Workplace inclusion: 6 employment resources for Iowans with IDDs
Learn more about organizations across Iowa doing their part to ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) find suitable employment.
For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), it can be harder to find employment than it is for neurotypical adults. However, these individuals can feel empowered when they have an opportunity for regular work.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities — including Autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome — are disorders that typically present at birth, although they can happen anytime before a person turns 22 years old. IDDs negatively affect the trajectory of one’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. According to the Special Olympics, some 6.5 million people in America have an intellectual disability.
Thanks to efforts in recent decades, more attention and effort is being paid to helping individuals dealing with IDDs find meaningful and productive jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, 22.5 percent of people with a disability were employed—the highest recorded ratio since comparable data were first collected in 2008. In the state of Iowa, 7 to 15 percent of people who are disabled in the state are gainfully employed full-time.
Read on to learn more about organizations across Iowa that are doing their part to ensure people with IDDs find suitable employment, enabling them to become a thriving part of Iowa’s economy and local communities.
1. Goodwill
Goodwill is perhaps one of the best-known organizations that helps those with IDDs find meaningful employment. The international organization is divided up into regions. Here in Iowa, said regions include Goodwill of Central Iowa, Goodwill of the Heartland, Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa, and Goodwill of the Great Plains.
The organization partners with national (Google and Amazon, for example) and local businesses to connect individuals with jobs, while also offering opportunities in its own retail and processing centers.
You can learn more on their website.
2. Best Buddies
Another organization that serves multiple states is Best Buddies, a program that provides friendship, job opportunities, and inclusive living for people with IDDs.
In Iowa, individuals in and around the Des Moines area can get connected to opportunities that fit their interests and skill levels. Best Buddies strives to go find placements that go above and beyond typical job opportunities for people with IDDs.
To connect with Iowa resources, check out their website.
3. The Arc of East Central Iowa
People with IDDs in Eastern Iowa can connect with The Arc. This organization offers a wide array of resources for people with IDDs, but they have several opportunities to connect individuals with gainful employment.
A partnership with UnityPoint-St. Luke’s (a local hospital system) allows individuals to try out various jobs within a medical setting. They also run ProjectSEARCH, which offers nine months of training for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 before entering the workforce. Their employment services allow individuals to connect with job opportunities with local companies as well, whether in a movie theater, grocery store, office, or food service provider.
To learn more, visit The Arc’s website.
4. Easterseals Iowa
The Iowa chapter of the national Easterseals organization is dedicated to providing resources to individuals living with IDDs, including providing connections to job opportunities in the community.
Their employment program offers the opportunity to obtain and maintain community employment, and their services are open to individuals living in and around Polk County. This includes Project SEARCH (like at The Arc) for more internship-based experience as well as longer-term employment.
The success stories they share are quite inspiring, so check out their website for more information.
5. OneVision
Those living with IDDs in and around Clear Lake can rely on OneVision to help with the job placement process.
This organization is dedicated to advancing independence and inclusion and that includes in the workforce. They look to connect individuals with work opportunities that will allow them to be their best and most productive. Part of their program allows participants to try out a job for 10 days to see if it’s the right fit.
Check out their website for more information.
6. University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
While they don’t necessarily provide direct services to individuals with IDDs, the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, a part of University of Iowa Health Care, is dedicated to ensuring employment opportunities are available for those with IDDs across the state.
Opened in 1972, the center advocates for and research IDD employment outcomes. It also offers a wealth of resources and information for individuals with IDDs and their families.
You can get connected and learn more on their website.
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