How Does Iowa Workforce Developments' Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Division Help People with Disabilities?

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Session Description:

In this session, Dr. James Williams, Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator at Iowa Workforce Development, will present a high-level overview of the various services provided by IVRS. As part of those services, Dr. Williams will share the important information that parents/community stakeholders should know, along with ideas for how to utilize them to obtain competitive, integrated employment (CIE). At the end, time will be provided for parents to ask questions that may have about IVRS and how they can sign up individuals for services. 

Powerpoint Presentation: 

https://www.askresource.org/filesimages/2024%20TWC/James%20Presentation%20for%20TWC.pdf

Dr. James Williams, CRC, ACAS

Dr. James Williams is the Administrator for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS), a division of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD). Prior to serving as the Administrator of IVRS, Dr. Williams was the Chief Executive Officer of Bloom Consulting, a national provider organization specializing in providing vocational services, evaluations, and training to individuals with disabilities, particularly those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist, and a Certified Special Education Teacher. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Special Education from Sam Houston State University, his Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Science Center, and his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. He has had the wonderful opportunity to work in both public and private special education with students of all ages in both teaching and administrative roles. His passion for the last 18 years has been, and always will be, providing transitional and vocational Pre-ETS services to students with disabilities. He strives to use his professional and personal experience with ASD as a catalyst to inspire and educate others to believe in the incredible possibilities for adults and children with disabilities when they receive the appropriate services and accommodations.