About the Institute for Disability
The Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice (IDRPP) at Utah State University is Utah’s federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). It is currently a collection of four divisions and more than 160 projects related to disability, within Utah and nationwide. The Institute (then called the Exceptional Child Center) was established in 1972 by Dr. Marvin Fifield, and was the first UCEDD in the nation to be housed within a College of Education. It was also the first UCEDD focused on rural health and disability issues. We are proud to be a leading research and outreach center in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU.
Over its 50-year history, the IDRPP has grown into one of the largest UCEDD programs in the nation and is recognized as a pioneer in research, interdisciplinary training, technical assistance and services for people with disabilities and their families. We are part of a network of 67 other UCEDD programs in every U.S. state and territory. We serve as a bridge between the university and the community, by ensuring that state and local government agencies, community providers, nonprofit organizations, schools, professionals, families, and most importantly, individuals with disabilities have access to the most up-to-date, evidence-based education, research, technical assistance and services.
We cultivate a lively, entrepreneurial culture that keeps us at the forefront of state and national issues related to disability services and supports. We are primarily funded through grants, contracts, and fee for service programs. The IDRPP administers over 90-100 different research, training, technical assistance, and service programs every year in Utah and across 41 other U.S. states.
Major activities of the IDRPP include
- Community education and technical assistance to people with developmental disabilities, family members, service providers, educators, and professionals on a wide range of topics including web accessibility, assistive technology, federal and state special education policy, and professional development.
- Research on the causes of disability and the implementation of evidence-based practices.
- Educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, and advocates.
- A broad array of services addressing family and consumer needs through clinical and community settings.
- Dissemination of the most current research and information related to disability services and supports.
Consumer Advisory Council
Note: We are now seeking new members. Download the application and apply!
Agency Representatives
Everette Bacon, Vice President for Blindness Initiatives at Aira
Joey Hanna, Utah Parent Center
Wendi Hassan, Cache Valley Center for the Arts
Libby Oseguera, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council
Adina Zahradnikova, Disability Law Center
Chandler Menteer, Imber Services
Family Representatives
Michelle Hoggan (Chair)
Kimberlee Adams
Self-Advocates
Kayci Lynam (Vice-Chair)
James Steed
Eric Stoker
Autumn Cuellar
Mandy Kartchner
Ana Hernandez-Liquin
Non-Voting Member
Matthew Wappett, IDRPP Executive Director
Staff | Division/Team | Position | Reports to |
---|---|---|---|
Matthew Wappett, Ph.D | Administration | IDRPP Director |
CEHS Dean |
Curt Phillips, Ph.D | Services | Director |
Matthew Wappett, Ph.D |
Richard Jewkes | Administration | Director |
Matthew Wappett, Ph.D |
Tim Riesen, Ph.D | Research & Training | Director | Matthew Wappett, Ph.D |
Norm Ames | Technical Assistance | Director | Matthew Wappett, Ph.D |
Tressa Johnston, Ph.D |
Services | Associate Director | Curt Phillips, Ph.D |
Brad Rieben |
Administration | Business Manager | Richard Jewkes |
Jared Smith | Technical Assistance | Associate Director | Norm Ames |
IDRPP Vision
We are becoming an international leader in creating inclusive communities and improving the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities and their families.