Iowa COMPASS - maintains the Used Equipment Referral Service or UERS which is a free on-line listing of used devices that people are selling and looking to buy.

You can contact Iowa COMPASS online or at:

Iowa COMPASS

800-779-2001

877-683-0032 TTY…

Holiday holidays from the ASK and FIND staff. We hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season. 

We had our staff holiday party last night and went around, each sharing some of our holiday traditions. We wanted to share some of those traditions with you and ask you to share yours with us. We know that as…

The Iowa COMPASS newsletter is produced every other month. It covers a variety of topics and features information about services, highlighted assistive technology devices and funding.

Please note: the newsletter is currently available only online.

If you would like to receive an email when a new newsletter is posted to this page, or to change your email address:  http://www.iowacompass.org/newsletters.htm…

I saw this on DIY and thought good for students or at work.  

"I bought clips from a hardware store to put on my armrests. These clip to a bag on my lap.  Now, no matter how many bumps I hit, my bag or briefcase will stay on my…

As a parent of a student with 6 Learning Challenges (I don't like the word "disability"), I encourage educators to get to know their students...REALLY get to know them!  Learn what their interests are, what gets them excited. Hobbies, sports, games, etc. find out what they're good at and what they love!  I know teachers are on tight schedules, making the most of every minute in the classroom is crucial.  However, it doesn't take as long as…

In a world where anything and everything is online, your right to control your privacy is vital. On FIND, like other social networks, you can choose to share as much or as little as you decide. Here are some tips to control your privacy on FIND.

1) Consider using a pseudonym. Many FIND users choose to use their real name, much like they would on Facebook, but the great thing about FIND is…

So you want to share a photo? Photos are a great way to get interactive on FIND and share moments from your life with the FIND community. Here’s how to get started.

Click the “Photo” button under Latest Activity. …

Inclusive Holiday Tradition

With a little planning ahead, many holiday traditions can be inclusive.

Here are just a few to get you thinking, please post what you do!

• Wrapping presents >> look at earlier blogs for adapted scissors and tape dispensers. Or use holiday gift bags.
• Switch operated or remote control tree lights are available for outdoor…

Hasbro recently launched ToyBox Tools, an initiative that aims to bring the joy of play to children with developmental disabilities in partnership with The Autism Project. The ToyBox Tools provides a series of instructional videos, printed instructions, play-mats and more for several classic Hasbro brands. These supportive tools will serve as a free, online resource for parents, caretakers and educators to make play easier and more accessible for children who need…

Learning Disabilities Challenges:  I don't like the word "disabilities," so I make every effort not to use it.  When my son was diagnosed in 2nd grade with 6 "disabilities," we were told he may never live on his own, a 4 year college was out of the question, everything and everyone was negative.  Just the word makes me cringe and feel hopeless.  I definitely didn't want that stigma attached to my son.  I…

Apple is highlighting a growing number of apps catering to individuals with special needs with a featured special education section in its App Store.

The section titled “Special Education” includes 72 applications for the iPhone and 13 applications for the iPad in 10 categories ranging from communication to emotional development and life skills, according to Trudy Muller, an…

Are you in need of assistance this holiday season? Please refer to this list. Note: Please pay attention to dates and deadlines, since some are rapidly approaching!

Holiday & Winter Assistance 2014

*This list is not all-inclusive. Please call the agency before going in to apply for a program to get specifics. Please call 211 for more information about these or other programs. Updated 10.27.2014 …

Valley West Mall Events Manager, Trisha, has told us if families call ahead of time and share the accommodations your child needs she will work with you to set up Santa time. Trisha will also make arrangements if a group of families want to come together for a visit. Ask for Trisha @  515-225-3632. If you have to leave a message, she will get back with you!