Iowa Announces 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Employer Award Winners

Iowa recognizes businesses for disability employment support

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) has named the recipients of its 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Employer Awards.

The announcement, shared by workforce.iowa.gov, honors a mix of large and small businesses for their specific efforts to integrate Iowans with disabilities into the state’s workforce.

These annual awards recognize companies that have moved beyond basic compliance to create environments that actively support and expand sustainable employment. The recognition process was led by the State Disability Access Committee (DAC) and supported by the IWD’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Division, according to the official announcement.

The initiative relies heavily on a network of IowaWORKS centers. These centers act as the primary connection points for career development and employment services for Iowans with disabilities across the state.

The 2026 award winners

The awards are divided into four distinct categories, each highlighting a different approach to workplace inclusion, from proactive hiring to creative retention strategies. The recipients include:

Champion for Disability Employment Award: Hope Haven, Inc. (Spencer) and Broadlawns (Des Moines). These organizations were recognized for proactive hiring and community engagement.
New Business Partnership Award: Pech Optical (Sioux City) and Geater Manufacturing (Independence). These partners were cited for making rapid progress in supporting individuals with disabilities.
Innovative Employer Award: Hy-Vee, Inc. (West Des Moines). This award honors creativity in hiring and retaining workers through forward-thinking practices.
VR/IDB Recognition Award: Grout Museum (Waterloo) and Durham School Services (Ottumwa). These businesses were honored for their engagement with Vocational Rehabilitation Services or the Iowa Department for the Blind.

By highlighting these specific companies, the state aims to showcase how different business models—ranging from local manufacturing to large-scale retail—can successfully implement disability employment practices.

Sustainable employment creates long-term career paths

The focus on “sustainable employment” is a key distinction in these awards. Rather than temporary placements, the state is looking for employers who build long-term career paths. Integrating all capable citizens is an economic necessity and a social equity issue as the workforce changes.

While some critics of expanded workplace support mandates often point to the potential costs of accommodations, the IWD framework emphasizes the partnership between employers and state services. By utilizing Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB), businesses can access specialized support to help manage these transitions effectively.

The success of these programs depends on the strength of the connection between the private sector and state-run vocational services. When businesses engage with these agencies, they often see better long-term outcomes for both the employee and the employer’s bottom line.

For businesses looking to establish similar partnerships or for individuals seeking vocational assistance, the state directs inquiries to workforce.iowa.gov/vr.

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