State vocational rehabilitation services (VR)

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded the State of Iowa Department for the Blind $8.497 million on October 1, 2025, under the Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States program (CFDA 84.126), a formula grant for state vocational rehabilitation services.

The award funds comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with visual impairments, including career assessments, counseling, job training, workplace accommodations, and assistive technology to support employment and economic independence. Performance occurs in Des Moines, Iowa, with a period of performance through September 30, 2026.

The State of Iowa Department for the Blind is a state government entity headquartered in Des Moines that administers integrated rehabilitation and independent living services to Iowa's blind and visually impaired population. Beyond the VR program, the department manages State Supported Employment Services to help individuals with disabilities secure and maintain competitive employment, and Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind, delivering counseling, skills training, and technology support to help older blind individuals maintain independence in their homes and communities. The department has received annual formula grant awards across these program areas since fiscal year 2021, demonstrating sustained federal investment in Iowa's vocational rehabilitation capacity.