• In 2005, HF 816 raised state funding for 2006 Vocational Rehabilitation Services by $236,000 to draw down $1 million in federal funds.

• Iowa Code Section 19B requires Iowa Department of Administrative Services-Human Resources Enterprise (DAS-HRE) to monitor executive branch state agency AA-EEO efforts. The DAS-HRE annual report to the governor and the legislature states:

  • Iowa appears to be the only state that sets affirmative action goals for persons with disabilities; progress is being made in meeting these goals.
  • FY 2006 staffing goals for state agencies are based on 11.8% persons with disabilities in the Iowa labor force as identified in Census 2000.
• A 3% increase in the number of employees with disabilities in the executive branch workforce in 2004 resulted from a jointly funded survey of state agency staffing, carried out by DAS-HRE, the Department of Human Rights Division of Persons with Disabilities, and the Department for the Blind.
• Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) is working with Iowa Workforce Development to assure an increasing number of people with disabilities are hired through businesses receiving IDED funds through targeted small business and Entrepreneurs with Disabilities programs.
• Improved employment-related customer service for Iowans with disabilities is the goal of collaboration by Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services; the Departments of Education, Human Services, and for the Blind; the Governor’s DD Council, the Division of Persons with Disabilities, and Iowa Workforce Development. They have created a “governance group” dedicated to creating a friendly, accessible employment system and to supporting stronger outcomes. Their work has led to an RSA Systems Change Grant (1998-2004), a DOL Work Incentive Grant (2000-04, with additional agencies), a DOL Disability Program Navigator Grant (2003-current), and an ODEP Transition Grant (2004-current). They have also outlined a Memorandum of Agreement to improve customer service by helping local systems share customers, resources, and information.

• Several state agencies, including Iowa Workforce Development, the Department of Administrative Services, and the Department of Education, have responded to Iowa Executive Order 27 by providing the Office of the Lieutenant Governor with agency assessments and action plans that include improving employment outcomes.

Employment
3. Iowa Workforce Development

• Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is collaborating with the Department for the Blind, Department of Human Services, and the Governor's DD Council to improve access to services.
• IWD has Disability Navigators in many of their offices.
• IWD, DHS, and IVRS are working to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities who are FIP (TANF) participants. The incidence of disability, sometimes undiagnosed, in this population is high; effective identification allows us to provide responsive services and significantly improve outcomes.

Employment
4. Employment barriers

• Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities is available.
• Medicaid Infrastructure grant enhances support and education activities to promote employment.
• Consumer Choices Option in HCBS waivers allows purchase of transportation services and personal assistance as supports to consumer’s ability to work.
• A new federal program for job access transportation has enabled some transit systems to extend business hours or increase the number of days when service is available.
• Assistive Technology Team (A-Team), whose members include the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology, Iowa Division of Persons with Disabilities, Iowa Deaf Services, Iowa Workforce Development, and Drake University, provides technical assistance and recommendations related to program access to Iowa’s 16 Regional Workforce Investment Boards
• Collaborative grants enhance the availability of Social Security Benefits Planning for Iowa job seekers who are SSA beneficiaries. Through an SSA State Partnership Initiative Grant administered by DHS, Iowa piloted having benefits planners in workforce centers. Later, the Blackhawk Center for Independent Living administered Iowa’s Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach grant, which offered statewide benefits planning assistance.
• The Region 11 Workforce Investment Board has established “Project Employment” to provide customized placement for people with disabilities.

• Iowa Training Consortium Conner Mini-grants allow development of comprehensive transition plans, including employment supports.

• Department of Corrections Special Needs Workgroup has developed a web-based discharge planning resource guide for use with people with disabilities in corrections settings.

Employment
7. School to work transition

• Smart Start Transition Project has implemented a cash and counseling model for youth moving from school to work.
• Self-advocacy and Leadership for Youth with Disabilities grant has created a training and resource center to help young people develop self-advocacy skills.
• The Department of Education small systems change project is determining ways to systemically include instruction in self-determination skills.
• Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities Grant is developing a community-wide system of inclusion and support.

Accomplishments: Community-based services
Accomplishments: Housing
Accomplishments: Transportation