Utah Disability Today

TRECI Opens Research, Evaluation and Continuous Improvement Services

Not all data is good data or useful data. Sometimes, data that is collected can even mislead or cause harm, says Dr. Heather Kelley, a member of the IDRPP’s Tailored Research, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement (TRECI) team.

That is why the IDRPP now has a team dedicated to evaluation and other research-related services. TRECI is a team of PhD-level professionals eager to assist researchers, non-profits, governmental and non-governmental organizations in Utah and beyond.  Find out why good research design matters on our blog.

Initiative Aims to Build Community Network for Dementia Support Across Utah

A new statewide effort is underway to better support Utahns living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, along with community members, professionals, and the family members who care for them. The Dementia Resource Ambassador program, led by the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Resources Center (ADRC) and the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP) at Utah State University, is being launched in collaboration with the Utah chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

Read more on the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services website.

Save the date! Disability Advocacy Day will be on January 26th 2026!

Trainings, a march around the capitol, a rally, and so much more! Mark this on your calendars!

Wondering if you should attend? The people that should attend are people with disabilities, family members, allies, and disability professionals!

In collaboration with Utah Developmental Disabilities Council, Utah Statewide Independent Living Council, Utah Parent Center, Utah Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities, Disability Law Center, and ACLU Utah.

Plan ahead and invest now on your well-being for 2026! 

There will be two programs being offered next semester and they will run from 1/12 to 4/24:

The Heart Of Mindfulness, offered in a hybrid format (option for both in person and online) with classes on Wednesday at 2:30 pm (Mountain Time)

Embodied Mindfulness, offered in person (option of online available if you have the needed props at home) with classes on Wednesday at 12 pm (Mountain Time).



Both trainings are available on a sliding scale, starting at $60 (for student, BIPOC, and other populations in need) for the whole 12-week program. We are committed to providing opportunities for all to learn mindfulness, improve their well-being, and flourish.

Find out more on USU's mindfulness learning page.

LINKS FROM THE FIELD

Dementia Resources, Warning Signs and Caregiving on Access Utah

(Utah Public Radio, featuring IDRPP's Heather Kelley)

30 Years Without A Real Raise: Early Intervention [Part C] Pay Crisis (Disability Scoop)

Trump's Dismantling of Education Department Could Strip Students' Civil Rights Protections, Utah Advocates Warn

(Salt Lake Tribune)

Birdability is still accepting donations. Donate today!

(Birdability)

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

RESOURCES

• Document accessibility starter kit for educators
• Learn the Signs, Act Early Utah: Understanding Developmental Milestones
• IDRPP's Annual Report, 2024-25, also summarized in the Executive Summary.

NEWS FROM AROUND IDRPP

We are proud of our researchers! Find out more about gesture's impact on language development and research on ways parents can use gesture language to help their children communicate.

And IDRPP's technical assistance division provided 19 presentations and webinars over the last month, in multiple states. These presentations helped educators and industry professionals better understand how to better provide education and information to learners and customers with disabilities.