May 2025

Utah Disability Today

The official newsletter of the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice
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You received this monthly newsletter because you are a friend of the Institute for Disability. Keep reading for news, resources, events, and job openings!

NEWS

PSP VISTA members pose in a group photo

IDRPP Bids Farewell to PSP VISTA Program



The Public & School Partnership (PSP) program abruptly ended late last month when its federal grant was terminated. The program leaves a hole here at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice, where it was housed. The loss is also felt at the many Utah sites where its AmeriCorps VISTA members served their communities. AmeriCorps was largely dismantled nationwide.


In the 2023-24 budget year, IDRPP's VISTA program received $170,000 in Federal grant money. PSP generated $754,000 in donations and in-kind contributions to community organizations, through the work of its 15 members. Thanks to those members’ efforts, 48,000 new clients were served in 14 Utah sites. PSP’s VISTA members also mobilized 2,000 volunteers, who contributed 30,000 hours of service at locations throughout Utah. 

Spring 2025 Graduates, Retirees and Award-Winners


Eight graduates. Three retirees. An undergraduate research award. Our staff members have been busy!

group photo of MulDiNet organizers

Utah's MulDiNet Leaders: The Work Isn't Done


Sessions and slides from The Multicultural Disability Conference are now available—and free. The event, held in late March, brought together professionals who sought better understanding of how to serve people and families who are experiencing disability from all backgrounds.


The event is over, but conference organizers agree the work is not done. “There's an urgent need for continued conversation," said Mindy Dokos, the project’s media manager. "The big part of our conversation, as part of this project, is how to be humble and come together and talk.”


 “It doesn't mean that we all agree,” said project director Eduardo Ortiz. “We can have disagreements and those disagreements are important to know. … If we know what we agree on, we can be more effective in different interventions that we can develop.”

Guest Post: Do You See The Work of UCEDDs?


"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.


Join UATP May 17 for Unified 5k


The Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) invites you to join us for free at the 2025 Unified 5K Salt Lake City on May 17 at Liberty Park, 600 Harvey Milk Blvd. The race begins at 10 a.m.


The Unified 5K is built on the idea that every person deserves to compete. Whether running, walking or rolling, the event creates opportunities for people with and without disabilities to cross the finish line together. 

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Drops of Mindfulness graphic with QR code

These 10-minute guided meditations are offered freely and those interested can sign up here. The dates and times can be found through the sign up link.

CAREERS WITHIN IDRPP


Visit the Work With Us page on our website!

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

EVENTS

Workplace Supports Training - Salt Lake

Center for Employment and Inclusion

May 21st

Find out more & register on the CEI Website.

$50


LGBTQ + Health

Time to Act ECHO: Mental Health

May 21st

Find out more & register on the Time to Act ECHO: Mental Health website.

FREE


What is ABA?

Autism ECHO

May 28th

Find out more & register on the Autism ECHO website.

FREE


Assistive Technology Overview

Early ECHO

June 4th

Find out more & register on the Early ECHO website.

FREE


Customized Employment Training

Center for Employment and Inclusion

May - September 2025

Find out more & register on the CEI Website.

$300

NEWS FROM AROUND IDRPP


We salute our Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program on a successful, first-ever "Hope on Every Hand" gala! Pictured here are Program Coordinator Cari Gongora, Services Division Associate Director Tressa Johnston, former Utah Representative Dan Johnson, and his wife, Carol Johnson. Dan was awarded the "Elevating Early Childhood" award, and Carol was recognized for her endless support over the years.

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Phone: (435) 797-1981