Discover What’s Happening at IDB This Fall

Here at the Iowa Department for the Blind, we offer a variety of retreats, programs, and trainings designed to meet the needs of blind and low vision Iowans. We are excited to highlight several upcoming opportunities for youth and adults this fall and throughout the 2026-2027 program year.

If you have questions about upcoming retreats or trainings, please contact our Education and Training Administrator, April Stotz, at [email protected].

Youth Weekend Retreats

Designed for students ages 14-21, Youth Weekend Retreats are held at the Iowa Department for the Blind in Des Moines from October through May. Each weekend offers a short-term commitment with long-term benefits, giving students opportunities to build essential blindness skills while connecting with peers in a relaxed and social environment.

2026-2027 Youth Weekend Retreat Schedule:

• Friday, October 30-Sunday, November 1

• Friday, December 18-Sunday, December 20

• Friday, January 15-Sunday, January 17

• Friday, February 12-Sunday, February 14

• Friday, April 16-Sunday, April 18

• Friday, May 14-Sunday, May 16

Learn more on our Weekend Retreats page.

Adult Skills Retreats

Adult Skills Retreats offer an engaging week of hands-on learning, skill development, social activities, and opportunities to connect with others. These trainings are held at the Iowa Department for the Blind in Des Moines and are open to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Independent Living (IL), and Older Blind (OB) clients.

2026-2027 Skills Retreat Schedule:

• Sunday, November 15-Friday, November 20

• Sunday, December 6-Friday, December 11

• Sunday, January 24-Friday, January 29

• Sunday, February 21-Friday, February 26

• Sunday, March 21-Friday, March 26

• Monday, April 25-Friday, April 30

Learn more on our Skills Retreats page.

Youth Virtual Programs

ACE Academy Online Trainings, powered by Sky's the Limit Communications, offer dynamic 90-minute virtual workshops for pre-ETS students ages 14-21. Workshops are designed to help prepare students for success in school, work, and everyday life. Each session features engaging content and guest speakers who share real-world experience and insight.

Virtual workshops are typically held three times a month on Thursday afternoons. The upcoming schedule and topics will be posted soon on our Ace Academy Online Trainings page.

Library Programs

The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled offers a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages! Explore the programs below to learn more and get involved:

• Book Discussion Groups

• After School Program

• Makerspace Monday Workshops

• Beyond the Book Teen Book Club

• Braille Babies Alphabet Corner

Contact Us

With opportunities to learn new skills, build connections, and gain confidence, there is something for everyone at the Iowa Department for the Blind this fall. If you have questions, feel free to call us at 515-281-1333. We look forward to seeing you at a program soon!