Date Thursday, December 8, 2022 Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) staff have gone through special training and certification to better meet the needs of people with autism and recently received an Autism Friendly Designation from Autism Speaks. IVRS is the first state agency in the country to achieve this special designation. To qualify for the designation 199 employees, 86 percent of total staff in 13 area vocational rehabilitation offices across the state of Iowa completed the training. Created and provided by Autism Speaks, the certification program training was co-developed by autistics, clinicians, and autism experts to help businesses like IVRS create more inclusive and effective customer experiences. The training consists of several modules specific to best practices when working with individuals with autism. IVRS Administrator Daniel Tallon said he is committed to providing training for IVRS staff to enable them to provide top quality services to persons with disabilities in Iowa.