The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice is Utah’s federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), located within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services at Utah State University. 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.
We are working together to create communities where everyone can belong and contribute. We improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families through sustainable innovation, collaborative research, responsive service, and interdisciplinary training and education.
Our own Mary Ellen Heiner offers a personal review of motivational speaker Jessica Cox's book, Disarm Your Limits. "As someone who uses a wheelchair, I have faced many barriers... Her message reminded me that challenges ... can teach us new ways to adapt,...
Project ECHO's substance abuse network has reached professionals all over Utah: one more step in holding critical conversations around substance use disorder (SUD) in areas that need it the most.
Utah’s 2026 Legislative Session has come to an end with over 500 bills passed! Here is a summary of bills and funding items the IDRPP tracked along with links to items and resources where you can learn more.
