Blog

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.

In this episode, Matthew Wappett, Executive Director of the IDRPP sits down with Christine Pisani, Executive Director of the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Libby Oseguera, Executive Director of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council...

Insights from people with disabilities are critical to shaping programming and services that genuinely meet the needs of the entire community.

IDRPP researcher Ty Aller's project will determine if a single-session digital mental health intervention is helpful for improving wellbeing and mental health among family caregivers of individuals with dementia.

The 38th National Resource Center for Paraeducators Virtual Conference offers them support they can use: affordable, timely and in a way that fits their schedule. NRCP is a project of the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP).

A day-long event at the Utah State Capitol brought together people with disabilities, their families, disability-related agencies and legislators in a powerful reminder that Utah policies affect lives—and those affected have the power to speak out.

"I was placed in mainstream classrooms and loved it, but without the academic accommodations listed in my IEP, I could not have succeeded," writes Kirsten Barraclough.

Talley Wells is the guest on Episode 14 of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal Podcast. He is the current Executive Director of the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD). Wells was previously the director of the Disabilit...

The “Spirit of Service” awards started in 2017. IDRPP has since added an annual award for Mentor of the Year. Here are the recipients for 2025, as their nominators described them.

Not all data is good data or useful data. That is why the IDRPP now has a team dedicated to evaluation and other research-related services.

“A lot of individuals with dementia and caregivers aren’t getting adequate support,” says IDRPP researcher Heather Kelley. Read about efforts to change that in Rural Utah.

IDRPP's Cache County Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program celebrates an award-winning first year.

In one year, Elizabeth Rivera has visited multiple families, offered bilingual story hours, and opted to help numerous people in her free time. She was honored at the Utah Home Visiting Summit last month.

The IDRPP's Heather Kelley was recently awarded a Research Catalyst grant to examine the impact of Compassion Compass, a digital mental health intervention among adults who have recently received a dementia diagnosis.

“It seems like an obvious move, but from my understanding, it's not a common practice.” Research has long been performed on and around disability topics, often without asking for perspectives from people with disabilities. Now, an IDRPP advisory board see...

"Learning about one family may not give us all the information about the family's background. Like, just because I'm an Indian and you'll meet me as an Indian, you may not have the understanding of what all Indians are like."

IDRPP researcher Alex Schiwal shares why birdwatching is for everyone--and how you can get involved in Birdability Week!

In this month’s DDNJ Author Insights Podcast, three UCEDD directors discuss the impact their core grants have on their organizations, and the impact their organizations have on the lives of people with disabilities in their states and the nation.

Kirsten Barraclough, a reviewer with cerebral palsy, reviews 'Out of My Mind,' a film about a girl with CP. "There could have been many ways to sugarcoat this film, but the filmmakers did not go that route," she writes.

Like the physical therapist who helped me with my wrist, a speech pathologist will assess, diagnose, and set exercises for the patient. I want to be part of the healing process for severe brain injuries.

The Public & School Partnership, has been reinstated and is actively recruiting VISTA members. The local site of the AmeriCorp VISTA program, reopens after it was abruptly terminated in May.

This fall, a nearly $750,000 Field Initiated Projects grant will fund a randomized, controlled trial study on customized employment.

A $586,000 grant will pay for an in-state training program for community rehabilitation programs serving job seekers with disabilities. CEI has offered this training for years, but in the fall its offerings will integrate the latest research and strategie...

“So many of the policies that we have in place, especially for individuals with disabilities, have been put into place and written by people without disabilities,” said lead author Megan Best in an interview about some of the latest research published in ...

Although the One Big Beautiful Bill Act does not explicitly mention UCEDD funding, UCEDD funding is currently being debated as part of the larger federal budget discussions, which are next on Congress's agenda.

The transition from school to adulthood is a critical juncture—and one that is too often marked by uncertainty and unmet needs. Technical assistance division director Norm Ames shows how state education agencies can help students succeed.

In the years it operated at USU, TAPDINTO-STEM brought students with disabilities together and offered support, with the goal of boosting graduation rates for students with disabilities in science, technology, engineering and math.

Two recent court cases highlighted disability rights. One affecting student access has been heard by the US Supreme Court; the other regarding sign language interpreters in the White House is still pending in the United States District Court in D.C.

The IDRPP’s Interagency Outreach and Training Initiative (IOTI) recently announced the projects it will fund for the next project period, from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028.

On the latest episode of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal (DDNJ) Author Insights Podcast, Dr. Mathew Wappett sat down with Mary Beth Bruder and Tara Lutz to discuss barriers that adults with disabilities are running into. Dr. Bruder and Dr. ...

"Before writing this post, I did not realize how much UCEDDs have impacted my life," writes guest blogger Kirsten Barraclough. Later, she realized that four UCEDDs played a part in her development and education.

Sessions and slides from The Multicultural Disability Conference are now available—and free. The event is over, but conference organizers say the conversation is vital--and it needs to continue.

PSP abruptly ended late last month when its federal grant was terminated. The program leaves a hole here at IDRPP, and at many Utah sites.

That’s a wrap on the Spring 2025 semester! We would like to highlight some members of our staff as they graduate, retire and are honored with awards! Congratulations, all!

"Without these services, it is highly likely that vulnerable individuals would need to receive institutional care, which costs thousands of dollars more to staff and operate efficiently."

We are proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of our IDRPP employees. Each of these employees have had outstanding years of service at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice at Utah State University. Their hard work and commitme...

IDRPP researchers recently found that 80 percent of adults with disabilities nationwide reported having at least one of 11 chronic health conditions. Their findings are available for free through April 20.

A nearly $500,000 grant from the Utah State Board of Education trains personnel from five Utah school districts to prepare special education students for the working world.

Utah’s 2025 Legislative Session has come to an end with over 500 bills passed! Here is a summary of what passed, what didn't, and what was funded from the issues IDRPP tracked.

A new article in the Early Childhood Education Journal challenges whether developmental milestones—such as the expected age for a typically developing child to drink from a cup or climb stairs—are universal across cultures.

The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice thanks the 150 people who attended this year’s Disability Advocacy Day! Participants were also invited to attend the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities reception that evening and put...

Thanks to a pilot program funded by IDRPP, anyone on the Utah State University campus can open the Aira app on their phone and connect, free of charge, with a professional visual interpreter.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2021, nearly 45 million people in America have a disability. That’s 13.6% of the population. So, how can we ensure that the voices of people with disabilities are heard in the legislative process?

Do you or your child have a disability or special healthcare need? Are you interested in improving your leadership and/or advocacy skills? Are you a healthcare student or professional? This is the place for you!

This year, the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice’s WebAIM celebrates 25 years of improving web accessibility. IDRPP interviewed both WebAIM's current director and its founder for a look at its impact in the digital accessibility world. ...

We would like to congratulate the awardees of the Spirit of Service Award and the Mentoring Award in 2024.

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.

“Without understanding consent, boundaries, and the power to say no, it is harder to prevent abuse,” said Alex Schiwal, Ph.D and IDRPP researcher.

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.

This month, the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) joins the Institute for Disability. NCHAM founder Karl White began his work here at IDRPP (then called the Exceptional Child Center).

On this episode of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal Author Insights podcast, IDRPP Executive Director, Mathew Wappett sits down with Micah Peace Urquilla to discuss “Addressing Ableism in Mental Healthcare for Patients with IDD.”

IDRPP's $7.2M National Center on Accessible Digital Education Materials & Instruction (NCADEMI, pronounced n-CAD-emy) officially launched at Utah State University in October 2024.

Thanks to all those who participated in the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice’s Meet the Candidates event! Here are highlights and the full video of each interview.

The new Cache County Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visit program is currently enrolling families for a free service that promotes family resilience and healthy child development.

Physical activity fosters normal growth and development and can make people feel better. When you have a physical disability or impairment, that can be a challenge. This is where adaptive sports can help.

Join us for a two-week virtual event from October 7-18 to get to know the Utah candidates running for US Representative, US Senate, and Utah Governor. This event will help you learn more about the candidates' policy views that will impact Utahns with disa...

A new training network will focus on healthy relationships for adults with disabilities. The sessions are important because relationships have the potential to bring so much joy and risk into the lives of adults with disabilities.

Students at Utah State University - Logan are invited to apply for an NSF-funded mentoring program. This opportunity is open to any student in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) who “self-reports” a disability.

PSP is now led by Roseline Hill and Jessica Jeppesen. The project is an AmeriCorps-funded nonprofit organization staffed by full-time Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members.

The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice offers two mindfulness courses for anyone who wishes to improve their life balance and reduce anxiety. The sign-up deadline is September 8.

A delay in identification means children who need services are often years into school before they receive them. In an effort to improve their chances for success, the Institute for Disability will be offering a new ECHO professional development project

Joan Beasley and Luke Kalb discuss the motivation behind “Advancing Strength-Based Inclusive Mental Health Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.”

The Whispers with Horses class is a training opportunity that walks participants through mindfulness and compassion concepts and practices.

Looking for a job, but don’t know where to start? Here are five tips that will get you started on your employment journey.

“You can write about problems. You can talk about these issues ...[But] how do you implement them? … That's what we're really hoping to tackle." The DDNJ Podcast talks about health equity and the medical model of disability.

"Utah used to be a model state for Early Intervention," writes IDRPP Executive Director Matthew Wappett, "but we have fallen behind.

I would not be where I am today without early intervention. Therapies have helped me gain and maintain functionality of my body. I honestly do not know what condition my body would be in today without it.

“Our results are showing that the likelihood of an adult with a disability experiencing poor mental health are the same regardless of whether they live in a rural or urban area. But we know that resources are not equally available in rural and urban areas...

On June 18, the US Department of Justice announced that Utah violates federal civil rights by segregating people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. IDRPP officials respond to the findings.

In October, a new $7.2 million center focused on providing accessible materials to students with disabilities will open at Utah State University. The new National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials and Instruction (NCADEMI) will be housed ...

This special issue will be dedicated to evidence-based processes and practices for entities to ensure the accessibility of digital content, information, services, programs, or activities.

We all have bad days and sad times, but depression is more than sadness. Anxiety is more than nervousness. Guest blogger Kirsten Barraclough addresses disability and mental health.

"My idea was to create a training that would be approachable [and] accessible to most people that are interested in developing their mindfulness" -Joana Franco

"I don't think of disability as a limitation. ... It's just another way to describe who you are."

The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice salutes our employees and URLEND trainees who passed a big milestone this year. Congratulations!

King's main message for everyone, especially to Utahns, is seek to be understanding and supportive of people or communities that may be different than what one is naturally born into or comfortable with.

Two student researchers, mentored here at the Institute, presented their award-winning work to understand a sobering gap in mental health resources during Research Week at Utah State University.

We asked researchers Sumiko Martinez and Ann Carrick to share more thoughts on how to build more inclusive communities, workplaces, professional offices and friendships. This is their interview.

A remarkable story of how three countries and dozens of people united to help bring a customized wheelchair to a partially paralyzed girl began in 2022 with one exceptional, considerate woman.

The Institute lost a family member this month with the passing of Amy Henningsen, an occupational therapist and assistive technology practitioner who worked with our Up to 3 program for 32 years. Here are our memories.

Dr. Richard Chapman and Jessica Shuttler discuss how principles of self determination and assessment apply to individuals with disabilities with Matthew Wappett.

The good news is that the higher education world has made huge steps in the field of web accessibility. But outside the higher ed world, web accessibility progress is much slower.

The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice’s Up to 3 program aims to help parents who struggle to connect with their children through the use of play.

Project ECHO is searching for expecting mothers to participate in a longitudinal research study.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us remember not only women who are world-famous, but also women who have contributed personally to our lives, and our female ancestors.

The Utah 2024 legislative session has officially ended! Here is a summary of what did and didn’t pass, as well as funding updates.

"It's never a mistake to carve out a place for yourself in this world," says Kelie Hess.

I am black, hard of hearing, visually impaired, and in a wheelchair. I encounter discrimination regularly. I vividly remember my first visit to City Creek Center. It was overwhelmingly big, and I got lost. I asked so many people for help, but very few peo...

As a woman of color who was born with cerebral palsy, Shari Cooper has faced many difficult challenges.

An all-things-paraeducator virtual conference will be hosted by the National Resource Center for Paraeducators (NRCP) from January 25th - 27th.

Do you want to be fully in charge of your life? Or does being in charge scare you a bit? Is there an in-between place where you are in charge of your decisions, but you have help along the way? Yes, there is.

Caregiver advocates in Utah have recently received grant funding to provide long-term support for veteran caregivers' service and time in Utah.

The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice’s ECHO project on substance abuse launches Wednesday, January 10 at noon. Time to Act ECHO: Substance Abuse is free for all participants.

Our congratulations go to this year's Spirit of Service awardees! These are people who show up and do what needs to be done, who go the extra mile without being asked, who are tireless workers, but whose efforts largely go unrecognized.

A Kind of Spark is about Addie Darrow, an elven eleven-year-old Autistic girl living in the village of Juniper, England. Addie becomes passionate about building a memorial to women wrongfully executed for being witches.

As a first-time mom, I didn't know much, but I did know that it felt like my kid was harder than everyone else's. It wasn't until I called Up to 3 and had some home visits that I finally found some validation.

A recent wheelchair basketball game turned into an unexpected fundraiser as members of the Utah community came together. 

WebAIM Director Jared Smith recently received the Social Impact Award at the Information and Communication Technologies Accessibility Testing Symposium in Washington, DC.

Specialists from IDRPP have received nearly $500,000 to continue their work on bolstering customized employment for people severely impacted by disability in Utah. The funding will cover training and consulting work over the next three years.

Since 2014, federal policy has focused on competitive, integrated employment for people with intellectual disabilities. New research from IDRPP shows there is lots of room for improvement.

Individuals in Utah with a print disability may qualify to vote electronically- a significant step towards accommodating accessibility needs.

Consumer and community involvement is vital to our work! Find out how to serve on our Community Advisory Council.

A project from the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice aims to ease a shortage of certified Braille transcribers in three states.

In the latest DDNJ podcast, Institute for Disability Director Matthew Wappett and National Center for Cultural Competence Director Tawara Goode explore how leadership is crucial in creating cultural and communal change.

The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice launches its fifth ECHO project on October 18. “Early Warning Signs of Infant Mental Health,” the first in a series of sessions, will kick off the free Time to Act ECHO: Mental Health Across the Lif...

"I job shadowed at my university library’s technical services department. It was in the basement and required a master’s degree, and I decided I wasn’t that interested in library science after all." Guest blogger Kirsten Barraclough offers her advice on p...

"Seeking Mental Health Services as an Adult with a Disability" runs from September 29 to October 27, 2023.

USU is more accessible to students with disabilities, thanks to a course and a web accessibility evaluation tool from the Institute for Disability. It’s also thanks to the efforts of USU’s Digital Accessibility Services Group, and to people from every cor...

The DDNJ celebrates its third anniversary this month. People with disabilities from many backgrounds have contributed to its pages. Its content has been downloaded 13,000 times in 70 countries.

“If you've done research on me, or you've done research with me, I still want to know what the results are," says DDNJ contributor Ida Winters. ... At any point where it's not what I signed up for, I'd like to know.”

“I think for too long, a lot of these [longterm care facilities] have had a lack of accountability,” said Matthew Wappett, IDRPP’s executive director and a board member at the DLC. “It’s a good thing people are paying attention now.”

An Autistic reviewer shares their thoughts on Temple Grandin's Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gift of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions.

A 2018 report found people with disabilities were seven times more likely to experience sexual assault than their peers. If you are an adult with a developmental disabilities or you care or work with one, you can help!

All trips require planning, preparation, and packing. If you have a disability, the planning, preparation, and packing are usually magnified because there are more factors in play. There are ways to help it go smoother, though, and I’ll share some of thos...

It’s not every day that a presentation on customized employment lands IDRPP staff members on panel with Bollywood stars in India. But it happened earlier this spring, and the visit to India left a lasting impression on two continents.

Bridgerland Literacy, located in the Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice, is meeting people where they are—not only in reading ability but also in their own communities. "It's never too late to learn how to read," says volunteer & forme...

The Institute for Disability salutes our employees and URLEND trainees who passed a big milestone this year. Congratulations!

Sybil Cutler’s path to graduation has been busy. She's been a teacher's assistant, student researcher, undergraduate research fellow, peer advisor and college council member. Now she adds USU Citizenship Award recipient to the list.

A new Institute for Disability project will provide free instruction and professional development for those who serve clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities who also have mental health concerns.

Decolonization isn't a metaphor, it's an action. Nathan Rabang and Vanessa Hiratsuka discuss the decolonization of disability among indigenous communities.

A new-to-USU program offers mentorship and financial supports to students with disabilities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

I learned about inclusion at home because that was the norm. In our home there was always an atmosphere of inclusion and love.

The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice’s Service Division is growing, with new projects coming on board and existing ones poised to grow. To manage the changes, IDRPP has brought in two Service Division Associate Directors.

Here is a list of legislation—passed and failed—that will affect Utah’ people with disabilities and their families.

When one has a speech impairment, many people don't take the time to hear what you want or even what you are trying to say. I worked hard to make my voice stronger and my articulation tactics clever. So, I would be heard.

Dan O’Crowley had both physical and cost barriers in mind when he began a project to develop a device that would combine the health and accessibility benefits of a walking exoskeleton with the energy-conscious, battery-saving benefits of a wheelchair.

If your child has a developmental disability, help them be involved in school and community activities. It is everyday interactions with real people that have a lasting effect.

It's Black History month. My present difficulties have made me want to speak more personally. It takes courage to fight for yourself. And if doctors don't listen, seek another opinion.

To have the inclusion of people with disabilities be truly meaningful, it should spring out of genuine respect and caring. Working together, we can create an inclusive society for everyone.

Disability Advocacy Day is approaching! In the spirit of advocacy, I wanted to share some thoughts with all the advocates out there, wondering how to share their stories here, on our blog.

Women with disabilities are less likely to be screened for cervical cancer. They are often diagnosed at a later age, and later diagnosis leads to the cancer being more difficult to treat.

The “Spirit of Service” awards began in 2017 as a way to honor a person within each division who goes the extra mile without being asked.

USU professionals agree the opioid epidemic's effects are still very much with us as a society. The children exposed to opioids in utero years ago may still experience the effects of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which can continue into their schoo...

Becoming open-minded and inclusive helps those who are marginalized to be seen and heard. It also helps our communities to grow and involve more diverse perspectives.

Dr. Ronald Thorkildsen passed away on November 7. He was one of the Institute’s pioneering administrators. He was a researcher, grant-writer and technology developer. But when anyone who knew him heard his name, the first thing they said was, “Isn’t he th...

The holidays can be a stressful time of year, but there are strategies that can help.

Parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities likely have many questions. Here's how the Institute's Southeast Early Intervention Program helps them find answers--and reassurance!

In the most recent episode of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal's podcast, Author Insights, Dr. Robert Morgan and Tabitha Pacheco explore the importance of communication and collaboration in transition services.

Dr. Curtis Phillips is the new IDRPP Service Division director, leading five service programs in several regions throughout Utah. These are busy but important times, Phillips says. "Everyone deserves a happy and fulfilling life."

Good communication is key to building bridges of understanding, regardless of disability.  The more we can practice respecting the thoughts, opinions and preferences of others, the world will be a better place.

Unfortunately, breast cancer is still the leading cause of female cancer-related death in Utah. Screening rates in Utah are low, but are even lower when we look at our women who live with disabilities. Read this post and improve the odds!

In 1972, the Institute opened its doors as a special school for children with disabilities. At that time, we were one of the few schools in the Western U.S. that would work with students with disabilities.

This Friday in Logan, the Institute celebrates its 50th anniversary by featuring two artists in the Gallery Walk. Their works can be viewed at the Presideo Real Estate Office at 19 W Center Street from 6 to 9 pm on September 23.

The transition from high school to college is a stressful time for anyone, especially when you have a disability or other health condition. College isn’t easy, but it’s a mountain worth climbing and exploring.

"Families matter. Their voice matters, their experiences matter, their opinions matter—especially when it comes to their children."

In addition to working with the Institute, Dr. Ty Aller will have a role in Utah State University’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies. His work falls on the intersection of disability and mental health.

"I find myself constantly on trial for things I cannot change," said Melissa Malcom King in a speech she gave during the ADA 32nd Anniversary Celebration in Salt Lake City. Read her frank, poetic and hopeful thoughts on deliverance.

The ADA helps those born with disabilities, those who acquire them later in life, and those without disabilities. It is wonderful and necessary, but it can’t fully solve the barriers people with disabilities face.

Federal crisis funding to Utah’s Aging and Disability Resource Center was administered through IDRPP, and it upgraded and enhanced technology for senior service providers throughout Utah.

A study published in the Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education offers a list of skills that parents of college students with intellectual disabilities say would help students as they prepare to go to an inclusive program.

This August, Aggies Elevated will welcome its ninth cohort to the Logan campus, and its first cohort at the USU-Eastern campus in Price. The program has left its mark on Utah’s higher education and has more changes on the horizon.

"My Disability Roadmap shows how valuable it is that people with disabilities get to tell their own stories. Comedian and actor Maysoon Zayid explains, 'when you have more disabled people...telling our own stories, then it won't be the endless pity party....

“We need to know what is our capacity, what are our needs, our individual and collaborative efforts. And sometimes what we think doesn’t match with what we are doing. We need to create an intentional and purposeful EDI culture.”

COVID-19 upended the planet. Suddenly everything happened on-screen and in cars. But for those with disabilities, the rush online made some things hard and other things impossible. Utah State Magazine examines work by IDRPP's WebAIM.

"It is vital that those with disabilities have equal access to the internet. In fact, some of us may use the internet more. ... Using the internet makes me feel independent, and I love that feeling."

Congratulations to IDRPP employees who completed their degrees and programs this year!

Staying curious about life may lessen your fears. I am discovering that it’s better to face what’s hard head on than to hide from it. Never stop exploring in life because there’s always more to learn.

Sue Olsen, director of our Services Division, is the 2022 recipient of the Strong Human Services Award from the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University.

March is Women’s History Month. Women with disabilities need to be included in all aspects of society. Each person has their own story to share, and each story that is included makes the story of humanity more complete.

Sexual assault and abuse of people with disabilities often goes unreported. To address this pressing issue, Dr. Parthenia Dinora and Molly Dellinger Wray have developed an impactful training program.

Why do so many in Utah choose jobs that help other people? Little Lambs of Utah, one of several nonprofits offering positions through the Public & School Partnership’s AmeriCorps VISTA program, offers some reasons. PSP is part of the Institute for Disabil...

In any case, regardless of what the speaker said, my disabilities are real. They cause me a lot of difficulties. Sometimes I feel despair, like I am living half a life. I have learned that regardless of your race, gender, or age, you alone are your best a...

If you find yourself needing to work from home, remember it takes thought and planning. With planning and persistence, working from home can be successful.

Physical activity can be fun, social, and energizing; it is an important part of health and wellness. However, physical activity can lack the necessary accessibility required for inclusion of people with disabilities.

We had all experienced it, that return to work or school after a long break. Over the years, I have found several coping strategies that have helped me get back to the grind.

Norman Ames is the new director of a Utah State University division tasked with helping organizations improve services for people with disabilities and their families on the national and international stage.

Care providers have historically seen high turnover rates and low wages. But in the last year and a half, the wages have become so low, they are creating a care crisis in Utah. Staff is less experienced, more overworked, and harder to come by.

Disability Advocacy Day is almost here! Read more about the keynote speaker, First Lady Abby Cox, and the upcoming presentation on disability intersectionality by Dr. Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg.

An advocate is someone who supports a cause, policy, or person. Someone can advocate on behalf of someone else, or for themselves. All forms of advocacy have their place. This blog post will focus on the importance of self-advocacy in everyday situations....

“I think about wanting to give people the opportunity to retire, to have their cat on their bed while they’re sick, to access hospice care. And it starts with conversations about those wishes. And we don’t have them enough.”

Good pay for direct support professionals will attract good people to the field and keep them. It is a hard job and takes a special kind of person, one who is gentle and patient and persistent and kind and willing to help with daily living tasks.

Students with disabilities are at a higher risk of bullying than their peers. Here is some prevention advice from Frank Podobnik, a former school psychologist and former state special education director in Montana.

At the start of its second year, a WebAIM training program is now available to more than 52,000 employees at the 23 campuses in the CSU system.

A researcher identifies themes in how disability and mental health are perceived among Natives communities--and how the rush to provide services online leaves some behind.

A guide to help children speak for themselves in the doctor's office is now available, thanks to a team of trainees from the Utah Regional Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program.

You may already have received your mail-in ballot. But if a paper ballot is not accessible to you, there are other options. Here are some reminders of your voting rights.

Last year was a record-breaking year for us in many areas. We surpassed our prior benchmarks for the total number of people served, projects managed, research and evaluation studies completed, peer-reviewed publications accepted.

IDRPP's WebAIM provided accessibility information for New York vaccination websites, helping agencies make sure people with disabilities could sign up for vaccines.

History Professor Nadja Durbach presents the history of the Victorian freak show. While it's cringe-worthy by today's standards, she suggests it was a place where atypical bodies were most integrated into their society.

On September 23, the Institute for Disability lost a family member with the passing of Connie Perhson.

The USU Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice is conducting a statewide survey to learn what is working and not working well for people with disabilities in Utah. Please take 10 minutes to tell us.

If you’ve followed the Institute for Disability and its projects on social media, you already know rent relief in Utah has been a big topic this year.

Rural Utah’s early intervention professionals sometimes work in isolation. But outside of attending a conference, which takes time and money, they may have few opportunities to draw from other professionals’ expertise—until now.

Dr. Tim Riesen is the new director of the Research and Training division of the Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice.

A team from the Institute for Disability was awarded a grant as part of the National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk.

Effective July 1, 2021, USU’s Center for Persons with Disabilities will be renamed the Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice.

On March 4th, 2021, individuals gathered in the darkness to shine hope into the hearts of those who suffer at the hands of those who say they are not enough.

Tricia Jones-Parkin was elected to the Association of People Supporting Employment First board. She sat down with the CPD for an interview about the organization, its mission, and why competitive employment for people with disabilities matters.

A new project from the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University will help youth leaders know how to identify someone that might be experiencing a mental health issue and spot evidence-based resources to treat these issues.

Congratulations to the Center for Persons with Disabilities employees who graduated this year!

Throughout his years of volunteering with UATP within the Center for Persons with Disabilities, Stoke has shown his commitment to involving students in designing and building devices that improve lives of people with disabilities.

The CPD’s Up to 3 is getting a surprise boost this month, as a family that received services years ago launched a T-shirt fundraiser for the program.

In a year when educators and businesses were rushing online, free accessibility courses from the CPD's WebAIM impacted organizations and the lives of individuals.

After 37 years at the CPD, Mary Ellen Heiner has become part of its inner workings. Her style of service can be described as kind, competent, positive, mission focused. And now it’s award-winning.

Guest blogger Melissa Malcolm King offers a poignant reminder that while we have spent the last year in the same pandemic, it's been a vastly different and more heartbreaking experience for some.

Most of the websites that Utahns use to sign up for the COVID vaccine contain accessibility errors that could potentially prevent people with disabilities from signing up independently, according to a recent review from WebAIM.

AE caught the attention of the Lumina foundation, which is dedicated to bringing post-high educational experiences to everyone, especially those who normally encounter barriers.

The new director of Utah State University’s Utah Assistive Technology Program is a familiar face. Bora Lee came to UATP as a VISTA member in 2019. After, she earned her Ed.D, focusing on transitioning to adulthood for minority students with disabilities....

Did you miss the Disability Advocacy Day activities? Would you like a refresher? Recorded sessions from the 2021 event are now available. Find out more about the sessions here.

It is vitally important that legislators hear from the people who are directly affected by policies in the State of Utah. Here's how to talk to them in 2021.

The Spirit of Service awards feature one person from each CPD division who goes the extra mile without being asked, who is a tireless worker, but whose efforts largely go unrecognized. Meet this year's recipients!

Dr. Sachin Pavithran, the CPD’s outgoing policy director and the Utah Assistive Technology Program Director, will soon leave for Washington, DC. Starting in January 2021, he will be the new US Access Board Executive Director.

Stride Services (formerly the Developmental Skills Laboratory) has a new name and logo, but the changes are a lot more than skin-deep. The name change reflects the program’s commitment to integrate participants into the community

The CPD will partner in pilot programs focused on mental health awareness and advocacy for farmers.

Utah Third District Representative John Curtis, a Republican who recently won re-election, is next up for an interview with the CPD’s policy team on November 10, from 9:30 to 10 am.

A collaborative effort across three universities will create new, post-secondary programs at USU Eastern and Utah Valley University. It will also provide additional funding for Aggies Elevated.

Both Utah gubernatorial candidates offered their views on disability issues. Here's a quick summary.

In Utah, disability doesn't change your right to vote, though sometimes people try to interfere with it anyway. Here are some things to know.

The CPD’s Project SCOPE is a national training initiative designed to help early childhood educators, health providers and others who support the children and families affected by opioid use.

Chris Stewart, Republican incumbent in the race for Utah’s Second Congressional District, is next up an interview with the CPD’s policy team on Thursday, October 8, from 10 to 10:30. You can also watch it later from the CPD's policy page.

Columnist Mary Ellen Heiner explains why she chose a manual wheelchair over a power wheelchair.

Devin Thorpe will answer disability policy questions in the latest installment of "Getting to Know the Candidates: Disability Policy" series.

While no one knew I was Autistic growing up – including myself - the word for it didn’t matter. I was clearly different than my peers, and living differently in the world made me a target.

Next up in our "Getting to Know the Candidates" series is Utah First Congressional District candidate Darren Parry.

Sharon's competence is impressive. The kindness she layers over it is legendary. We could go on and on... and we did!

Lieutenant Governor Cox and Representative Curtis are next up for interviews on their disability policy views. Tune in on Zoom!

Chris Peterson, candidate for governor, and Kael Wilson, candidate for Utah's Second Congressional District, to be interviewed on September 10.

The "Getting to Know the Candidates: Disability Policy" online interview series launches Thursday with an interview with Blake Moore, candidate for US Congress in Utah's First District. The public is invited to this Zoom event.

COVID-19 made some changes, but Up to 3's virtual services ensure parents are in charge of their child's development.

Lou-Michél McKee raises their voice for Black Lives Matter Utah, disability and neurodivergent rights, women’s rights or environmental justice.

In a policy brief, the CPD asks the State of Utah to uphold the rights of people with disabilities and continue putting the Settings Rule in place, despite the challenges of COVID-19.

Columnist Mary Ellen Heiner reflects on school, work and play before and after the ADA.

If you are a Utah student at high risk of complications from COVID-19, here are some things to know as Fall Semester approaches.

CPD Public Relations Specialist JoLynne Lyon was recently recognized with a second-place award in the “Education” category of the 2020 Utah Society of Professional Journalists Headliners Contest.

For University of Utah student, Athena Schwartz, each part of their identity informs the other.

At a time when police actions are under scrutiny, Ramona Cueves of Kearns shared this story of an experience when police responded to her daughter during a mental health crisis.

A six-week, self-paced online workshop teaches skills for managing chronic pain.

June 15 update: Many have come together in a shared effort to help those in need in Cache County. Help is needed to sort, pack and deliver donations.

CPD Coordinator of Programs Mary Ellen Heiner reflects on facing her fear of water, years after an accident left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Sensory challenges make self-care and daily activities difficult and downright painful for CPD Social Media Specialist Storee Powell. Here are some things that make it easier.

The Utah primary is June 30. COVID-19 has made some changes, but voters still have a right to accommodations to vote privately and independently. Find out more from the Disability Law Center.

CPD Executive Director Matthew Wappett opens up about men, mental health and the mountain west culture.

Nathan Bringhurst and his mother, Kerry, talk about life with Williams syndrome, a genetic condition associated with heart problems, developmental delays and an open, friendly nature.

2020 will be a year for the history books. The campus is empty, but we are no less proud of the employees who will add their names to USU’s graduating class.

The CPD's Mary Ellen Heiner writes about teaching a course on disability. Former students still champion accessibility and suggest workplace changes to their employers. And sometimes they cry when the class ends.

This perspective is from CPD Social Media Specialist and Autist Storee Powell--because listening to actually autistic people is critical going forward in disability rights.

When Frank Podobnik joined the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education, he brought award-winning expertise with him.

2020 has been full of surprises, but the 2020 Census will go on: and for ever person not counted, Utah loses $18,660 over the next 10 years.

Judy Heumann, pioneering disability activist, talks about her place in history and the Netflix documentary "Crip Camp."

Business and education were already moving online. Then came COVID-19. WebAIM offers insights and resources for content creators so their information can be accessed by everyone.

How COVID-19 precautions are affecting services at the Center for Persons with Disabilities.

Journal will draw from the expertise of university centers, related disability programs, people with disabilities and their families.

A self-advocate reflects on the intersection of disability and race. “We as disabled people have to show society we can succeed because of our own ingenuity.”

CPD Policy Director Sachin Pavithran joins the Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection in discussion the process of immigration and how it is complicated by disability.

Two CPD wheelchair users speak out on a proposed rule change that examines putting accessible lavatories in single-aisle aircraft.

A how-to guide on preparing and executing a meeting with your state legislature.

A brief look on voting in the primary; whether affiliation matters, and what to do about it.

CPD Coordinator of Programs Mary Ellen Heiner takes on microaggression in this guest blog post.

Norm Ames assumes leadership of the CPD's Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education. He will continue its mission of improving education for children with disabilities into the next decade.

Disability Advocacy Day brings workshops, speakers, informational displays and a reception where self-advocates and their families can tell their legislators about the issues they face.

Do you or your child have a disability or special healthcare need? Are you interested in improving your leadership and/or advocacy skills? Are you a healthcare student or professional? This is the place for you!

The Mental Health and Developmental Disability National Training Center hosts a leadership event this spring at Utah State University.

Nearly 12 years after her son was in Up to 3, Lisa wanted to give back to the program and bring awareness to Autism.  Beginning in April, Black Stitch Apparel started a fundraiser and donated all proceeds to Up to 3. 

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The latest research and information about disability programs is available at no cost to people with disabilities, families, caregivers, direct-support professionals, and community members.