"People with disabilities have forged a group identity. We share a common history of oppression and a common bond of resilience. We generate art, music, literature, and other expressions of our lives and our culture, infused from our experience of disability. Most importantly, we are proud of ourselves as people with disabilities. We claim our disabilities with pride as part of our identity. We are who we are: we are people with disabilities."
Steven E. Brown
MAINSTREAM MAGAZINE, 1996
(Re-published in Steve's 2003 book, Movie Stars and Sensuous Scars:
Essays on the Journey from Disability Shame to Disability Pride)
The Office of Persons with Disabilities exists to promote the employment of Iowans with disabilities and reduce barriers to employment by providing employers and citizens with disabilities:
- Information
- Referral
- Assessment and guidance
- Training
- Advocacy services
Technical assistance, information and referral are available concerning matters of employment, housing accessibility, transportation, education, programs and services. All services are free of charge.
The Office works closely with the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.