Many Iowans with disabilities seek competitive employment. However, 16% of Iowans with disabilities are unemployed[1] and about 48.8% work only part-time[2]. The median earning for Iowans with disabilities is $25,938 compared to Iowans without disabilities median earning of $40,308[3]. Engaging in competitive employment is the key to Iowans with disabilities achieving self-sufficiency and independence, full inclusion, full access, and equal opportunity.
Employment is one of DRI’s FY 2023-2025 Agency Areas of Focus. DRI seeks to ensure that individuals with disabilities understand their rights to competitive employment, and to request reasonable workplace accommodations. DRI also assists individuals with disabilities in using employment services that support competitive employment. DRI will educate policymakers on proposed legislation related to the impact of competitive employment in Iowa, and/or proposed legislation that creates barriers to competitive inclusive employment.
Disability Rights Iowa’s employment policy focus:
- Will educate policymakers on the impact of making competitive integrated employment the only option for publicly funded employment services for Iowans with disabilities.
- Will educate policymakers on the impact of implementing Employment First values that ensure Iowans with disabilities are paid minimum wage or higher.
- Will educate policymakers on the importance of ensuring Governor Reynolds’ initiative to increase Iowa’s workforce programs for targeted populations includes Iowans with disabilities as a specific target population.
[1] Iowa. Disability Employment TA Center. (2022, December 6). https://aoddisabilityemploymenttacenter.com/state/iowa/
[2] THE STATE LIBRARY OF IOWA & THE OFFICE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (2022, July). Iowans with Disabilties: 2022. State Data Center. https://www.iowadatacenter.org/application/files/2316/6575/1892/IowanswithDisabilities2022.pdf
[3] I.d.
Memorandum on Impact
Every Donation Matters.
Part of our funding comes from the generous donations from our supporters. Help us make a difference for Iowans with disabilities through donating to our cause.
