Institute For Disability at Utah State University
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idrpp.bsky.social
Institute For Disability at Utah State University
@idrpp.bsky.social
62 followers 18 following 64 posts
The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice is Utah's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and a proud member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD).
Likes do not indicate endorsement.
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idrpp.bsky.social
Read the full blog on the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU website: cehs.usu.edu/news/2025/de...
Initiative Aims to Build Community Network for Dementia Support Across Utah
USU has partnered with the Utah State Board of Education in URAPT, the Utah Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers that gives education majors the opportunity to work full-time in a classroom ...
cehs.usu.edu
November 21, 2025 at 9:25 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Check out this awesome story on frame running from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance!

cerebralpalsy.org.au/news-stories...
Frame running has given Quinn freedom and her family hope | Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Mum, Alicia first heard about frame running from a friend. They had no idea then that this sport was going to transform their family’s lives.
cerebralpalsy.org.au
November 14, 2025 at 10:15 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
We appreciate all our staff members who work so hard to make the Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program thrive!

Read the full blog on our website:https://idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/cache-county-home-visiting-program-celebrates-award-winning-year
Tressa Johnston, Ph.D and Cari Gongora
November 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
We are so grateful to have Elizabeth on our team!

idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/ID...
IDRPP's Elizabeth Rivera Honored for Advocacy
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 mo...
idrpp.usu.edu
November 7, 2025 at 8:46 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Kelie Hess spoke about the Partners in Disability Research Advisory Board on one of our recent blogs.

Read the full blog on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/ne...
New Advisory Board Adds Disability POV to Research
“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 peo...
idrpp.usu.edu
November 7, 2025 at 8:14 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Congratulations to our very own Heather Kelley! Thanks to the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU for highlighting this story! Read the full story on their website: cehs.usu.edu/news/2025/co...
Research Catalyst Grant Fuels Study of “Compassion Compass” to Support Emotional Wellbeing Following Dementia Diagnosis
Heather Kelley, Ph.D. and researcher at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice (IDRPP), was recently awarded a Research Catalyst grant from the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Re...
cehs.usu.edu
November 4, 2025 at 7:27 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Ankita Bhattashali talks about the importance of cultural humility. Read more about Ankita's research on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/re...

Leave a comment and let us know why you think cultural humility is important!

#CulturalHumility #EducationSpecialist #teachers
Researched and Practiced Advice to Preschool Teachers and Families
"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 wh...
idrpp.usu.edu
October 29, 2025 at 8:27 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
It's Birdability week! Looking for assistive equipment for birding this week? We have equipment availability listed on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/uatp/resourc...

#BirdabilityWeek #BirdingIsForEveryBody #AccessibleBirding #YouBelongHere #Birdability #BirdingCommunity
Accessible Birding
There are many assistive technology devices that can support birders in Cache Valley.
idrpp.usu.edu
October 20, 2025 at 8:45 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Read the full article on the NPR website: www.npr.org/2025/10/15/n...

#DisabilityNews #GovernmentShutdown
A woman walks past a sign on Oct. 6 indicating the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., is closed as the federal government continues its shutdown. National Public Radio (NPR). Judge pauses shutdown layoffs at more than 30 federal agencies.
October 17, 2025 at 8:30 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
AUCD stands for Association of University Centers on Disabilities. Read the full article on the AUCD website: www.aucd.org/news/aucd-co...

#DisabilityNews #DepartmentOfEducation #DisabilityRights
A woman helps two young girls with a puzzle. Association of University Centers on Disabilities. AUCD Condemns Administration's Dismantling of the Department of Education's Disability and Civil Rights Offices.
October 16, 2025 at 6:46 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
From our latest blog, Alex Schiwal discusses birding and Birdability week; which is coming up this month! Read the full blog here: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/bi...

#BirdsOfInstagram #Birdability #BirdPhotography
Birdability Proves Birdwatching is for Everyone
IDRPP researcher Alex Schiwal shares why birdwatching is for everyone--and how you can get involved in Birdability Week! Alex Schiwal, Ph.D
idrpp.usu.edu
October 8, 2025 at 8:27 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Episode 18 is out of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal Author Insights podcast. Mathew Wappett, director of the IDRPP, was joined by Dr. Derek Nord and Dr. Randall Owen.

Read the full blog on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/dd...

#UCEDD #Disability #CommunitySupport
DDNJ Author Insights: University Centers on Developmental Disabilities
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 wit...
idrpp.usu.edu
October 7, 2025 at 6:08 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities calls for decision-making based on quality science and compassion for the autism community.
Read the full article on their website: www.aucd.org/.../leading-....
#Autism #DisabilityNews #DisabilityAdvocacy
Hands in a heart shape hold the Autism symbol. The autism symbol is a ribbon in the shape of infinity with rainbow coloring. Association of University Centers on Disabilities. Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Call for Decision Making Based on Quality Science and Compassion for the Autism Community. A woman teaches a young boy how to use a clock. Association of University Centers on Disabilities. “Autistic people deserve respect and support. There are many policy and program changes HHS could pursue that would materially improve the lives of autistic people and our families. Avenues to provide suggestions have been limited.” Full article on aucd.org
October 2, 2025 at 6:34 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities responds to the recent White House announcement on Autism.

You can read the full response on their website: www.aucd.org/news/aucd-re...

#Autism #News #Disability
A photo of some orange pill bottles with generic white pills spilling out of them. Association of University Centers on Disabilities. AUCD Responds to White House Announcement on Autism. A woman watches some younger kids paint at a table. Association of University Centers on Disabilities. "Autistic people are valued members of our communities who deserve respect, support, and opportunities to thrive like everyone else. Portraying autism as a tragedy or epidemic only perpetuates stigma." Full article on aucd.org.
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Kirsten Barraclough is back with another guest blog on our website! This time Kirsten reviews the 2024 film Out of My Mind.

Read the full blog on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/gu...
#Disney #CerebralPalsy #DisabilityAwareness
A woman with a clipboard stand next to Melody, who is in a wheelchair. Guest Review: Out of My Mind by Kirsten Barraclough. Melody smiles with a tiara on her head. Melody and a friend make their way around a shopping mall. Melody lays next to her dad on a blanket as they look up at something.
September 26, 2025 at 6:32 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Mark your calendars: #BirdabilityWeek2025 is October 20–26! A
week of accessible birding events, panels, and Bird(ability) Your Way!
Weekend. Join the movement: www.birdability.org/birdability-week.
Birdability Week 2025. October 20th through the 26th. Join us for Birdability Week 2025. Celebrating birders with disabilities and working to make outdoor spaces and birding accessible for all.
September 24, 2025 at 7:24 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Thanks to The Herald Journal for highlighting the Public and School Partnership AmeriCorps VISTA program! We are so glad they are back!

Read the full article here: www.hjnews.com/news/communi...
Public and School Partnership booth at an event. The Herald Journal. Local AmeriCorps program returns to work after cancelled funding was restored. Photo of IDRPP building. From The Herald Journal: "A local AmeriCorps program that was unexpectedly terminated in April has now been reinstated and is back to work helping non-profit organizations serve their communities."
September 17, 2025 at 8:38 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Thanks Good Things Utah for having Matt on the show!

On their social media, Good Things Utah said: "Thanks Dr. Wappett for showing us how Utah State University leads the way in disability research and inclusion!"

#disability #research #usu
Matt waits to step on the Good Things Utah set. Mathew Wappett, Executive Director at the IDRPP, stands on the set of Good Things Utah. Matt is interviewed on camera on Good Things Utah. Matt is interviewed on camera on Good Things Utah.
September 10, 2025 at 9:37 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Guest blog by Sarah Chatfield on NCADEMI's website.

ncademi.org/blog/why-acc...
Sarah Chatfield and her son Jack.
September 5, 2025 at 9:42 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Read the full story on the @kutv2news.bsky.social website:
kutv.com/news/2news-i...

Nate Crippes from the Disability Law Center, @dlcofut.bsky.social, weighed in on the conversation, give it a read!
Herriman parent raises concern over behavioral level system for students with disabilities
A behavioral level system at the Jordan School District is causing concern for a Herriman parent, as she feels it is unfair and possibly discriminates against c
kutv.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:05 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Check out our latest guest post from Julee Harris. Julee is a speech and hearing sciences major at Utah State University. Read all about Julee's recovery story on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/gu...

Thank you for sharing your story Julee!
Guest Post: The Second Half of Recovery
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 injur...
idrpp.usu.edu
September 2, 2025 at 6:51 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
The AmeriCorp Vista program is coming back along with Roseline Hill! Roseline is the Public & School Partnership Program Director.

Read the full story on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/ID...

#americorpvistas #usu #publicandschool
Roseline Hill, Director of the Public and School Partnership Program. IDRPP News. IDRPP's AmeriCorp Vista Program Reinstated.
August 29, 2025 at 7:55 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Mathew Wappett, our Executive Director here at the IDRPP, did an interview with Tom Williams on Utah Public Radio's Access Utah.

Listen to the full interview on Utah Public Radio's website: www.upr.org/show/access-...
Photo of the IDRPP building. Utah Public Radio. Access Utah. Federal funding for disability centers is at risk on Access Utah. “Although we're a federally designated entity, we don't get a lot of federal money. So the money that's currently at risk is money that's called our core grant, and it's about 650,000 every year. And that 650,000 is money that comes to us, and our job, and this is actually written in the Developmental Disabilities Act, is to take that funding and to leverage it to bring in additional funding...” Access Utah.
August 28, 2025 at 6:51 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Disability Scoop has the latest news on the U.S. Department of Education and their plans to cut funds. Check out the full article on the Disability Scoop website.

www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/08/18/e...

#disabilityawareness #disabilitysupport #disabilityadvocate
Photo of U.S. Department of Education building. Disability Scoop. Ed Department Preparing to Cut Millions in Special Education Funding, Advocates Warn.
August 22, 2025 at 9:09 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
In a guest editorial for the Deseret News, Dr. Mathew Wappett, shares his opinion on why University Centers for Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) are so important to our community.

Read the full article on the Deseret News website: www.deseret.com/opinion/2025...

@deseret.com.web.brid.gy
Opinion: Why UCEDDs are essential for Utah's disability infrastructure
Proposals to eliminate dedicated funding for University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) are grave threats to our communities.
www.deseret.com
August 1, 2025 at 5:48 PM