From the Director

Technology has become increasingly critical for blind people at home, at school and at work. IDB staff grapple every day with the challenges of keeping up with what’s new, helping people find the tools that work best for them, and training people in the arcane concepts and keystrokes, and now gestures, required to operate it.

We spend lots of time on work sites figuring out how to access employers’ computer software so blind people can hold jobs. And constantly the landscape is changing. One size does not fit all, and the result is an ever-expanding universe of possibilities. We are committed to providing blind and visually impaired Iowans the best possible technology options for independence at home, at work, at school and in the community.

Increasingly, devices such as the iPad and iPhone are being developed with built-in nonvisual access. This is excellent news for blind and visually impaired Iowans willing to learn an entirely new way of making things happen. It is not yet at the point, however, of solving the workplace issues posed by inaccessible proprietary software.

Still, our technology specialists and vocational rehabilitation counselors are finding innovative ways to get blind and visually impaired Iowans into good jobs across the state.

In spite of the economy, we have been successful in placing blind and visually impaired Iowans in quality jobs in many sectors of the workforce. Our average hourly wage so far this fiscal year is more than $17.50 an hour. This reflects our commitment to our belief in the capabilities of blind Iowans to hold good jobs even in a down economy.

Given the continual advances in technology and our Department’s commitment to providing top-notch services to all Iowans who need them, we expect to see ongoing success among our clients, as well as increased partnerships with communities, organizations, employers and government leaders to ensure equal access and opportunities for independence.

Sincerely,

Karen Keninger