Each year, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) serves an important time to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities and the programs that make their success possible in today’s workforce.
Iowa Workforce Development, along with its Vocational Rehabilitation Services division, is recognizing the month by hosting events, sharing success stories, and talking about the many pathways available for Iowans with disabilities to find a successful career.
Since aligning Vocational Rehabilitation with other workforce programs last year, there are now more opportunities than ever for Iowans with disabilities to connect with meaningful employment across Iowa.
Below is more information on NDEAM activities and employment opportunities for Iowans with disabilities!
Highlights for National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Local IowaWORKS Events:
Local IowaWORKS offices and partners are also hosting events across the state related to disability employment. Some are listed below, but contact your local IowaWORKS office to learn more.
Wednesday, October 2
Iowa Valley College, Marshalltown
3700 S. Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Career Expo Student/Community Job Fair, with Hands on Activity ~ Learning Disability Simulation Assessments
Fort Dodge Area Office
Two Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
2:00 - 4:30 PM
Panel of WIOA partner staff that present on services to bring awareness of services to community leaders and community agencies.
4:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. The Iowa Workforce Development Mobile Workforce Center is planned to be present. Will host event outside if weather permits, otherwise event will be in the large conference room.
Saturday, October 12
Dubuque Farmers Market
50 W. 13th St, Dubuque, IA 52001
7:00 AM - Noon
Iowa Self-Employment (ISE) businesses will have booths at Farmer's Market with VR staff educating those stopping at the booths about VR services and the ISE program.
Tuesday, October 15
Waterloo Area Office
3420 University Avenue, Suite D
Waterloo, IA 50701-2008
2:00 -- 3:30 PM
Panel of employers will speak on hiring practices, accommodations job candidates.
Wednesday October 23
Viking State Bank and Trust Decorah Iowa
321 W. Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Highlights of Self Employment Success Stories.
Thursday, October 24
Lakeside Room Clear Lake Iowa
1603 S. Shore Dr #2720, Clear Lake, IA 50428
9:00 -10:00 AM
Employer Recognition Event.
Sioux City Area Office
2508 East 4th Street
Sioux City, IA 51101-2298
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Amy Markham will discuss her role and how it can be utilized by businesses to help in hiring individuals with disabilities, and VR & IDB will have an accommodation fair for employers to check out various AT solutions and accommodations.
DMACC Urban Campus
1100 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Career Fair.
Improving the workforce system (and opportunities) for Iowans with Disabilities
- Since Vocational Rehabilitation aligned with Iowa Workforce Development, plans have been underway to improve service delivery and the overall opportunities for Iowans with disabilities. Read more about these improvements and what to expect from Vocational Rehabilitation in the months ahead.
Stay tuned to this page for additional updates, success stories, and more as we get closer to October and celebrate the employment opportunities for Iowans with disabilities!
Contact Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Are you an Iowan with a disability, or someone interested to help the disability community? We want to hear from you!