New leader takes over Department of the Blind

The Iowa Department for the Blind has a new director. Commission Chair Julie Scurr says Allen Harris comes most recently from New York’s Commission for the visually handicapped, but has worked for years in the Midwest.Both the 55-year-old Harris and his wife Joy have been active in the organized blind movement since the late sixties. Harris, who also formerly taught government and sociology and coached wrestling, will take over administration of many programs within the Iowa Department for the blind August 31st. Those include vocational rehab, independent living, a big state library and business enterprise program. Harris replaces director Creig Slayton, who’s retiring after a long term heading the Department.She says Slayton was well loved, and Harris seemed the best candidate to replace him, though it’s coincidental that Harris is blind. Harris takes over August 31st.