Upcoming Events & Notes

Upcoming Events

April 7
Public Hearing
Iowa Department for the Blind

The public can attend a hearing and make comments on the State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services. The Department is seeking public feedback regarding its VR services and the employment-related needs of Iowans who are blind or visually impaired. Those unable to attend in person may join the hearing by telephone by calling Tiffany Bickell by Friday, April 1 at 515-281-1336. 2 p.m. meeting.

April 8
Elizabeth Perowsky Volunteer Workshop
Iowa Department for the Blind

This annual event brings Iowans who volunteer for the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to Des Moines for a day of seminars, a luncheon and awards. Keynote speaker is Alicia Seedorff, a former student in the Orientation Center who is studying at Grand View University. All day.

April 26
Cell Phone Training Seminar
Council Bluffs Public Library
400 Willow Avenue, Council Bluffs

Accessible technology experts from the Iowa Department for the Blind will be hosting a free seminar to provide information on nonvisual access to mobile phones. Particular attention will be paid to the Samsung Haven, the iPhone, the Nokia C5 and the Motorola Quantico. Anyone looking to learn more about nonvisual access to cell phones is encouraged to attend. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Featured Event

Our staff is coming to communities in southwest Iowa to inform residents about the Department’s services for blind and visually impaired Iowans.

Clarinda • May 18 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
IWCC Depot, 923 E. Washington St.

Shenandoah • May 18 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Public Library, 201 S. Elm St.

Atlantic • May 19 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Heritage House, 1200 Brookridge Circle

Harlan • May 19 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Library, 718 Court St.

Learn about:

• Obtaining or retaining employment
• Assistive technology
• Disability-related Social Security
• Tips and tools for maintaining independence

More upcoming events and details at www.idbonline.org/news

Notes

Director: Karen Keninger

Deputy Director: Bruce Snethen

Commission for the Blind
Next meeting: April 7 at noon

• Sandi Ryan, commission chair
• Steve Hagemoser, member
• Mike Hoenig, member

Mission: The Iowa Department for the Blind is the means for persons who are blind to obtain for themselves universal accessibility and full participation in society in whatever roles they may choose, including roles that improve Iowa’s economic growth.

• We would love to come speak about blindness at your club or organization’s next meeting.
• We also provide training workshops on blindness at your school or office.
• If you’ve never seen our building and want to learn more about our services and what we provide in our building, we’d love to give you a tour.

Email us at information@blind.state.ia.us or call us at (800) 362-2587 for more information.