iowa department of veterans affairs iowaccess concept report
TRANSCRIPT
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
IOWAccess Concept Report
PROPOSED PROJECT
Provide for the complete redesign of the IDVA website Update the site to reflect current technology Add interactivity for forms Provide a secure link for counties to access
department information and fill out forms Establish read only documents Include vital information for mental health, PTSD,
counseling, and treatment Create a new page for families seeking help
WWW.IOWAVA.ORG
Current site is antiquated and difficult to navigate Links to veterans programs require user to scroll
through the page and are difficult to find Program links are not individually cited and difficult
to find Links such as “Commission” and “Counties” require
downloading Word documents that can be manipulated by the user. Also, downloading documents in a rural area can take a significant amount of time
www.iowava.org
OUTDATED LOOK
The IDVA homepage is not visually appealing The homepage does not fill the screen and has
considerable wasted space The homepage has too much text and requires
scrolling to access more importa nt information Need a link for “About the Department” and make the
homepage a portal to other pages
The contrast with the Iowa Veterans Cemetery is significant
OTHER STATES
When contrasted with other states, IDVA’s is lacking Style Information Interoperability
Examples of other states Illinois Kansas Minnesota
FORMS
IDVA has applications for many programs These forms are currently on the website but
require printing and mailing them inEstablishing an interactive form system will
expedite the application processCounties have expressed a desire to have a
secure link to submit forms and access information This would be similar to the nursing home reporting
system, currently available through our website
VETERAN OUTREACH
As part of 2007 legislation, IDVA was charge by the General Assembly to establish an outreach effort to veterans
This will be an effort to link local, state, and federal recourses to ensure veterans have easy and immediate access to vital information related to counseling and treatment programs
Hopefully, reducing the incidence of drug abuse, chemical dependency, and suicide among our heroes
A portion of this outreach would be to include this information on our website that is available around the clock
Currently, there are no health or counseling related links on the website, nor information on PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or other combat related conditions
FAMILY SUPPORT
Additional outreach is needed to provide information to family members who are supporting their veteran
Often, a veteran is unwilling to seek help as a soldier and families are the first point of contact for providing help to an afflicted veteran
Links and information are essential to guide families to appropriate counseling, clinical, or hospital settings
Again, these links are currently not available and need to be added
REQUEST
IDVA is requesting initial funding of up to $15,000 to perform a scope analysis study for our site redesign
WHO WILL THIS NEW SITE SERVE
Our main priority…
THE VETERAN AND THEIR FAMILY
The counties providing direct services to veterans
The public interested in what the State of Iowa is providing to veterans
The department, by expediting the application process and promoting veteran services
THANK YOU
A redesigned website will enhance the department’s
ability to provide essential services to veterans