Iowa’s disability employment program is undergoing restructuring that Iowa Workforce Development leaders say will streamline services and protect long-term sustainability.
Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend talks about apprenticeships during a press conference at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines on Nov. 14, 2024.
19-year-old Linn-Mar High School student Mekah DeGreif works on putting price tags on labels while working at Cotton Gallery in Marion on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Mekah, who has autism and is non-verbal, works on the Cotton Gallery twice a week through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Her teacher hopes to have Mekah working three days a week by the end of the year.
Linn-Mar High School student Mekah DeGreif, 19, gives Cotton Gallery employee Karen Bruns a high-five while working at Cotton Gallery in Marion on Wednesday. Mekah’s teacher says she is normally reserved when she is at school, but while working at the Cotton Gallery she wants to socialize. During her work days, Mekah is accompanied by a teacher, but works primarily independently.
Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend talks about apprenticeships during a press conference at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines on Nov. 14, 2024.
19-year-old Linn-Mar High School student Mekah DeGreif works on putting price tags on labels while working at Cotton Gallery in Marion on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Mekah, who has autism and is non-verbal, works on the Cotton Gallery twice a week through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Her teacher hopes to have Mekah working three days a week by the end of the year.
Linn-Mar High School student Mekah DeGreif, 19, gives Cotton Gallery employee Karen Bruns a high-five while working at Cotton Gallery in Marion on Wednesday. Mekah’s teacher says she is normally reserved when she is at school, but while working at the Cotton Gallery she wants to socialize. During her work days, Mekah is accompanied by a teacher, but works primarily independently.
