his department is continuously helping Iowans with disabilities find rewarding work and what it means now that the division is under the Iowa Workforce Development umbrella.    

  • Proclamations:

The city of West Des Moines proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month at a recent city council meeting.

On Oct. 12, 2023, Governor Reynolds signed a statewide proclamation marking October in Iowa as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The full text of the proclamation can be read below.

Statewide Proclamation: National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Click the plus sign below to read the full text of the statewide proclamation.

Data: Serving Iowans with Disabilities

1,925

Number of Iowans with disabilities that found employment with Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Program Year 2022.

$49.4M

Total estimated wages earned by Iowans with disabilities who found employment in Program Year 2022.

58.3%

Percentage of job candidates employed at the end of the 4th program quarter 2022.

Get Involved: More Information

For more information on services for Iowans with disabilities, visit ivrs.iowa.gov.