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).
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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
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
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
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
The proposed FY26 budget for the U.S. Department of Eduction aims to eliminate many programs that support children and young adults who are DeafBlind.

Here is a link to the newsletter: myemail.constantcontact.com/Call-to-Acti...

#deafblind #blindness #deafness
Photos of a blind man and a deaf woman. Call to action! Support the Intervener and DeafBlind Community.
July 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, or UCEDDs, are in trouble. Read how the One Big Beautiful Bill and Federal Budget are impacting places like the IDRPP and other UCEDDs.

idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/th...

#disabilityrights #disability
Photo of capitol building. Call to Action: Threats to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
July 11, 2025 at 8:46 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
TAESE stands for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education.

Read how TAESE is working on helping transition periods for persons with disabilities: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/st...
A young man smiling. Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education. Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Transition Planning Under IDEA in 2025.
July 11, 2025 at 8:36 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
The Disability Law Center is keeping us up to date on the recent Medicaid news. Check out the full article on their website.

disabilitylawcenter.org/general/how-...
A young boy in a hospital bed holds a teddy bear. Disability Law Center. How Medicaid Cuts Hurt People With Disabilities. A woman in a wheelchair attempts to get on a bus. "If HR 1 passes in its current form, minority staff of the Joint Economic Committee estimate 31, 804 Utahns would lose Medicaid." “Medicaid is more than low-income health insurance. In addition to doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and medical equipment, it is frequently the only option for Utahns who need intensive mental health care or long-term services and supports not usually available in the private market.” Check out the full article on Disability Law Center's Website! disabilitylawcenter.org
June 18, 2025 at 7:20 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities responds to the recent release of the President's Budget. The budget proposes the elimination of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs).

Read the full article on AUCD's website: www.aucd.org/news/aucd-re...
Photo of a young man with down syndrome in a university graduation gown and cap. Association of University Centers on Disabilities. AUCD Responds to budget proposal that eliminates university centers of excellence in developmental disabilities. A young woman with down syndrome uses a tablet while sitting on a couch. “The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is outraged by the release of the President’s budget, which, despite advocacy from the disability community, Dear Colleague Letters with bipartisan support, and a commitment from Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to protect the Developmental Disabilities Network, explicitly proposes the elimination of the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs).” A nurse evaluates an infant. “The Administration’s elimination of anything labeled as “DEI” is dangerous and fundamentally mischaracterizes disability rights. UCEDDs are not political initiatives—they are congressionally-authorized programs and required by law in every state and territory that, for over 60 years, have enjoyed bipartisan support and have provided vital services, conducted evidence-based research, and trained thousands of professionals in every state and territory to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families.”
June 12, 2025 at 7:07 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
This article by Disability Scoop addresses the Trump administration's call for budget changes to disability programs.

Read the full article on Disability Scoop's website: www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/06/05/t...
Donald Trump speaks to an audience. A woman sits on a wheelchair looking sad. “The Trump administration wants to eliminate the nation’s university centers on developmental disabilities and rethink the way Individuals with Disabilities Education Act programs are funded.” The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice building. “Known as UCEDDs, the centers have existed in every state for more than 60 years and provide everything from early intervention programs and autism evaluations to training on developmental disabilities for families, self-advocates and professionals in the community.” A young boy in a wheelchair holds a teddy bear. “The administration released a budget summary in early May calling for Congress to cut non-defense discretionary spending... That document lacked specifics, but it fueled concern among disability advocates who were already on alert after a widely circulated budget document was leaked from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”
June 11, 2025 at 7:28 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
The IDRPP’s Interagency Outreach and Training Initiative (IOTI) recently announced the projects it will fund for the next project period, from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. Each of the projects listed will receive $50,000 per year over the three-year funding period.

idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/in...
A woman speaks with an elderly woman on a couch.
June 10, 2025 at 6:26 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
Check out this article written by Amanda Goddard for the Herald Journal. The article covers the recent cut on funds that ended the local Americorps Service Program in Logan and throughout Logan.

Read the full article here: www.hjnews.com/news/local/f...
Nathan Bond bowls during a Common Ground activity Thursday at the Hansen Sports Complex.
May 21, 2025 at 4:45 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
The Public & School Partnership (PSP) program abruptly ended late last month when its federal grant was terminated.

Learn more about the impact of this loss, check out our full blog: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/id...
VISTA members pose together after their year-end banquet.VISTA members pose together after their year-end banquet.
May 14, 2025 at 8:11 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
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.

Register on their website: shorturl.at/mgQaV
People in wheelchairs, and other assistive technology devices, prepare for a race.
May 1, 2025 at 5:21 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
time.com/7278169/baby...

"The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program (EHDI) ... helps states coordinate newborn hearing screening and respond to infants who fail the hearing tests. But this entire branch was eliminated in the April 1 cutbacks." - Dr. Karl White.
Hands care for a newborn's feet. How Having a Baby Is Changing Under Trump.
April 21, 2025 at 3:40 PM
idrpp.bsky.social
The Disability law Center (DLC) is offering a free legal clinic in Logan on Wednesday, April 23rd, 1:00-2:30 PM. The Rocky Mountain Veterans Center is hosting and has generously offered to share the event with the broader community.
You may register here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/DLClegalcl...
Free Legal Clinic, hosted by: Rocky Mountain Veterans Center. Legal Rights information, Referals to other agencies, Virtual meetings with an attorney, Housing, Employment, Education, ADA, and more! This event is free and open to the public. Attendees who register by April 22nd will be given priority service. April 23rd. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1760 N 200 E, Logan Utah. Disability Law Center, your rights matter.
April 18, 2025 at 4:25 PM