IDRPP History: Special Education's Beginnings in Utah
The IDRPP opened in 1972, with several classrooms for children with disabilities. In those early days, professionals worked with some students and families who had never received services before.
The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice is Utah’s federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). IDRPP was established in 1972 by Dr. Marvin Fifield, and was the first UCEDD program in the nation to focus on the educational and social needs of children with disabilities. Over our 50-year history, the Institute has grown into one of the largest UCEDD programs in the nation and is recognized as a pioneer in research, training, technical assistance, and services for children and adults with disabilities, families, and the professionals who serve them.
Our Mission
We are working together to create inclusive communities and improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families through sustainable innovation, collaborative research, responsive service, and interdisciplinary training and education.
You can also view the audio-described version of this video.
Our Values
- We Innovate: We lead by developing dynamic, sustainable, forward-thinking programs and services.
- We Include: We demonstrate how to effectively work toward inclusive communities in our planning, programs, and services. We celebrate diversity in ability, race, ethnicity, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation, politics, and religion.
- We Collaborate: We forge partnerships. Working together makes us more effective and responsive to the current needs of our clients and communities.
- We Care: We do what we do because we care. We are making the world a better place for people with disabilities and their families.
IDRPP Blog
Healthy Relationships Training Takes A Close Look At Consent
“Without understanding consent, boundaries, and the power to say no, it is harder to prevent abuse,” said Alex Schiwal, Ph.D and IDRPP researcher.
IDRPP History: The Agent Orange Family Assistance Program
The Agent Orange Family Assistance Program operated out of the IDRPP in the 1990s. The personal accounts from participants detail an astounding list of health problems among the veterans and their children. Many suspected Agent Orange was to blame.
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- Utah Disability Today
- Utah Assistive Technology Program newsletter
- Utah's Multicultural Disability Network & newsletter
- Up to 3 newsletter
- WebAIM newsletter