Utah Disability Today

Birdability Proves Birdwatching is for Everyone

Photos and text by Alex Schiwal, Ph.D, a researcher at IDRPP. The Institute for Disability is sponsoring Birdability Week this year.

"Birding has been great for my mental health over the years; it is an activity I can (and will) do anywhere and anytime. It is also an activity that can be shared with everybody, in a way that works for them. This is one of the reasons I was thrilled to join the board of a group called Birdability this year. Birdability is a non-profit organization that is working to get more people into birding so they can experience all the enjoyment too. Equally important, Birdability is working in multiple ways to improve the experience of birding and make birding more accessible for people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions.

Now is a great time to start learning more about Birdability, since we have our annual Birdability Week - October 20th-26th – you can go to virtual events online with amazing guests, join us on social media for daily events and contests, and attend or create accessible birding events near you!

DDNJ Author Insights: University Centers on Developmental Disabilities

In the last year, like all University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, IDRPP received a core grant from the federal government. At IDRPP, the $650,000 in core funding from the Administration for Community Living was then leveraged to bring in $33 million in revenue; meaning that for every dollar IDRPP took in from its core grant, it brought in $50.

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. Read more and listen on our blog. Subscribe to DDNJ Author Insights on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and the DDNJ Author Insights Podcast page.

Guest Review: Out of My Mind

Guest blogger Kirsten Barraclough, who has cerebral palsy, reviews the 2024 film Out of My Mind. Based on a 2010 novel by Sharon M. Draper, it was directed by Amber Sealey and written by Daniel Stiepleman. In her first-ever acting role, Phoebe-Rae Taylor, who has CP and uses a power chair, stars as Melody. Speaking for yourself is one of the film’s biggest themes.

There could have been many ways to sugarcoat this film, but the filmmakers did not go that route. It felt realistic to me, especially because you cannot control the responses of others, but you can control how you think about yourself and what you choose to do. Melody finds her voice literally through her AAC machine and she starts to accept herself. Self-acceptance won’t solve all her problems, but it is a necessary first step. Her empowerment by the film’s conclusion has come from within, with encouragement from her parents and her neighbor. As her inner voice puts it, “Doesn't matter what I sound like. All that matters is what I have to say.”.

Have Fun While Giving Back to Your Community

UATP contributor Melinda Thornton explains why it's important to participate in community events. "I understand that getting out and contributing to your community is harder if a disability challenges you. During the year, there are at least half a dozen 5K races that also have 5K roll races. Both are held as a single event, usually with different start times. These events are organized by various organizations that support different nonprofit initiatives for the disabled community.

"Yes, it is important to be giving support to these organizations. Receiving support from members of the disability community is important. This shows a united front that we care and support those with a disability. However, more important is getting out and being part of the community you live in."

We are excited to announce that we are now on Substack! We will be posting our latest blogs and news updates there. Get the latest disability news by subscribing, check out our Substack!

For a look at past IDRPP trainings, visit our YouTube channel.

NEWS FROM AROUND IDRPP

It was another busy month! Channel 4 covered the Jump the Moon exhibit in the Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence, featuring several people with ties to IDRPP. Executive Director Matthew Wappett was interviewed about the impact of IDRPP as Utah's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Kelie Hess appeared on the Council for Exceptional Children's Rewriting the Narrative podcast on building inclusive workplaces.

Thanks, everyone who represented us!

Pictured: Michael Bingham at the Jump the Moon exhibit.