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.
[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 Disabilities: 2022. State Data Center. https://www.iowadatacenter.org/application/files/2316/6575/1892/IowanswithDisabilities2022.pdf
[3] I.d.
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.
High Impact
Disability Rights Iowa may address “High Impact’ bills with DRI written and/or in-person summary of the impact of that bill on Iowa’s Disability Community, personal contacts, and education on the impact of the proposed bill.
There are no High Impact Employment Focus Bills at this time.
Medium Impact
DRI may address Medium Impact bills with letters, often in conjunction with other disability partners.
There are no Medium Impact Employment Focus Bills at this time.
Tracking Impact
Bills DRI classifies as Tracking Impact., will be closely followed but DRI will generally not take action or a position on these bills.
There are no Tracking Impact Employment Focus Bills at this time.
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