Darwin Gitch
Sumner
Waterloo Area Office

Darwin Gitch is 60 years old and has worked in the insurance industry since 1988. In 2000 he started his own agency – Gitch Insurance Agency – which he operates from his home in Sumner. In 2004 he was referred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for an epidural to relieve back pain. There were complications during the procedure and he is now a paraplegic. Throughout his recuperation, Darwin’s plan was to continue with his insurance business, but given the nature of his business, he knew he would need to find a way to continue traveling the area to meet with his clients and to develop new ones. He was referred to Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) in 2005 for assistance to help with modifying his van. After completing an evaluation and receiving consultation on his vehicle needs, Darwin’s van was modified with a power door, bi-fold ramp with manual back-up system, removable front passenger and driver seat, four-point tie down system, hand control brakes and accelerator. As a result of the assistance he received from IVRS, he has achieved his goal of remaining independent as he continues working at his insurance business.

Read the State of Iowa privacy statement.

Read the State of Iowa Website Policy

510 East 12th Street • Des Moines, Iowa 50319
515-281-4211 • 515-281-7645 (fax) • 1-800-532-1486 (voice/TTY)

  Send E-mail to Webmaster