Iowa Department for the Blind

06/05/2026

📣Thrive Thursdays are back as part of the 2026 LEAP Program! Designed for Pre-ETS students, Thrive Thursdays offer a chance to participate in a single day of programming without committing to an entire LEAP session block.

We're excited to welcome Debra Erickson of BlindKitchen as our first guest speaker on June 11! Learn more and register: https://blind.iowa.gov/thrive-thursdays

2026 Guest Speakers
📅 June 11 – Debra Erickson, BlindKitchen
📅 June 18 – Blake and Jewel, Serenity Massage & Energywork
📅 June 25 – Lenora Hagen, Toadally Awesome Pets
📅 July 9 – Library Panel
📅 July 16 – Library & Tech Panels
📅 July 23 – TBD
📅 July 30 – Cody Silker, D.O.
📅 August 6 – Christina Freedman, TVI

06/02/2026

🎉 LEAP, our summer youth program, starts in less than a week! We're excited to welcome Pre-ETS students (ages 14–21) for four fun and educational blocks.

During the first block, students will stay at Drake University and get a taste of college life, hear from engaging guest speakers, and learn about opportunities available to them after graduation.

There's still time to register! Visit https://blind.iowa.gov/leap2026 to sign up.

05/28/2026

To close out Older Americans Month, we’re highlighting one of our OIB clients: Mary Sonksen!

A Des Moines resident, Mary has been legally blind since birth and has spent much of her life advocating for and supporting others with vision loss through her teaching career and leadership of a local support group. 👏

Read more about how Mary continues to champion her health and gain new skills: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-05-27/mary-sonksen

05/26/2026

In this episode of Inside IDB, April Stotz shares details about LEAP, IDB’s summer residential camp for youth ages 14–21 focused on career readiness, independence, and fun new experiences!

Plus, Denise Bean previews the 2026 Summer Reading Program — a virtual adventure for youth of all ages filled with interactive activities, prizes, and surprises.

Want to participate in our summer programming? Register today!
👉 LEAP: https://iowadeptblind.wufoo.com/forms/ridlx5q1t2zzgz/
👉 Summer Reading Program: https://iowalibrary.blog/programs/summer-reading-program/
🎥Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2ghwFp7VoA&t=2s

05/20/2026

Meet Julie Schuler, a client in our Independent Living Program!

At nearly 70 years old, Julie continues to prove that independence, wellness, and personal growth have no age limit. Recently, she has embraced learning braille, strengthening her cane travel skills, and prioritizing her health and independence.

📖Read more about Julie: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-05-20/julie-schuler-spotlight
🎥Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_B1uIGRAyg&t=6s
👉Learn about Older Americans Month: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-05-13/older-americans-month-2026

05/13/2026

This May, we’re celebrating Older Americans Month and the 2026 theme: Champion Your Health 🏃‍♀️👏

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing client spotlights from our Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) program, highlighting stories of resilience, growth, and independence!

Follow along and learn more about our Independent Living Services: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-05-13/older-americans-month-2026

05/12/2026

Join our free virtual workshops for blind and low-vision Pre-ETS students ages 14–21! This month’s sessions focus on advocating for your financial future:

💰 Earning While Learning (May 14)
💵 Saving Money (May 21)
📈 Investing in Your Future (May 28)

Students will gain practical tools, self-advocacy skills, and real-world advice from blind and low-vision mentors — all while connecting with peers!

Learn more and register: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-05-06/pre-ets-virtual-programming-may-2026

05/11/2026

The IDB Library's Summer Reading Program starts in less than a month! Sign up by Saturday, May 30! ☀️📝 Learn more: https://iowalibrary.blog/programs/summer-reading-program/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRuzWdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4RUlsdmlEaE9BZkUxaDRmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoOcRZZbN96-CSanAeX-ql_j1hkkcl8ibV2TFqkv9HIbmGvBJHs80XGFU-Wd_aem_V7JeDYncUXYpmAL7-pQ8Xg

🚨 URGENT: THE LIBRARY MASCOT IS MISSING! 🚨

The Prehistoric Investigation Agency (P.I.A.) needs YOU! Join us for Unearth a Story, Unleash Your Inner Explorer, a free eight week virtual adventure for young detectives across Iowa.

🕵️‍♂️ The Mission: Track down our missing mascot through 26 virtual events, including Science Labs, Art Clue Connections, and guest visits from the Lazy J Rescue Ranch and more!
📦 The Gear: Every agent gets an Explorer Pack featuring an Agent Thermos, 3D Dino keychain, dinosaur egg, and even tickets to the Blank Park Zoo!
🏆 The Reward: Earn character badges, a Rescue Key, and your very own Miniature Mystery Mascot!

Details: 📅 June 8 to July 31 💻 Virtually on Zoom (Mon/Wed/Fri at 1:00 PM) ⏳ Registration ends May 30!
Secure your agent badge here: https://iowalibrary.blog/programs/summer-reading-program/

05/08/2026

Last week, we hosted an Adult Skills Retreat at the Iowa Department for the Blind! We sat down with three participants to hear about their experiences.🎙️🎥

These week-long retreats are open to Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living, and Older Blind clients. Interested in joining a future retreat? Contact your counselor or rehabilitation teacher, or learn more: https://blind.iowa.gov/skills-retreats

04/27/2026

Dive into inspiring stories from two Paralympic athletes featured during our April Youth Weekend Retreat!

In the first video, Tyler Merren shares his journey as a Paralympic goalball medalist, personal trainer, and fitness app developer. Hear about his career, passion for fitness, and the experiences that shaped his path.

In the second video, volunteer Greg DeWall shares his story as a Paralympic judo medalist and Assistant Supervisor at a recreation center. Hear his career advice, personal journey, and passion for recreation.

Watch on YouTube:
🎥 Tyler Merren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4kDdxYP_GM
🎥 Greg DeWall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCN2hpBbXKU