Interagency Outreach Training Initiative (IOTI)
Background
The Interagency Outreach Training Initiative (IOTI) is a collaborative effort between the Utah State University Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP) and the Utah Coordinating Council for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD). This partnership was established by the Utah State Legislature in 1995. In 1995 (HB 234) and 1996 (HB 107) the Utah State Legislature appropriated ongoing funds to Utah State University’s Center for Persons with Disabilities to support an Interdisciplinary Outreach Training Initiative (IOTI). The IOTI’s purpose is to support training that responds to needs identified through a statewide needs assessment conducted by the USU Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice.
IDRPP Needs Assessment and IOTI
Every 5 years the IDRPP engages in a yearlong collaborative planning study to identify statewide needs facing people with disabilities and their families. The statewide needs assessment and planning process is guided by the IDRPP’s Consumer Advisory Council (CAC), with input from the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council (UDDC), the Utah Disability Law Center (DLC), State agencies, advocacy organizations, schools, and service providers. Self-advocates from across the state and family members also participate and provide feedback throughout the process. Other interested stakeholders and the general public are also given an opportunity to comment on the planning process and resulting work-plan prior to its adoption. The statewide needs assessment results in a five-year work-plan that guides the work of the USU IDRPP.
Training and professional development activities funded through IOTI grants are expected to fit within the areas of needs identified through the needs assessment process, and address critical gaps in knowledge and skills for paraprofessionals who work directly with people with disabilities, direct care staff, individuals with a disability, family members of people with disabilities, and/or volunteers. This does not exclude the participation of professional staff, but they cannot be the primary target group for IOTI funding proposals.
IOTI Training Priorities
The following training priority areas were identified through a statewide needs assessment regarding disability-related service and support needs. Funding proposals should address at least one of these areas of need. Proposals that use innovative delivery mechanisms and take advantage of technology to provide high quality, accessible training are especially encouraged.
- MENTAL HEALTH: Training initiatives to improve the access to and quality of mental health services and supports for people with disabilities and their families/caregivers including those who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- EMPLOYMENT: Training initiatives to improve access to, and the availability of, evidenced-based employment related supports and services for people with disabilities and their families/caregivers, including those who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- TRANSITION: Training initiatives to improve the quality and experience of transitions for people with disabilities and their families/caregivers across the lifespan, including those who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION: Training initiatives to increase the use of evidence-based practices, improve the capacity of practicing professionals and pre-professionals who serve (or are preparing to serve) people with disabilities and their families/caregivers to improve access to meaningful, inclusive community settings.
- FIELD INITIATED: We recognize that other gaps may arise in the training available to address issues of disability services and supports. Applicants may identify an area of critical need not listed, that is currently unmet and propose a training plan to address it. Field initiated proposals must provide clear evidence to substantiate the identified need and must describe the methodology used to gather and validate the evidence provided.
