Special Education Links
CADRE —Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education.
CADRE encourages the use of mediation and other collaborative strategies to resolve disagreements about special education and early intervention programs.
The New IDEA Law 2004
The Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) “IDEA Law and Resources” website, is a comprehensive guide to the new law including: the actual bill, updates on the IDEA reauthorization, a summary of the new law, recommendations, and much more.
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.
The “No Child Left Behind” Act
The No Child Left Behind website is dedicated to helping parents and professionals understand the “ins and outs” of the new law and what it means. It includes: a full copy of the bill, an overview, fact sheets, and much more.
Utah State Office of Education (USOE) Calendar
The Utah State Office of Education (USOE), in conjunction with Utah Personnel Development Center (UPDC), the Utah Parent Center (UPC), and other organizations have all come together to create this comprehensive calendar. You can view the entire calendar or narrow your options down by topic, organization, and/or services.
Utah State Special Education Guidelines
This link will take you to the Utah State Office of Education Special Education Services website. From here you are able to access: the state Rules and Regulations; Assessment, Data and Management Reports; the Strategic Plan and more!
Utah Special Education Advisory Panel (USEAP)
USEAP is an advisory panel, appointed by the State Office of Education, focusing on issues involving the education of students with disabilities. This site will give you the meeting schedules, minutes, and membership list. This panel is made up of parents, related service providers, school personnel, and state agency representatives.
Utah Special Education Fiscal Forms and Applications
Here you can access: memos, the LEA Application, Discretionary Funds applications, and different forms and formulas.
United States Department of Education
The official website of the Federal Government’s Department of Education. Learn more about educational services if you are a parent, educator, student, or administrator.
United States Office of Special Education Programs
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes formula grants to states, and discretionary grants to institutions of higher education and other non-profit organizations to support research, demonstrations, technical assistance and dissemination, technology and personnel development and parent-training and information centers.
Parent Centers
Parent Center Hub
Each state is home to at least one parent center. Parent centers serve families of children and young adults from birth to age 22 with all disabilities: physical, cognitive, emotional, and learning. They help families obtain appropriate education and services for their children with disabilities; work to improve education results for all children; train and inform parents and professionals on a variety of topics; resolve problems between families and schools or other agencies; and connect children with disabilities to community resources that address their needs.
PEAK Parent — Region 5 Technical Assistance Project
Mission of PEAK Parent Center of Colorado Springs to ensure that individuals with disabilities lead rich, active lives and participate as full members of their schools and communities. PEAK acts as the Technical Assistance Project for the Utah Parent Center.
Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE)
The mission of the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE) is to improve results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities by working in partnership with and increasing effectiveness of state and local special education agencies by: Providing access to needed expertise and technical assistance services,
facilitating activities that help agencies meet state and federal requirements, and designing, organizing and implementing a variety of professional development activities. TAESE is the technical assistance division of the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University.
Assistive Technology
The Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities
The fundamental goal of The Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities, a service of the Utah Center for Assistive Technology, is to help improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities by introducing them to the many ways in which computer technology can enhance their jobs, careers, and education.
Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT)
Their mission is to enhance human potential through facilitating the application of assistive technologies for persons with disabilities.
Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP)
The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that works with Zions Bankof Utah to provide low-interest loans to purchase assistive technology and telework devices. The UATF also offers small grants of $250 or less on a limited basis through non-federal funding to families who meet federal poverty guidelines. Their goal is to assist Utahans with disabilities by enhancing their independence, education, employment, and quality of life through assistive technology.
Disability Specific Links
ADD and ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
ADDA is the world’s largest organization for adults with AD/HD. Their new website has been built to meet the needs of our membership and our visitors. It reflects ADDA’s mission to provide information, resources and networking to adults with AD/HD and to the professionals who work with them.
ADHD News
ADHD news is home to thousands of parents of children coping with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Their website features message boards, lists of types and symptoms of ADHD, information on medications and treatments, and a free monthly newsletter.
CHADD
Specifically, CHADD works to improve the lives of people affected by ADHD through: Collaborative Leadership, Advocacy, Research, Education, and Support. Visit their website to get fact sheets, resources, information on research and more.
CHADD of Utah
CHADD is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to being your source for ADHD issues such as: school, teachers, children, adults, women, girls, work, accommodations, diagnosis, resources, family, marriage, and couples. Visit their website to obtain a list of your local “branch schedules”, community resources, frequently asked questions, suggested reading, as well as lots of various other resources.
National Resource Center on ADHD (A Program of CHADD)
National Resource Center on AD/HD: A Program of CHADD , is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) affects how millions of children and adults function on a daily basis. The NRC was created to meet the information needs of both professionals and the general public.
Autism and Aspergers
Autism Resources
This website offers information and links regarding the developmental disabilities autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Autism Research Institute (ARI)
The Autism Research Institute (ARI), a non-profit organization, was established in 1967. ARI is primarily devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing, and treating autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood. They provide information based on research to parents and professionals throughout the world.
Autism Society of America (ASA)
The mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community. Education, advocacy at state and federal levels, active public awareness and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of ASA’s efforts to carry forth its mission. Visit their website to find your local chapter, read about research in the autism community, join their organization, and find resources and events.
Center for the Study of Autism (CSA)
Their webpage was developed to provide information on various topics related to or about autism. The Center for the Study of Autism (CSA) is located in the Salem/Portland, Oregon area. The Center provides information about autism to parents and professionals, and conducts research on the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions. Much of their research is in collaboration with the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, California.
Carmen B. Pingree School for Children with Autism (Private School)
The Pingree School ‘s main site provides full day programming, Monday through Thursday, for the preschool and kindergarten children. Half day scheduling is in effect on Fridays for the elementary grades. All children attend half days, Monday through Thursday, during the summer session. Our school operates on an eleven month program with breaks for holidays, school district career ladder days, and other scheduled breaks. At the Pingree School’s main site, children are transported in buses that arrive at school at 8:00 A.M. Visit their site for more information on enrollment, waiting lists, and other services.
Future Horizons Bookstore
Future Horizons is the world leader in publications on autism, aspergers, and PDD. Visit their website for information on all of their products.
Unlocking Autism (UA)
There are many organizations already dealing with the issues of autism and we applaud them for the wonderful work they are doing. UA’s goal is that their organization will only enhance the work that they have done so far and continue to do so on a daily basis. UNLOCKING AUTISM is a multi-faceted organization and they hope that with your help they can, not only tap into the strength of our local communities, but reach out across the nation to unify the parents of the nearly 550,000 autistic people in the U.S. in an effort to sort out the mystery of autism.
Blindness and Visual Impairments
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
This website offers information and links regarding the developmental disabilities autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
American Printing House for the Blind
The American Printing House for the Blind promotes independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing specialized materials, products, and services needed for education and life. It also has a database program called “Fred’s Head”. The Fred’s Head Database is a source of tips and techniques for and by blind or visually impaired individuals. It is meant to provide people with useful information on how to do things that interest them. This includes records about technology, recreation, daily living skills, orientation and mobility, and more. Fred’s Head also includes information on where to find adaptive products and provides links to interesting Web sites. Fred’s Head is a unique source of information, since blind or visually impaired individuals have written most of its records.
Blindness Resource Center
This site has an extensive list of links for information on blindness, dogs, computer readers, histories, and research.
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB)
Their mission is to provide high quality direct and indirect education services to children with sensory impairments birth through 21 years of age and their families in Utah.
V.I. Guide
This site contains information on many topics pertaining to parenting and teaching a child with visual impairments.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,
Visit their Facebook page to find out more about deaf and hard of hearing services, community events, and outreach programs.
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB)
Their mission is to provide high quality direct and indirect education services to children with sensory impairments birth through 21 years of age and their families in Utah.
Deafblindness
A – Z to Deafblindness
This website includes information on resources in the community, upcoming events, links to other sites, mailing lists, newsletters and much more!
Deafblind International (DbI)
Founded over 30 years ago, Deafblind International (DbI) is the world association promoting services for deafblind people.
DbI brings together professionals, researchers, families, deafblind people and administrators to raise awareness of deafblindness. Central to our work is to support the development of services to enable a good quality of life for deafblind children and adults of all ages.
Membership of DbI is open to organizations, institutions, networks, and individuals.
Developmental Delay (DD)
Developmental Delay Resources (DDR)
A nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of those working with children who have developmental delays in sensory motor, language, social, and emotional areas. DDR publicizes research into determining identifiable factors that would put a child at risk and maintains a registry, tracking possible trends. DDR also provides a network for parents and professionals and current information after the diagnosis to support children with special needs.
What is Developmental Delay?
This website answers many of the frequently asked questions about Developmental Delays, the causes of them, what to do if you suspect DD, early intervention strategies and techniques, special education, and transition.
Down Syndrome – See Intellectual Disabilities (Mental Retardation)
Dyslexia
Utah Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
The purpose of the International Dyslexia Association is to pursue and provide the most comprehensive range of information and services that address the full scope of dyslexia and related difficulties in learning to read and write in a way that creates hope, possibility, and partnership so that every individual has the opportunity to lead a productive and fulfilling life.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy Association of Utah
The Epilepsy Association of Utah is dedicated to providing education and support services for individuals and families dealing with the many challenges of Epilepsy.
Epilepsy.com
Epilepsy.com is an online resource provided by The Epilepsy Project. Their mission is to inform and empower two groups of patients and their families: those facing newly diagnosed epilepsy, and those struggling with epilepsy that has resisted treatment.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
The purpose of this group is to support, educate, and advocate for families and individuals effected by a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and/or In-Utero drug exposure.
Intellectual Disabilities (Mental Retardation)
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
AAMR promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc of Utah
The Arc of Utah, a state affiliate of The Arc of the United States (founded in 1950), is an organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with mental retardation and their families. The association also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children. The Arc of Utah is a non-profit, grassroots organization, founded in 1963 by a small group of parents and others concerned about the rights of people with cognitive disabilities (DD). Since that time, The Arc of Utah has grown to be a powerful voice for the more than 44,000 Utahans with DD and their families.
Utah Down Syndrome Foundation
The UDSF continues today to link families together, to share common challenges, and to educate parents and the public in understanding and appreciating the needs of individuals with Down syndrome.
Established by parents in 1977, this volunteer organization has grown to become Utah’s largest supporter of Down syndrome, with 14 chapters throughout the state. The UDSF is staffed completely by a board of volunteer parents, and as parents gain knowledge, they are empowered to become better advocates for their children, thus giving them the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
Learning Disabilities (Specific)
LD Online
LD Online is a service of WETA , Washington, D.C., in association with The Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities. It is a leading web site on learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and other professionals.
Learning Disabilities Association of Utah (LDAU)
LDAU is committed to a world where people with learning disabilities are valued and respected and their potential realized. LDAU is also committed to providing meaningful support that brings effective improvement to the lives of all people impacted by learning disabilities.
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
RFB&D is a non-profit service organization that records educational and reference materials that are not available on tape or disc from other sources, in areas such as history, math, science and economics. It has an extensive free library of books on audiocassette and CDs and a recording service for new titles.
Lupus
Lupus Foundation of America (LFA)
With more than 200 chapters, branches and support groups in 30 states, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the nation’s leading non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus. Their mission is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, support individuals, and families affected by the disease, increase awareness of lupus among health professionals, and the public, and find the causes and cure. Research, education, and patient services are at the heart of LFA’s programs.
Mental Health
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Utah Chapter
NAMI Utah is Utah’s voice on mental illness. Their mission is to ensure dignity and improve the lives of those who suffer mental illness and their families through education, support, advocacy and research.
Multiple Disabilities
Center for Parent Information and Resources
People with severe disabilities are those who traditionally have been labeled as having severe to profound mental retardation. These people require ongoing, extensive support in more than one major life activity in order to participate in integrated community settings and enjoy the quality of life available to people with fewer or no disabilities. They frequently have additional disabilities, including movement difficulties, sensory losses, and behavior problems. This publication will help you understand more about what is involved with individuals with multiple disabilities.
Multiple Sclerosis
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of MS.
Founded in 1946, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports more MS research, offers more services for people with MS, provides more professional education programs, and furthers more MS advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. We do this through the extensive research we support to find the cause, cure and improved treatments of the disease; the comprehensive services we provide to people with MS and their families; the professional education programs we offer to assist health care providers better serve their MS patients; and through our advocacy efforts on state and federal levels to encourage public policies supportive of the needs of people with multiple sclerosis. This is why we at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are here.
Orthopedic Impairments
Shriners Hospital
The Intermountain Shriners Hospital is a 40-bed pediatric orthopaedic hospital providing comprehensive orthopaedic care to children at no charge. The hospital is one of 22 Shriners Hospitals throughout North America. The Intermountain Hospital accepts and treats children with routine and complex orthopaedic problems, utilizing the latest treatments and technology available in pediatric orthopaedics, resulting in early ambulation, and reduced length of stay.
Spina Bifida Association of America
The Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA) serves adults and children who live with the challenges of spina bifida. Since 1973, SBAA has been the only national voluntary health agency solely dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with spina bifida and those whose lives are touched by this challenging birth defect. Its tools are education, advocacy, research, and service.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Utah
The mission of UCP is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities.
Utah’s Collaborative Medical Home Project
A Medical Home is not a building, house, or hospital, but rather an approach to providing health care services in a high quality and cost effective manner. Children and their families who have a medical home receive the care that they need from a pediatrician or physician whom they know and trust. The pediatric health care professionals and parents act as partners in a Medical Home to identify and access all the medical and non-medical services needed to help children and their families achieve their maximum potential. Visit this website to find out more about the Medical Home Project.
Speech or Language Impairment
Speech and Language Impairments Fact Sheet
Utah Speech-Language Hearing Association (USHA)
The Utah Speech Language Hearing Association (USHA) is a professional organization that advocates for the interests of its members and provides a forum for the exchange of information and ideas. USHA also promotes greater community awareness and understanding of the individuals with speech, language, and hearing problems. The Association is recognized by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association as the professional association representing speech language pathologists and audiologists in the State of Utah.
Tourette Syndrome Association
Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.
Founded in 1972 in Bayside New York, TSA is the only national voluntary non-profit membership organization in this field. Their mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for, and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome. They offer resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS. They raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS. Their membership includes individuals, families, relatives, and medical and allied professionals working in the field.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain Injury Association of Utah (BIAU)
The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Utah is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education, and advocacy.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
This website includes a fact sheet and an extensive list of resources.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Information Page
Visit this site to learn what TBI is, treatments, prognosis, research that is being done, and organizations that you can contact.
Early Intervention
Baby Watch Early Intervention – Utah Department of Health
Baby Watch is Utah’s network of service for children ages birth to three with developmental delays or disabilities. Visit their website to find out if your baby needs help and for a list of early intervention providers across the state.
DDI Vantage Early Intervention
DDI VANTAGE Early Intervention Program provides services for children under the age of three who have developmental delays and disabilities and their families.
Family Resources
Community and Family Health Services, Division of
This site provides information about our public health programs and services available for Utahans. You can search for a list of programs and services. CFHS provides services that are related to health promotion, maternal and child health, and services for children with special health care needs.
Family Resource Library
The Family Resource Library is a collection of videos and print materials containing practical information for families of persons with disabilities. These materials offer information to assist in improving the lives of people with special needs. The Family Resource Library serves persons with special needs and their families in the four-state area of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. Materials can be provided to any individual regardless of location.
Family Support Center
The mission of the Family Support Center is to protect children, strengthen families, and prevent child abuse. They offer classes on: parent education (in English and Spanish), anger management, impacts of sexual abuse, an Adults Molested as Children Group, divorce adjustment classes, referral services, a resource library, and many more.
MetLife’s Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids
Website for Gary R Napel, Financial Planner, MetDESK® (MetLife’s Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids) Specialist Financial Services Representative.
National Association of Child Development (NACD)
NACD provides neurodevelopmental evaluations and individual programs to children and adults that are updated on a quarterly basis. As a family-centered organization, NACD stresses parent training and parent implementation of program. NACD is an eclectic organization gathering and utilizing the newest strategies that yield success and incorporating them into programs. Support is provided to families through video reviews, email, and telephone sessions. Through frequent contact with staff and other families, parents are well-informed and well-educated in relationship to their child’s progress. NACD chapters can be found across the United States. International services are provided through videotaping and phone conferences.
Utah Family Center (UFC)
The Utah Family Center is here to support parents, help schools, and connect community.
Utah State PTA has facilitated the creation of a statewide administrative center and six satellite centers. The statewide administrative center is housed in the Utah PTA Headquarters and the six satellite centers are located in Cache County, Davis County, Monument Valley (San Juan County), Washington County, Utah County and Salt Lake County.
Voices for Utah Children
Voices for Utah Children promotes sound, far reaching program and policy solutions that focus on early care and education, health care, child welfare and violence prevention.
Health Care Issues
Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP is a state health insurance plan for children. Many working Utah families who don’t have other health insurance may qualify for CHIP.
Medical Home Portal
The Medical Home Portal aims to provide ready access to reliable and useful information for professionals and families to help them care and advocate for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), as partners in the Medical Home model. The long-range goals is to improve outcomes for CYSHCN and their families by enhancing the availability and quality of healthcare, related services, and coordination of care.
Family Voices
Family Voices is a national, grassroots clearinghouse for information and education concerning the health care of children with special health needs. They stay on top of public and private sector health care changes that affect our children and families through the collective efforts of our families: a volunteer Coordinator in every state; 10 Regional Coordinators; and a small staff working in several locations around the country. Together, they share the expertise and experiences of families from around the country with state and national policymakers, the media, health professionals, and other families. They work in public and private hospitals, public health programs, in state capitals, in Washington, DC, serving on boards and task forces, working in partnership with health professionals and policymakers, bringing the family perspective to policy discussions and decisions. There are almost 40,000 Family Voices members – families of children with special health needs and friends and professionals who know and love our children.
Medicaid
The Utah Medicaid program pays medical bills for people: who qualify for a category of Medicaid; [Categories are listed on the General Information page, under “Utah Medicaid Programs. Categories of Medicaid and who qualifies.]; who have low income or cannot afford the cost of health care; who have resources (assets) under the federal limit for the category of Medicaid. An individual must qualify each month for continued coverage. The monthly income standard varies between approximately 55% and 133% of the Federal Poverty Level, depending on category. A person whose income exceeds the monthly income limit may be considered for the Medically Needy program. This program, also referred to as the “spenddown” program, allows a person who is otherwise eligible either to pay “excess” monthly income to the State of Utah or to accept responsibility for a portion of their monthly medical bills.
South Davis Home Health and Hospice (An agency of South Davis Community Hospital)
They are committed to offering pediatric patients quality care provided by highly trained health care professionals.
Housing and Independent Living
Acumen
Acumen Inc. was founded in 1995 on a simple premise: There has to be a better, simpler, more efficient way to provide accounting and technical services in the social service environment. Since then, we at Acumen have steadily grown by keeping that premise in mind. We approach each project with an attitude of “How simple can it be for the customer?…What’s the least costly method?…Are we doing the best we can?” We are one of the oldest Fiscal Employer Agents in the country specializing in working with self determined/self-directed populations and programs. We take great pride in our ability to listen to our customers and use what we have learned through our diverse experience to shape how we best meet their needs.
DDI Vantage Supported Employment
Their services begin with a personal interview to identify your unique needs, abilities, and job preferences. Then they work with you, your family members, case workers, employers, and other people that know you to: find a job for you that you can do and would like to do; prepare you for a job interview; teach you behavior that will help you succeed in the workplace, including the importance of personal hygiene, proper social skills, and principles of work ethic; make sure you get reasonable accommodation under the Adults with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you need it to do your job; and teach the work skills, schedules; routines necessary for you to do the job; help you learn how to get along with your employer and your co-workers so you can succeed in the job; make sure your job is the best one for you and change it if it is the best thing to do; and assure the employer that the job will always be completed satisfactorily.
Home Choice
Community Development Corporation of Utah (CDC) is a sponsor of The Home Choice Loan Program that will assist with the critical need for accessible affordable housing in Utah. Today, the CDC targets Low income families earning 800r below the area median income (AMI), and people with disabilities in order to make home ownership more affordable. Those individuals with disabilities, or families with a family member with disabilities, who earn more than 800f the (AMI), will be given direct assistance by our Home Choice partner, Washington Mutual.
Legal
Disability Law Center (DLC)
The Disability Law Center is a private non-profit organization designated by the Governor to protect the rights of people with disabilities in Utah. To enforce and strengthen laws that protect the opportunities, choices and legal rights of people with disabilities in Utah.
Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities (LCPD)
The mission of the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities is to advocate for public policy affecting all people in the State of Utah who have disabilities.
Miscellaneous Links
Family-to-Family Network
The Family to Family Network is a grassroots volunteer group composed of family members across the State of Utah who have relatives with developmental disabilities. Local meetings are generally held monthly to share ideas, resources and provide support. Speakers with an expertise in issues pertaining to families are often guests at the meetings.
Children’s Service Society of Utah (CSS)
Children’s Service Society of Utah (CSS) has provided child welfare and family preservation services in the Greater Salt Lake Area since 1884. The mission of CSS is to meet the growth and developmental needs of children, foster quality child care, and promote relationships in biological, adoptive, and kinship families without regard to ethnicity, race income, gender, age, or religion. CSS offers services in four program areas: 1) adoption services provide infant, special needs, and international adoptions, birth parent services, confidential intermediary search and reunion services, crisis intervention, and training for medical professionals regarding infant adoption issues; 2) Child Care Resource and Referral – Metero provides free child care referral services for families and recruitment and training for child care providers; 3) Grandfamilies Relatives as Parents is the only comprehensive kinship support program in Utah, providing crisis intervention, case management, informational/support groups, family activities, and outreach for kinship families; and 4) Utah Parents as Teachers provides parenting assistance to high-risk families, parent group meetings, child development and health screenings, community resource referrals, and information to help parents prepare preschool age children for kindergarten.
Easter Seals Northern Rocky Mountain
Easter Seals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain is a private, nonprofit organization service children and adults with autism and other disabilities, along with disadvantaged families in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Their mission of creating solutions that change lives is accomplished by providing direct services such as vocational and workforce development programs, autism services for young children, child care and preschool, adult day care, case management, home care, home health services, hospice, support groups, equipment loans, and information and referral assistance.
March of Dimes
The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. We carry out this mission through research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies’ lives. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects, low birthweight.
Utah Developmental Disabilities Council
Utah Development Disabilities Council is a Federally funded advocacy Council that works to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Their main purpose is to build leaders in the disability community; to influence improvements in the social service and medical systems that serve individuals with disabilities; and, educate legislators and policy makers to issues that impact the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Visit their website for newsletters, resources, and contact information.
Recreation
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures’ mission is to provide life-enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. They provide adaptive equipment and support, which enable people with disabilities to participate in outdoor recreation along side their peers. These experiences reduce stereotypes, raise awareness, and empower people to realize their full potential. Their trips are not only accessible physically but also financially.
Courage Reins Therapeutic Riding Center
Our Mission at Courage Reins is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Through therapeutic horseback riding and other equine based activities, we provide a safe, fun, and challenging setting for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
Kostopulos Dream Foundation (Camp K)
The Kostopulos Dream Foundation is an agency dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. For more than thirty years, we have offered recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities. Their longest running program, Camp Kostopulos, is a residential summer camp where kids, teens, and adults with disabilities are able to engage in a variety of activities.
National Ability Center
The National Ability Center is committed to the development of lifetime skills for people of all ages and abilities by providing affordable outdoor sports and recreational experiences in a nurturing environment. The objective of these experiences is to build self-esteem, confidence and physical development, thereby enhancing active participation in all aspects of community life. As a national role model, the Center promoted the concept of ability through integration, public awareness, and education.
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Adaptive Program
Adaptive programs are designed for individuals with special needs; however, everyone is welcome to participate in any program or class. Call Copperview Community Center at (801) 561-0075 for more information on Adaptive programs.
SLPORE
SPLORE is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing life-enhancing, accessible outdoor adventures to individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Special Olympics Utah (SOUT)
Special Olympics Utah is dedicated to providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Resources
211 Info Bank
211 INFO BANK is an information and referral center linking callers in need with over 700 health and human service agencies in Utah. They also link callers with opportunities to volunteer.
Community Services Council (CSC)
COMMUNITY SERVICES COUNCIL (CSC), organized in 1904, is one of the oldest charitable organizations in the Salt Lake Valley. Each program at CSC is designed to meet a community need not otherwise addressed by civic, religious, or government programs. The mission of CSC is “To build caring communities by responding to basic human needs.” This mission is met through four organizational programs: The Utah Food Bank, The Ability Bank, The LifeCare Bank, and The 211 Info Bank.
Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) – Utah State University
The Center for Persons with Disabilities is one of the 61 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Services located at major universities throughout the United States, its trusts and territories. These programs are dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities through interdisciplinary preservice preparation and continuing education, provision of community services, research, and dissemination. For over 25 years, the CPD has served sites across the nation, with major effort focused on the needs of Utah and of rural, minority, and underserved populations.
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Utah
Utah Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) is a bureau within the Utah Department of Health, Division of Community and Family Health Services that provides services for children who “have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally” (Pediatrics Vol. 102 No. 1 July 1998).
Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD)
DSPD promotes opportunities and provides support for persons with disabilities to lead self-determined lives. They oversee home and community-based services for more than 4,000 people who have disabilities. Support includes: community living, day services, supported employment services, and support for people with disabilities
Primary Children’s Medical Center (PCMC)
Primary Children’s Medical Center is the pediatric center serving five states in the Intermountain West – Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, and Montana. The 232-bed facility is equipped and staffed to treat children with complex illness and injury. PCMC is owned by Intermountain Health Care, a non-profit health care system. In addition, it is affiliated with the Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, integrating pediatric programs, research, and training for childhood problems.
Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability
The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. Visit their website for more information on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI).
TURN Community Services
They are a nonprofit organization TURNing dreams into reality. They are dedicated to choice, quality, and respect for people with disabilities and those who serve them. Their services include: community living supports, companion services, family support, host home and professional parent supports, innovative partnerships designed by people and their families, respite care, summer programs, supported living and personal assistance, transition supports and services, transportation, day supports, senior supports, adult day care, diversion programs, employment supports, relationship and behavior training, and criminal justice issues.
Utah State Office of Education (USOE) Special Education Services