Iowa Department for the Blind

09/04/2026

Only 10 days to go! 🌌✨ Experience the Cosmos at the James Webb Space Telescope Tactile Exhibit, opening Monday, September 14!

09/02/2026

Discover what’s happening at IDB this fall! 🍂 We have a variety of programs for blind and low vision Iowans of all ages:

✅ Skills Retreats
✅ Weekend Retreats
✅ Virtual Programs
✅ Library Programs

There’s something for everyone! Learn more and sign up today:
https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-09-02/fall-programming-2026

09/01/2026

Reach for the Stars with the IDB Library! 🪐✨

🌟Open to the public and all ages welcome!
🗓️ Dates: Sept. 14th – Dec. 21st
🎉 Grand Opening: Saturday, Oct. 3rd (9 AM - 1 PM)
📍 Location: 524 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
👉 Ready to explore the universe with us? Check out viewing hours, group visits, and event details here: https://iowalibrary.blog/experience-the-cosmos/ See less

🌌 Ever wondered what a distant nebula feels like? Prepare to reach out and touch the stars! 🪐✨

We are launching an out-of-this-world adventure at the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled! 🚀 Join us for "Reach for the Stars," a brand-new, hands-on exhibit featuring the breathtaking wonders captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Whether you're a space enthusiast, a tactile learner, or looking for an unforgettable family outing, this interactive experience brings deep space to life through touch, sound, and discovery for all ages and abilities! 🌟Open to the public and all ages welcome!

🗓️ Dates: Sept. 14th – Dec. 21st

🎉 Grand Opening: Saturday, Oct. 3rd (9 AM - 1 PM)

📍 Location: 524 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

👉 Ready to explore the universe with us? Check out viewing hours, group visits, and event details here: https://iowalibrary.blog/experience-the-cosmos/

08/20/2026

In this episode of Inside IDB, we sit down with two students receiving training at the Orientation Center for the Blind! Payton and Ismael share their backgrounds, experiences at the center, and their plans for the future. 🌟

Would you or someone you know benefit from training at the Orientation Center for the Blind? 👉 Learn more or apply: https://blind.iowa.gov/center

🎥 Want to watch the full episode? Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFbLHgiwnzI

08/12/2026

Join us in person or virtually tomorrow at 2 PM for a special space presentation by Dr. Michael “Bec” Bechtel! 🚀✨

🔭 Learn more: https://iowalibrary.blog/special-guest-dr-bec-is-in-the-house/

Ever wondered what it takes to track down baby stars in deep space and explore the Amazon rainforest? Now’s your chance to find out!
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael “Bec” Bechtel (Wartburg College) for an extraordinary live event! He’s bringing a hands-on display of unique artifacts from his global travels, so you can get up close to the science. Prepare to be left speechless by his wild stories and energetic style!
No matter your age or background, this presentation will ignite your curiosity and leave you wanting more.
🗓️Date: Thursday, August 13th
⏰Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍Location: In-person at IDB's Makerspace Room or Online via Zoom
🎟️ Cost: FREE (Registration required)
Head to the link below to reserve your spot and receive your Zoom access link. We can't wait to explore together! 👇https://iowadeptblind.wufoo.com/forms/ra3evja1j0w596/

08/07/2026

It’s the final week of LEAP! 🎬 Over the summer, students had the chance to collaborate and create this short trailer for the program.

Along the way, they explored the three stages of video production—from pre-production to production and post-production—including scriptwriting, set design, shot planning, sound and lighting design, and more.

A huge thank-you to all of the students who worked together to bring this project to life and help us share what makes LEAP so special! 👏

Interested in learning more about LEAP? Visit our website:
https://blind.iowa.gov/LEAP
🎥 Want to watch the full video? Check it out on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlEUT3xNduw

08/04/2026

Take a closer look at our latest Mini Skills Retreat! Hear from our staff and participants as they share some of their highlights from the training. ☀️🌭

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEoaPKeoVKU
Learn about future Skills Retreats: https://blind.iowa.gov/skills-retreats

07/29/2026

Yesterday, we held a Mini Skills Retreat at Maquoketa Caves State Park! ⛰️🌳

Clients spent the day building essential independent living and travel skills while having fun outdoors! They grilled burgers, hot dogs, and vegetables, chopped fruit for a fresh fruit salad, practiced cane techniques, and explored a trail and some of the park's amazing caves.

Interested in joining a future Skills Retreat? We offer both weeklong and single-day trainings across Iowa. Learn more: https://blind.iowa.gov/skills-retreats

07/24/2026

Today is the final day of LEAP Block 3 with The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School! 🎵👏

Over the past two weeks, students have honed their skills in Brazilian percussion and music production software. Yesterday, they visited a local recording studio, where they recorded several musical pieces. This afternoon, they'll wrap up the block with a final performance. 🥁

Interested in learning more about the LEAP program? Visit https://blind.iowa.gov/leap2026

07/22/2026

In this episode of Inside IDB, Director Stacy Cervenka interviews IDB's new Orientation Center for the Blind Administrator, Brianna Murray. ☀️

Brianna shares her experiences as a guide dog user and discusses her goals for the Orientation Center.

👉Interested in learning more about the Orientation Center for the Blind or want to apply? Visit https://blind.iowa.gov/center.
🎥Want to watch the full video on YouTube? Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0njUfKOYuM