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Iowa Division of Persons with Disabilities

Welcome
Mission
Services
Leadership Forums
Client Assistance Program
Publications
Disabilities E-Workshop
The Commission
Home
Contact us:
Phone: (voice or TTY) 1-888-219-0471
Fax: (515) 242-6119
Email: dhr.disabilities@iowa.gov
Client Assistance Program phone:
(voice or TTY) 1-800-652-4298

Note: Many of the documents here at DHR are in PDF format. This format requires a PDF Reader which is available for free at Adobe Systems. Learn more about Adobe's PDF Reader and how to install it on your computer.

Welcome to the Iowa Division of Persons with Disabilities
The Commission of Persons with Disabilities is an agency located within the Department of Human Rights. The Commission was established in 1965 by the Iowa Legislature.The 24-member commission is appointed by the Governor to equalize opportunities for full participation in employment and other areas of the state's economic, educational, social and political life for Iowans with disabilities. Through education, advocacy, referral, technical assistance, legislative action and special projects, we work to achieve these goals.

All services are in compliance with all state and federal civil rights laws.

Check out the Secretary of State's web page for official voter registration details & downloads.

Mission
The Division of Persons with Disabilities exists to promote the employment of Iowans with disabilities and reduce barriers to employment by providing information, referral, assessment and guidance, training, and negotiation services to employers and citizens with disabilities.

Strategic Plan
The Division of Persons with Disabilities
Strategic Plan in PDF or HTML.

Note: Many of the documents here at DHR are in PDF format. This format requires a PDF Reader which is available for free at Adobe Systems. Learn more about Adobe's PDF Reader and how to install it on your computer.

Services
1. Assessment and Guidance:
Technical Assistance, information and referral are available concerning matters of employment, housing, accessibility, transportation, education, programs and services. The public and private sector may get assistance with voluntary compliance with various state and federal regulations including receiving no cost/low cost solutions to removing architectural barriers. All services are free of charge. 

Customers include:

• Employers;
• Iowans with disabilities;
• State and local governments;
• Services providers; and
• Public and private entities.

2. Awareness Training:
Members of the Commission and staff accept opportunities to speak to groups interested in disability awareness. Subjects include:

• Employment;
• Awareness/Sensitivity/Diversity training;
• Accessibility of programs, services and facilities;
• Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Rehabilitation Act; and
• Other related subjects.

The division maintains a resource library of publications and videos pertaining to persons with disabilities. Videos may be borrowed by interested groups or individuals. All publications are free of charge.

3. Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF) and College Leadership Forum (CLY) for students with disabilities:
A five-day leadership training program held during the summer for 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities and...
a four-day forum for college juniors and seniors and Vocational/Technical students with disabilities.

The purpose of the YLF is:

• Encourage and empower students to reach their goals;
• Educate about available resources;
• Introduce professionals with disabilities and mentors;
• Develop leadership skills;
• Employment and Self-sufficiency.

The purpose of the College Leadership Forum is:

• Students with disabilities in college or post secondary programs will become encouraged and empowered to reach their employment goals;
• Students with disabilities in college or post secondary programs will be knowledgeable about resources available to them to become successfully employed adults;
• College students with disabilities will be exposed to professionals with disabilities who are recognized leaders and role models;
• College students with disabilities will become employed and self-sufficient as they transition into the workforce.

For more information, please visit the CLF Page.

4. State Access:
This program is a partnership with The Iowa Department for the Blind and Deaf Services Commission of Iowa. The project promotes an ongoing effort to support the employment and retention of persons with disabilities within state government. This program also ensures that goods and services provided by state government are readily accessible to the entire general public. Other outcomes for this program are:

• The percentage of employment for persons with disabilities in state government will be equal to or greater than their counterparts in private employment;
• The process of applying for state employment will be made accessible;
• Reasonable accommodations will be applied on the job;
• Emergency evacuation procedures will be in place for persons with disabilities;
• State employees will be more aware and sensitive to disability issues; and
• Goods and services will be available in alternate formats.

5. Client Assistance Program:
The Iowa Client Assistance Program (ICAP) is a program designed to help people who are seeking or receiving services from an agency funded by the Rehabilitation Act. Information is provided on all available services under the Act and under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act to any individual with disabilities in Iowa. Some examples of agencies and programs include but are not limited to:

• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Department for the Blind
• Projects with Industry
• Independent Living Programs

If you are having problems in your relationship with any of these agencies, instead of becoming upset, frustrated or just giving up, turn to the Client Assistance Program for help. ICAP can help you understand the law, regulations, and procedures of those agencies.

ICAP acts independently of agencies in protecting your rights under the Rehabilitation Act and Under Title I of ADA. At your request, we will be available to serve you.

All services are free of charge and are provided statewide. All services are in compliance with all state and federal civil rights laws.

Leadership Forums
Iowa College Leadership Forum
We are inviting college juniors and seniors and Vocational/Technical undergraduates to attend our College Leadership Forum for students with disabilities July 29 - August 1, 2005 at Iowa State University in Ames, IA.

College Leadership Forum Application HTML PDF
College Leadership Recommendation Forms HTML PDF

Goals

• Students with disabilities in college or post secondary programs will become encouraged and empowered to reach their employment goals;
• Students with disabilities in college or post secondary programs will be knowledgeable about resources available to them to become successfully employed adults;
• College students with disabilities will be exposed to professionals with disabilities who are recognized leaders and role models;
• College students with disabilities will become employed and self-sufficient as they transition into the workforce.

What will happen at the forum?

• Setting goals toward transition and independence
• ADA and self-advocacy in attaining goals
• Principles of leadership
• The experience of disability
• Technology and resources
• Reasonable accommodations
• Resume writing
• Job search
• Interviewing and much more!

Go to the 2003 YLF picture and newsletter page

Wanted: Future Community Leaders

The Division of Persons with Disabilities in partnership with the Department for the Blind and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services is sponsoring a leadership training program for students with disabilities. Approximately 30 juniors and seniors with disabilities will be selected. Students will be diverse in disability, gender, ethnicity, and geographical location.

What kind of students participate in the Youth Leadership Forum?

Young People Who Have Disabilities and Who...

• Demonstrate Leadership Potential
• Demonstrate Involvement/Interest in Extracurricular Activities (such as Sports, the Arts, or Music)
• Demonstrate Community Involvement
• Demonstrate the Ability to Interact Effectively with Other Students
  

What will happen at the forum?

• Share information on choosing careers, history or disability culture, assistive technology for independence;
• Identify existing barriers to personal and professional success and develop plans to deal with those barriers;
• Develop a "Personal Leadership Plan";
• Interact with others with similar Hopes and Dreams.
  

Goals

• Young people with disabilities will become employed and self-sufficient;
• Young people with disabilities will be knowledgeable about resources available to them to become successfule adults;
• Young people with disabilities will be exposed to professionals with disabilities who are recognized leaders and role models.
  

Cost

Transportation cost to and from the forum may be waived in special circumstances. No other expenses.

• Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities will pay for the following appropriate expenses:
  • lodging
  • food
  • accommodations for student delegates to attend including but not limited to: interpreters, alternative format materials, personal care attendants
  • scholarships based on need to defray travel expenses to the forum

Exciting, fun, educational five-day leadership training program includes: tour of the State Capitol, meeting with community leaders with disabilities, and hearing from speakers.

Application Form

Deadline for postmark on mailed application:
February 18, 2005.

YLF Application Form in PDF or HTML format

Client Assistance Program
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is mandated in each state in order for that state to receive federal rehabilitation funds. This program is a 100% federally funded formula grant program. In Iowa, the Division of Persons with Disabilities, Department of Human Rights, operates CAP. Federal law requires that the program be operated outside of the rehabilitation agencies it monitors. In Iowa this includes the Department for the Blind, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and the seven centers for independent living. The program operates on the federal fiscal year ending September 30. 

One disability consultant and one half time secretary are assigned to provide CAP services. These services include:

• Advise and inform clients and applicants of all services and benefits available to them through programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended (Act);
• Assist and advocate for clients and applicants in their relationships with programs authorized under the Act; and
• Inform individuals with disabilities in the State of Iowa, especially those who have traditionally been unserved or underserved, of the services available to them under the Act and under Title I of theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Information and referral services are available to all Iowans. In previous years, requests for these services had grown as people learn of the availability and quality. However, as more individuals use electronic access to CAP information, the number this past two years has dropped considerably. There were 3473 hits on the CAP web pages this year and 3757 last year. Also, 12,119 publications were provided.

Information and Referral Chart

1992-200
1993-400
1994-390
1995-400
1996-450
1997-650
1998-710
1999-630
2000-600
2001-725
2002-590
2003-580

Requests fall into three primary categories. During the past year they were:
Source of Information Requests
Rehabilitation Act-41%
ADA Title 1-36%
Other-23%  

View the CAP Annual Report 2003 in PDF Word

Is this E-Workshop for you?

THIS TRAINING IS YOUR ANSWER!

Click on any of the menus below for more information or click on Course Overview for a detailed course description. You may select from one of three training roadmaps described in the How to
take this course section.

This website is designed to provide high impact training - one course at at time - to help empower real solutions for people with disabilities. We encourage you to complete the course and become an advocate for people with disabilities.

The Commission of Persons with Disabilities

The Annual Governor's Awards Banquet

Upcoming Agendas PDF HTML

Link to the the Commissioner Application

Commissioners:
Mary Ament, Waukon
Janet Arnold, Sheldon
Lisa Balduf, Mason City
Angela Banks, Webster City
Joel Barnette, Rolfe
Marilyn Belman, Iowa City
Daniel Harmon, Keokuk
Larry Hart, Oskaloosa
Joe Hays, Truro
Curt Jones, Decorah
Thomas Mayes, Waterloo
Gary McDermott, Clinton, Chair
Steven Oberbroeckling, Des Moines
Becky Olson, Clive
Ted Ornas, Sheldon
James Rixner, Sioux City
Elizabeth J. Smith, Woodward
Gene VanGrevenhof, Fort Dodge
Joan Van Zomeren, Mason City
Fred Wegner, Des Moines
Chris Wilson, Indianola, Vice-Chair
Carol Zeigler, Des Moines, Secretary-Treasurer

Contact:
Commission of Persons with Disabilities
Iowa Dept. of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319