The State of Iowa's vision of employment for all is “Employment in the general workforce is the first priority and the expected and preferred outcome in the provision of publicly funded services for all working age Iowans with disabilities.” (Governor's Office, 2012).
When people with disabilities are employed and living independently, they’re less reliant on government payments and they contribute to the economy. Research shows they also use fewer healthcare resources, are better integrated into their communities, and experience far greater wellbeing.
Back to topWhat is "Employment"?
By “employment” we mean regular or customized employment in the general workforce, where employees with disabilities are earning at least minimum or prevailing wages and benefits, and work alongside people with and without disabilities.
Back to topServices & Support
Iowa HHS is involved in initiatives to increase the number of people with disabilities competitively employed in their communities. These efforts are called Employment First (E1st). E1st recognizes that employment is…
- A typical role for adults in our society
- An essential part of wellbeing
- A cost-effective alternative to day treatment
- And that Most people want to work.
About Employment First (E1st)
Iowa E1st advisors and partners include people with disabilities, parents and family members, service providers, state agencies such as HHS, IVRS, IWD, Dept. for the Blind, Education, the DD Council, business leaders, the Iowa Olmstead Consumer Task Force (OCTF), the Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP), Iowa’s University Center on Excellence in DD Services (CDD) and the UCEDD’s Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health (CEBH), Disability Rights Iowa (DRI), and the managed care organizations (MCOs) in contract with Iowa Medicaid.
Iowa HHS will continue to apply for federal opportunities as they arise, to help us grow our understanding and implementation of E1st especially as it relates to students and adults with disabilities living fully integrated lives in their communities.
Back to topResources
- Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council): Iowa’s DD Council was made by a federal law called the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. This law ensures that people with developmental disabilities get the help they need. It says they should choose their services and be in control.
- Iowa Disability Benefits Network Employment Support: Connects people with vocational rehabilitation, disability support services, accommodation networks, and training programs for those with disabilities.
- Conner Training Connection: The Conner Training Connection’s mission is to support Iowans with disabilities to live as fully participating members of their communities through the provision of training resources and technical assistance to individuals, their family members and service providers, and other disability advocates.
- The Center for Disabilities and Development at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital delivers evidence-based clinical services, statewide community programs, interdisciplinary education and training, and state-of-the-art research for Iowans with disabilities, and their families and providers.