Iowa Department for the Blind

10/30/2026

Our final NDEAM client spotlight features Chris Moir, a physical therapist in Nevada, IA!

With assistance from his VR counselors, Chris received assistive technology and resources that helped him succeed in school and pursue his goal of becoming a physical therapist. Today, he shares that his favorite part of his job is building relationships with his patients and seeing them reach their goals. 👏

“I would absolutely recommend getting services from IDB. I think it was super helpful financially, but also just having someone who knows a lot about navigating some of the challenges with getting through school. Because vision can make something like school a lot tougher.”

👉 Read Chris’s full story: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-28/chris-moir
👉Learn more about NDEAM: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-02/ndeam-2026

10/27/2026

Our next NDEAM client spotlight features Ky Billington! 👏

Ky has worked as a Crisis Counselor for four years, helping people in crisis feel less alone. She enjoys connecting with others and making a difference in their lives, and she looks forward to continuing to grow in her career while pursuing a master’s degree in social work.

Ky is grateful for the education, vocational support, and skills she gained through IDB, which helped her build the confidence to pursue a meaningful career helping others.

👉 Read Ky’s full story: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-27/ky-billington
👉 Learn more about NDEAM: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-02/ndeam-2026

10/23/2026

Meet Candis Duke, IDB’s Employment Supports Specialist 👋

Candis works with blind and low vision Iowans who have additional disabilities, helping them build skills and find meaningful employment through individualized support. She assists with resume development, skill building, job placement, and job coaching.

Interested in learning more about IDB’s Supported Employment services or working with Candis? Contact us at https://blind.iowa.gov/contact-information

10/19/2026

Our next NDEAM client spotlight features Jesse Bolinger! 👏

Jesse and his wife Serene own DaaBIN STORE in Mason City, a treasure hunt retail store that sells overstock and returned merchandise. Jesse shares that his favorite part of business ownership is the freedom to be creative, connect with the community, and hire a diverse team.

“Business ownership is a joy for me, and it’s something that I think more people with disabilities should consider. It’s something that I think a lot of members of the blindness community discount because of public perception, but I think there’s a lot of untapped opportunity for them and for our communities in general.”

👉Read Jesse's full story: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-19/jesse-bolinger
👉Learn more about NDEAM: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-02/ndeam-2026

10/15/2026

🦯 Today is White Cane Awareness Day! Here at the Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB), we celebrate the long white cane as a symbol of independence, confidence, and freedom for blind and low vision Iowans.

This morning, we were excited to welcome Mayor Connie Boesen for a proclamation signing, declaring October 15 as White Cane Awareness Day in the city of Des Moines!

10/14/2026

Tomorrow is White Cane Awareness Day! 🦯

We asked some of our staff and students to share their favorite parts of using a long white cane. Here’s what they had to say!

10/12/2026

Our next NDEAM client spotlight features Maureen Sierra, a licensed massage therapist in Davenport!

After experiencing vision challenges while working in interior design, Maureen connected with the Iowa Department for the Blind to explore new career opportunities. With support from her VR counselor, Maureen decided to return to school to pursue her longtime interest in massage therapy. Today, she’s using her skills to provide customized care to her clients. 👏

“I’m just really grateful that there is support and resources out there to help navigate vision and career changes.”

👉Read Maureen’s full story: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-12/maureen-sierra
👉Learn more about NDEAM: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-02/ndeam-2026

10/09/2026

This NDEAM, we also wanted to take a moment to highlight some of our Employment Services!

Meet Karla Cazett, IDB’s Employment Specialist 👋

Karla works with blind and low vision Iowans on job searches and job retention. She also partners with Iowa employers to provide interview support, coordinate accommodations, and offer follow-up support after hire.

Interested in learning more about IDB’s employment services or working with Karla? Contact us at https://blind.iowa.gov/contact-information

10/08/2026

Join the IDB Library for STEM Fest on Saturday, October 24, from 1-3 PM!

🚀 Blast Off to STEM Fest 2026! 🌌✨

Join the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and the South Central STEM Hub for an afternoon of hands-on space exploration! While we are proud to serve as Iowa’s Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, this event is truly created for everyone—inviting visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore space through touch, sound, sight, and community art, proving just how universal the wonder of space really is!

📅 Saturday, October 24 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

📍 524 Fourth St, Des Moines, IA

Event Highlights:
🗺️ Interactive Quest: Visit 16 exhibitor tables, collect beads, and build a take-home space keepsake!

🛠️ NASA JPL Mission Control: Build and test a model spacecraft control panel.

🤖 Robotics & Tactile Coding: Navigate a robot maze using 3D-printed Braille code blocks.

🎨 Tactile Space Art: Design textured constellation maps with artist Jill Wells.

📸 Star Wars Photo Ops: Meet roaming characters and snap photos at galaxy photo walls!