DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa ranks as the third best state in the nation for employing persons with disabilities, according to disability advocacy group RespectAbilityUSA in their 2015 Disability Statistics Annual Report.
“I’m excited to see the gains that Iowa has made in jumping from seventh to third best in the nation in terms of employing individuals with disabilities. This speaks to the collaboration and partnership between our state agencies and many different stakeholders. I believe every Iowan can and should have the opportunity to learn, work and have a rewarding career,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.
The Iowa Coalition for Integrated Employment has strong partnerships with employers that hire persons with disabilities such as Kwik Trip, Winnebago, Manpower and Unity Point.
“I’m pleased to see that Iowa is leading the way in empowering individuals with disabilities through employment. Continuing to improve the workforce participation rate of Iowans with disabilities is yet another way we can grow our state’s talent pipeline,” said Gov. Terry Branstad.
Employees are considered to have a disability if they have trouble hearing, seeing, walking up stairs or have a condition that makes concentrating and fulfilling tasks difficult.
Iowa was also among the 10 states with a less than one-third population of persons with disabilities.
