iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 9h

There are 2 weeks left to pre-register to vote or request an absentee ballot for the November 3rd election! You are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, an Iowa resident, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. If you are not yet registered, learn how to here:

text reads “2 weeks left. Pre-register to vote or request an absentee ballot" with October 19 circled in red above.

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA): Fall 2026 Benefits Training Location: IowaWORKS Sioux City - 2508 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101 Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with break for lunch

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the Disability Issue Forum last night at Wartburg College! A special thank you to the speakers from the disability community who shared their experiences as well as the candidates Representative Lindsay James, Dave Bushaw, Rick Stewart, and Nate Willems who

women wearing teal Disability Rights Iowa t-shirts

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

DRI is on our way to Wartburg College to join the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council for a candidate forum tonight. The forum begins at 6pm and is open to the public. We hope you will join this important conversation about the future of disability policy in Iowa.

"Disability rights to be subject of candidate forum at Wartburg."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

DRI is excited to join the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council for a candidate forum tomorrow, September 29th, at Wartburg College. The forum begins at 6pm and is open to the public. We hope you will join this important conversation about the future of disability policy in Iowa.

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

DRI is excited to join the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council for a candidate forum on September 29th at Wartburg College. The forum begins at 6pm and is open to the public. We hope you will join this important conversation about the future of disability policy in Iowa.

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Thank you to Prairie Meadows for awarding a Community Betterment Grant to Disability Rights Iowa. DRI attended the 2026 Community Impact Luncheon to celebrate Prairie Meadows' $15 million in charitable giving this year. We're so grateful that Prairie Meadows believes in our mission and

Two women with large check with text: "2026 Grant Recipient."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

DRI enjoyed day one at the Iowa APSE Annual Conference. Find us at our table all day tomorrow! [ID: Woman sitting behind a table with a blue banner that reads "Disability Rights Iowa: Legal Protection and Advocacy.]

table with a banner with text "Disability Rights Iowa: Legal Protection and Advocacy

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

During Disability Voting Rights Week, it is important to know that accessible voting is your right! The Secretary of State works to make sure polling places are accessible for voters, but some voters may still experience barriers.

text: “Be a defender! Report barriers! Safe, Accessible, Barrier-Free, Encourage others to vote. Election Prevention Hotline”with the phone number 866-687-8683

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

You have the right to vote privately and independently! Disability Voting Rights Week is a great time to make your plan to vote in a way that is accessible to you. You can vote by requesting an absentee ballot or voting early in-person at your county auditor's office or a satellite location.

text: “Know Your Rights. Know Your Power. Vote privately and independently; Vote in a way that is accessible to you; Get help with any part of the voting process from a person you choose."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

DRI had a great day at Iowa Developmental Disability Council's Make Your Mark Conference! Stop by our table tomorrow to learn more about DRI, your voting rights, and complete our poll about your top area of concern.

jars read: "Voting; Special Education; Work & Employment; Medicaid; Abuse & Neglect

women wearing blue shirts in front of backdrop

woman placing a pom pom ball in a mason jar

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

This Disability Voting Rights Week, make a plan for the November 3rd election! Voting is your right, and planning when and how you will vote can help you vote privately and independently. First, make sure you are registered to vote.

text: "Be a Confident Voter. Make a Plan to Vote. Make your plan: bit.ly/m/REV-UP-Plan." Below title is a list: "Make sure you are registered to vote!; Learn key dates, like election day, early voting, and mail-in voting deadlines; Choose how and when you will vote; Plan for your access needs; Learn what’s on your ballot; Know what to do if you have trouble voting. Disability Voting Rights Week, aapd.com/disability-voting-rights-week."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

you have questions about the new school discipline bill signed into law this summer... we have answers. follow this link to learn more about how this bill could impact your child with disabilities education and what their rights to education still are: disabilityrightsiowa.org/what-we-do/e...

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Applications are now open for DRI's Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Advisory Council. This council advises DRI's Board of Directors to include and be aware of issues Iowans with mental health diagnoses face each day.

flowers and text description on Advisory council

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Thank you for participating in and following along during our 42 Hours of Creating Change! Thanks to your incredible support and engagement, DRI received more than $1,800 in donations. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for the many ways you helped make this campaign a success;

thermometer with text: "42 Hours of Creating Change, $1,864"]

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Only 1 hour remains to help DRI continue Creating Change for Iowans with disabilities! Achieving DRI’s vision of a changed world for people with disabilities requires all of us. Your support today helps our work to create that reality tomorrow. Every donation, no matter how small,

Stopwatch with red "1" Teal text below reads: "Hour Remains!"

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

With only 2 hours left in our 42 Hours of Creating Change Movement, there is still time to support DRI’s work: www.mightycause.com/story/42Hour... or www.desmoinesfoundation.org/givedsm/42-h...! DRI has been at the forefront of Creating Change for disability rights in Iowa for 42 years, but there

text: "2 Hours Remain!" clock below text

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

DRI Board member, Christian, shares that “as a father and attorney, DRI’s work to help Iowans with disabilities navigate challenging systems and advocating on their behalf when they are overlooked hits me directly in the center of my heart. I recognize that many individuals with disabilities

Photo of Christian with text: "Many individuals with disabilities and their families do not have the tools to get the access they need. - Christian, DRI Board Member."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

For over 20 years, Ms. Thomas’ mother was her legal guardian. But, Ms. Thomas didn’t believe she needed one. She had her own apartment, she shopped for her own groceries, she took care of her own needs, and she had a job. So, she asked DRI for help in changing her guardianship.

Photo of Greg Bal standing next to Ms. Thomas

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Marissa is a DRI Board member because “as a disabled Iowan, I frequently experience barriers to accessing my work and community. I volunteer with DRI because I want to ensure the rights that Iowans with disabilities have remain intact, while also advocating

Photo of Marissa with text: "I volunteer with DRI because I want to ensure the rights that Iowans with disabilities have remain intact.” - Marissa, DRI Board Member."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

In the last five years, Iowa’s disability community has grown by 13% and now includes more than 412,000 individuals. Contrastingly, Iowa’s total population has grown by less than 3% in that same time period. As the number of Iowans with disabilities increases, the demand for DRI’s services grows.

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

DRI is recognized throughout Iowa for assisting our staff and Iowans with disabilities. DRI received the Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve award for supporting an employee while he completed National Guard duties.

text: "Disability Rights Iowa has received awards for excellence in Public Justice and for Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve." Curved stripes with text: "#42HoursOfCreatingChange."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

DRI Board member Nick “supports Iowans with disabilities in any way I can. DRI serves individuals with disabilities and their support networks who turn down opportunities for assistance because they are denied, lack knowledge or access, or experience other barriers to entry.

Photo of Nick with text: "I love to help in any way I can for the disabled individuals and their support networks who turn down opportunities for assistance. - Nick, DRI Board Member."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

In fiscal year 2025, DRI impacted more than 6,000 Iowans with disabilities through monitorings and financial reviews. Congress authorized the Protection and Advocacy Systems to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

text: “+6,000 Iowans with disabilities were impacted by DRI led monitorings and financial reviews." graphics show a service dog, Braille, color contrast, and American Sign Language

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Did you know that our Nationwide Network of Protection & Advocacy organizations are the only federally designated organizations with access authority? Access authority gives our advocates the legal power to enter facilities serving people with disabilities with no advance notice.

text: “DRI completed 18 monitorings. Advocates visited facilities, congregate care settings and home and community-based settings where Iowans with disabilities reside and/or received services.” Graphics show a service dog, Braille, color contrast, and American Sign Language

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

DRI works to ensure adults and youth with disabilities are not abused or neglected in facilities and congregate care settings through investigations and monitoring. DRI’s work has been critical in addressing abuse and neglect in the Boys and Girls State Training Schools as well as Glenwood Resource

text: "DRI staff has monitored over 800 facilities that serve or provide housing for Iowans with disabilities." Curved stripes with text: "#42HoursOfCreatingChange."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

DRI equips Iowans with the knowledge, advocacy, representation, and assistance they need to defend their rights. DRI receives funding from private donations and grants from federal agencies to protect and advocate for the rights of Iowans with disabilities.

text: "Disability Rights Iowa started with just one Protection and Advocacy grant - today DRI works on nine!" Curved stripes with text: "#42HoursOfCreatingChange."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

As we start the last day of our 42 Hours of Creating Change Movement, we are excited to move towards our future advocacy and work tomorrow. DRI will participate in upcoming Disability Issue Dialogue Forums for Iowans with disabilities to share their concerns with candidates.

people sitting at a long table with an audience

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

DRI’s Board member, Pat, “spent 7 years assisting with financial management for individuals with disabilities, which taught me the necessity of these services. DRI has been an important resource to protect and advocate for Iowans with disabilities for 42 years. Your donation helps make sure that

Photo of Pat with text: "Assisting with financial management for individuals with disabilities... taught me the necessity of these services. - Pat, DRI Board Member."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

We’re ending our Thursday with another throwback to DRI’s 40th anniversary celebration! In 2024, DRI celebrated its 40th anniversary and the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with the 40/34 Equal Access Festival.

Photo of speaker at a podium labeled "Disability Rights Iowa."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

In fiscal year 2025, DRI provided assistance in 74 of Iowa’s 99 counties. Across Iowa, more than 412,000 Iowans identify as having a disability. Over the last 5 years, Iowa’s disability community has grown by 13% and will continue to grow.

text: “74/99. DRI provided assistance to Iowans with disabilities in 74 of Iowa's 99 counties.” graphics show a service dog, Braille, color contrast, and American Sign Language

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

We are 24 hours into our 42 Hours of Creating Change celebration in honor of DRI’s 42nd anniversary! We've received over $600 in donations, and we are so grateful for your incredible support! There's still 18 hours left to make a difference and help us reach our goal! Please consider donating to

thermometer with text: "$613 in 24 Hours of Creating Change!"

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

DRI's services are provided at no cost to Iowans with disabilities and are funded through federal grants and donations from people just like you. Already, DRI has surpassed 2,000 requests for services this fiscal year, more than we typically receive in an entire year.

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Did you know that DRI completed a State of and Barriers to Employment in Iowa Qualitative Survey in 2024? More than 140 Iowans with disabilities provided qualitative data on how Medicaid income and asset requirements impacted their ability to achieve competitive employment.

text: "Iowans with disabilities want to work: Survey results from Disability Rights Iowa's 2025 State of and Barriers to Employment Survey."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

This Thursday, we’re throwing it back to our 2022 National Mental Health Awareness Event with Keynote Speaker Dior Vargas. Dior shared what she learned through her personal experiences regarding her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act as a person with a mental health diagnosis.

youtube.com

Mental Health Awareness Event with Keynote Speaker Dior Vargas

This is the English/Ingles livestream event. Para espanol https://youtu.be/bvFPtgjNQ0s Stream Text captions are available here…

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Seth, DRI’s Board member, reflects on how “growing up and seeing how people with disabilities can be integrated into their communities and thrive has been the greatest lesson I have learned. I have worked with some individuals who did not have this opportunity, and the difference is stark.

Photo of Seth with text: "Seeing how people with disabilities can be integrated into their communities and thrive has been the greatest lesson. - Seth, DRI Board Member."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

While DRI has served more than 30,000 individual Iowans over the past 42 years, there is still more work to be done. DRI needs your support to ensure our advocacy can continue to support the growing needs of Iowa’s disability community.

text: "Disability Rights Iowa has served over 30,000 individual Iowans over the past 42 years." Curved stripes with text: "#42HoursOfCreatingChange."

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driowa.bsky.social @driowa.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Laura, a DRI Board member, believes that “it is important that people can share their stories, and if they are unable to, that someone can be their voice. That's exactly what DRI has done for 42 years. Disability has always been a part of my life from my family to the people I serve professionally.

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