Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Administrators! Stop by the Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired booth and say hi if you’re at the School Administrators of Iowa Conference!

[ID: three tall stand up banners, table with Iowa Education for Deaf & Blind logo.]

Individuals and families are invited to this unique event hosted by The Arc of Iowa

Tickets are NOW AVAILABLE for Hear Us Roar 2026!

Join us Tuesday, August 4 at Blank Park Zoo for a statewide celebration of Disability Pride, connection, leadership, and belonging.

Last year, more than 500 individuals with disabilities and their loved ones joined us for an unforgettable day together. This year, our goal is even bigger — welcoming 1,000 attendees from across Iowa.

Your day may include:
• FREE parakeet and giraffe feeding experiences
• Train rides and petting zoo fun
• Advocacy and community experiences
• Wear Your Roar Showcase & prizes
• Ice Cream Social
• Community lunch options
• Youth Leadership Academy Graduation Celebration

Whether you are an individual with a disability, family member, self-advocate, provider, educator, volunteer, or supporter — this event is for YOU.

Disability Rights are Human Rights.

Reserve your Disability Pride Pass today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hear-us-roar-celebrating-disability-pride-at-the-blank-park-zoo-tickets-1990816866840



https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hear-us-roar-celebrating-disability-pride-at-the-blank-park-zoo-tickets-1990816866840

We have a winner! Gage Shouse's enthusiasm for learning JAWS and the guidance of IESBVI Teacher of the Visually Impaired Taylor Barros resulted in a first place win! JAWS is a screen-reading software that reads on-screen text aloud.

Gage, who attends Jefferson Elementary in Muscatine, entered the Benefits of Audio Description in Education (BADIE) contest, sponsored by the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP). The contest challenged participants to select an educational video from DCMP's library and evaluate the quality of its audio description.

Gage wrote an essay analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the audio description, focusing on elements such as timing, level of detail, clarity and overall effectiveness. Taylor supported Gage in using JAWS to access the video, draft and edit the essay and complete the submission process.

Gage earned first place in the sophomore division of the BADIE Contest. The American Council of the Blind recognized Gage's achievement with a Certificate of Achievement and a $100 Amazon gift card.

[ID: Gage holding the certificate with gift card smiling and laughing]

Last, but certainly not least, to be celebrated in honor of Deafblind Awareness Week is Graham!

[ID: Graham holds his hands near his face and smiles for the camera, wearing red glasses.]

Today we’re proud to highlight Graham as we wrap up our Deafblind Awareness Week celebration today!

We’re grateful to celebrate Graham today and honor all the unique qualities that make him truly extraordinary.

Next up in the spotlight is Lincoln in honor of Deafblind Awareness Week!

[ID: Lincoln holds up a paper bag that reads “student of the.” The rest is cut off.]

Today we’re honored to highlight Lincoln as we continue sharing the amazing children in our Deafblind Awareness Week series!

We celebrate Lincoln today for his strength, his spirit, and all the unique qualities that make him truly extraordinary.

Join us again tomorrow as we spotlight another incredible child!

Join in celebrating Silas for Deafblind Awareness Week!

[ID: Silas lays on a blanket that has clouds on it.]

Today we’re shining a light on Silas as we continue our Deafblind Awareness Week highlights!

We’re grateful to celebrate Silas today and honor the many strengths that make him truly remarkable.

Join us tomorrow as we continue sharing the amazing kids who make this week so meaningful.

IESBVI is hiring! Explore current job openings and find the opportunity that's right for you. View openings at this link: https://www.iesbvi.org/careers/.

𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
• Teacher of the visually impaired (Mississippi Bend AEA)

𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲/𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
• Substitute driver (two openings)

[ID: IESBVI logo, we are hiring.]

Mila is being highlighted in honor of Deafblind Awareness Week!

[ID: Mila is sitting in a bounce house smiling with both arms up holding hands with someone.]

Today we’re celebrating Mila as part of Deafblind Awareness Week!

We’re honored to highlight Mila today and celebrate the joy, strength, and determination she brings to our community.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we continue sharing the extraordinary kids who make this week so meaningful.

Celebrating Evalyn during Deafblind Awareness Week!

[ID: Evalyn smiles for the camera.]

Today we’re excited to introduce Evalyn as we continue celebrating Deafblind Awareness Week!

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting more amazing children throughout the week!

Say, "Hello!" to Warren, who is in the Deafblind Awareness Week spotlight!

[ID: young child grins, wears protective head covering]

Today we’re honored to highlight Warren as we continue sharing the amazing children in our Deafblind Awareness Week series!

We celebrate Warren today for his strength, his spirit, and all the unique qualities that make him truly extraordinary.

Join us again tomorrow as we spotlight another incredible child!