Iowa Department for the Blind

If you are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind, the Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) can help you reach your work, education, training, and independent living goals.

A vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor will work with you to identify your employment goals and the services you need to reach them. This can include:

• Help finding and keeping a job
• Career counseling to choose a job or career goal
• Help creating a job-search plan and developing job-search skills like writing a resume and doing practice interviews
• Adjustment to blindness counseling to develop the skills and self-confidence needed to get the job or career you want
• Help getting the technology or training you need to succeed at work or school
• Expert advice to plan, improve, or start your own business through Iowa Workforce Development's Self-Employment Program
• Intensive services like job coaching or customized employment if you have little to no work experience or multiple disabilities in addition to blindness

Learn more about the Iowa Department of the Blind's vocational rehabilitation services to help you find and keep a job.

Orientation Center for the Blind (OC)

Located in downtown Des Moines, the Orientation Center for the Blind provides training options designed to fit students’ lives. The Comprehensive Track is an immersive full-time training program meant to prepare students for every aspect of independent living and employment. The Specific Skills Track allows students to choose the combination of classes they take and the amount of time they stay.

Business Enterprises Program (BEP)

The Business Enterprises Program helps legally blind VR clients of the Iowa Department for the Blind manage their own businesses operating vending machines, roadside vending sites, or snack bar/catering services. Training is offered in all aspects of the food service business, including ordering merchandise and managing employees.

Library Services

The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled offers thousands of books in a variety of formats to Iowa residents who can't read standard print materials. These formats include Braille, large print, digital audio recordings, print/Braille, descriptive video, and electronic text. Registered readers can also download audio and Braille books and magazine online.

Youth Services

Youth Programming offers workplace readiness training in a variety of environments designed to prepare students for post-secondary opportunities. Weekend retreats take place one weekend every month throughout the school year at different locations throughout the state. The summer program takes place in the Des Moines metro area from May to August. Students may attend all or part of the scheduled sessions as their schedule allows.

Contact IDB

To apply for services for yourself or someone you may know, submit an online referral form. To learn more about the Iowa Department for the Blind’s programs and services, email contact@blind.state.ia.us.