Who do I call first for disability services in Polk County, Iowa?

Start with early intervention (children under 3), your school district's special education office (ages 3–21), and Iowa vocational rehabilitation for employment. This guide points to the right front door for Polk County.

Is help available in Spanish in Polk County?

Yes. This Polk County guide includes Spanish-language support, and most Iowa agencies provide interpretation on request.

What should I do in a disability-related crisis in Polk County?

For an immediate emergency call 911. For mental health crisis support call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. This page also lists local crisis resources where available.

Disability Services in Polk County, Iowa

A free, plain-language guide to disability services in Polk County, Iowa. Find who to call first for early intervention, special education, Medicaid waivers, transition planning, employment supports, and crisis help, with Spanish-language support. Always call to confirm details, which can change.

Services covered in Polk County

Early intervention (under 3) and special education / IEPs (ages 3–21)
Medicaid waivers and home- and community-based services
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
Transition planning, guardianship, and benefits
Crisis support: 911 for emergencies, 988 for mental health crisis

Local organizations in Polk County

Disability-related organizations on file with an address in Polk County. Details change, so always call to confirm before you visit.

Central Iowa Center for Independent Living (CICIL) ((515) 243-1742, Des Moines)
Project SEARCH — Mercy Medical Center (Des Moines) (Des Moines). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
Project SEARCH — UnityPoint Health Des Moines (Des Moines). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
The Arc of Iowa. State chapter of The Arc — advocacy, family support, and connections to local chapters for people with intellectual and
Broadlawns Medical Center — New Connections (515-282-6610, Des Moines)
Eyerly Ball — Community Mental Health Services (515-241-0982, Des Moines)
Iowa Lutheran Hospital — Powell Chemical Dependency Center (515-263-2424 x1, Des Moines)
MercyOne Des Moines — First Step Recovery (515-271-6075, Des Moines)
Primary Health Care - Administrative Offices (515-248-1447, Des Moines)
Primary Health Care - Bery Engebretsen Clinic (515-248-1400, Des Moines)
Primary Health Care - East Side Clinic (515-248-1600, Des Moines)
Primary Health Care - Homeless Advocacy Program (515-248-1850, Des Moines)
Central Iowa Deaf Academy (JOHNSTON)
Iowa Chinese Lanugage School (JOHNSTON)
Iupat District Council 81 Joint Apprenticeship And Training Trust (DES MOINES)
Optasia Ministry Inc (DES MOINES)
17 11 Je 2060 Health Access Network (515-802-7198, DES MOINES). Behavioral health agency
A New Beginning Mentor, Counseling, And Resource Center (515-557-0415, DES MOINES). Behavioral health agency
A1 Addictions Recovery Center (515-993-4246, WEST DES MOINES). Behavioral health agency
A1 Recovery & Treatment Llc (515-381-3001, DES MOINES). Behavioral health agency
Angels Care Home Health Of Iowa (515-252-2847, DES MOINES)
Centerwell Home Health (515-277-0977, URBANDALE)
Childserve Home Care Inc (515-727-8750, JOHNSTON)
Everystep (515-558-9591, DES MOINES)

Statewide programs serving Polk County

These serve every county in Iowa, including Polk County.

Iowa's University Center for Excellence in Disabilities. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
Disability Rights Iowa (800-779-2502). Protection & Advocacy: free disability rights legal help
Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council ((800) 452-1936). State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program ((515) 309-2371). State assistive technology program: device loans, demos & reuse
ASK Resource Center (515-243-1713). Parent center: free special-education help for families

Other counties in Iowa

Browse every county from the Iowa disability resources portal, choose a different state on the state portals index, or read more about PathAble AI.