Iowa Specific Resources

Participating in Iowa's Legislative Process 2024

This document provides Tools for Understanding Proposed Legislation in the State of Iowa.

View the ASK Resource Center PDF

Iowa Community Resource Guide

This guide is designed as a resource to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and their guardians and family members, in finding the information and supports they may need. It may also be helpful to stakeholders throughout the Iowa service delivery system to better identify and address gaps in resources, or otherwise assist persons living at Woodward or Glenwood State Resource Center or in the community in accessing needed services and supports. Please share this guide with anyone who may benefit from its contents.

Learn more from the Iowa Department of Human Services

Iowa Department for the Blind

Empowering blind Iowans to be gainfully employed and live independently.

Learn more from the Iowa Department for the Blind

Iowa School for the Deaf

The Iowa School for the Deaf provides resources and opportunities for Iowa students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Even if your child is not enrolled at ISD, families can take advantage of the resources available on this site.

Learn more from the Iowa School for the Deaf

Iowa Hands and Voices

Iowa H&V is a parent-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We are unbiased about communication and believe that families will make the best choices for their child

Learn more from Iowa Hands and Voices

Easterseals Iowa | Lending Library

The Lending Library is a great way to make sure a product works for you before making a purchase. It is free to all Iowans and five items may be checked out at a time for up to 30 days.

Learn more from Easterseals

Autism Society of Iowa

The Autism Society of Iowa provides advocacy, support and information to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families, professionals, and communities throughout the state of Iowa.

Visit the Autism Society of Iowa Website

The ARC of Iowa

The ARC connects people with disabilities, their families, professionals, and other supportive individuals in local communities to create hope, growth, and change. Find your local chapter or create one in your community.

Learn more from the ARC

Assistive Technology Consultation

The Iowa Reading Research Center strives to improve the literacy skills of all students through research with students, professional learning for educators, and technical assistance for school districts.

Lean more from the Iowa Reading Research Center

Iowa DD Council

The Iowa DD Council works to create change with and for persons with developmental disabilities so they can live, work, learn, and play in the community of their choosing.

Learn more from the Iowa DD Council

Decoding Dyslexia

Decoding Dyslexia Iowa is a grassroots movement driven by Iowa families and professionals concerned with the limited access to educational interventions for dyslexia within our schools

Lean more from Decoding Dyslexia

Epilepsy Foundation Iowa

The Epilepsy Foundation Iowa provides programs and services that support people and families impacted by epilepsy. With the strength of a national organization and network of epilepsy experts, EFIA provides national scope and local impact.

Learn more from Epilepsy Foundation Iowa

Military OneSource

Military OneSource from the Department of Defense is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it’s your “first line of support” — giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive.

Learn more from Military OneSource

Iowa Compass

Iowa Compass connects people with disabilities and complex health-related needs to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa.

Learn more from the CDD

Iowa Disability Resources and Advocacy Organization

If you live in Iowa and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in Iowa, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.

Learn more from Olmstead Rights

Disability Rights Iowa

DRI helps Iowans with disabilities with their disability rights issues. If we cannot help, we will try to find someone who can help. DRI helps adults and youth with disabilities. DRI does not have an income limit, citizenship, or language requirement to qualify for help. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Learn more from DRI

NAMI Iowa

NAMI Iowa is an organization of families, friends, and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. The site includes support groups for individuals with mental illness and fo family members, as well as Fact Sheets, training opportunities, and information on a variety of topics related to mental health.

Learn more from NAMI

Brain Injury Alliance

The mission of the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, advocacy, education, research, and support.

Learn more from the Brain Injury Alliance

Iowa Safe Schools

Iowa Safe Schools provides comprehensive support and resources to LGBTQ youth, educators, administrators, and helping professionals, and the families and community members of LGBTQ youth.

Learn more from Iowa Safe Schools

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Lifeline is for everyone. Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. Their skilled, judgment-free counselors are here to provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.

Visit the 988 Website

Iowa Schools: Individual Health Plan Template Reference Document

The purpose of this resource is to provide information to the education team on what is required when using the IHP template as required in regulations, the nursing process, describe the importance of communication with the student or family when developing goals, assigning a domain to the goal or outcome, how to scale a goal or outcome for evaluation and provide best practices in workflow of documentation as outlined in required school policies and procedures.

View the PDF from the Iowa DOE