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Institute For Disability at Utah State University

@idrpp.bsky.social
74 followers 24 following 106 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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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Share why removing questions about disability matters to you or your family by submitting a public comment on Regulations.gov on Docket ID No. CDC-2026-1387! www.regulations.gov/docket/CDC-2...
Outside of the CDC building. AmeriDisability. CDC Proposes Dropping Disability Questions from National Health Interview Survey.“The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics has proposed redesigning the National Health Interview Survey — a key source of federal health data since 1957 — for 2028. The adult questionnaire would shrink from 482 questions to 150, removing items about hearing aids, fatigue, cognition, and mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters.”A provider helps an individual get their mail from the mailbox. Share why removing questions about disability matters to you or your family by submitting a public comment on Regulations.gov on Docket ID No. CDC-2026-1387!
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
www.usu.edu/today/story/...
usu.edu
$1.6M DOD Grant Enables Researchers to Expand Digital Mental Health Support for Dementia Caregivers
USU researchers have secured a $1.6M grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to expand accessible digital mental health interventions for dementia caregivers.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Listen to the full podcast and read the associated blog: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/dd...
idrpp.usu.edu
DDNJ Author Insights Podcast Episode 21: LEND Programs
The latest DDNJ podcast focused on LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) programs and their purpose in building understanding between practitioners, families and communities. ...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
www.usu.edu/today/story/...
usu.edu
USU's Home Visiting Program Brings Families to the Table
A $1,000 grant from the Logan Sam's Club is helping the Cache County Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program build stronger family bonds and better nutrition.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/pr...
idrpp.usu.edu
Preventing Violence Toward People with Disabilities
People with disabilities face higher risks for abuse. They are often in isolated settings. And, sadly, they are less likely than their non-disabled peers to have the option to report abuse, or to be b...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/le...
idrpp.usu.edu
Learning from My Disability
Did you know that more than 1 in 4 adults in the US have a disability? That’s over 70 million people. Some disabilities are lifelong, while others are acquired through accidents or aging. The disabili...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/ID... #Funding #Policy #Budget
idrpp.usu.edu
IDRPP Funding Under Threat in 2026
The FY27 Federal Budget proposal calls for the elimination of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities like the IDRPP, along with several other disability-related programs. Aubr...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/po... #Policy #ADA #Disability
idrpp.usu.edu
Policy Notes, Summer 2026
A brief summary of two issues in disability policy that IDRPP is watching: one involving segregation and one involving digital accessibility as it is defined in the ADA. Aubrey Snyder
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/ca... #Employee #USU #EmployeOfTheYear
idrpp.usu.edu
Cassandra Shaw Named USU Employee of the Year
Cassandra Shaw was honored as Utah State University’s Employee of the Year. Her face is familiar to the many partners and collaborators who have come to IDRPP events in Salt Lake City. JoLynne Lyon
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/id... #Disability #Research #Policy #Services
idrpp.usu.edu
IDRPP’s Place in Disability Research, Policy & Practice
Approximately one in every four Utah adults has a disability. Our programs don't serve some abstract group of other people out there. We see them as being something that will help everybody, at some p...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/id... #Graduation #Graduates
idrpp.usu.edu
IDRPP Honors Graduates, Trainees of 2026
Congratulations to our employees who are marking a graduation milestone this year! In addition, the URLEND program is honoring the trainees who have finished their course. JoLynne Lyon
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/Ch...
idrpp.usu.edu
Christopher Phillips Honored by USU
Congratulations to Christopher Phillips, who received the Community-Engaged Staff Award from Utah State University earlier this month! The recognition went to community partners who build mutually ben...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/pa...
idrpp.usu.edu
Panelists Discuss Health Care Barriers, Solutions for People with Disabilities
An IDRPP panel on health care accessibility included women with different disabilities and challenges. Still, a few common themes emerged: inaccessible facilities, incompatible equipment, and the barr...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/em...
idrpp.usu.edu
Employment & Inclusion Conference Urges Service Providers to Ask Better Questions
In a conference for professionals who support people with disabilities at work, keynote speaker Beth Keeton urged her listeners to put the question of whether people can work to rest once and for all....
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/bo...
idrpp.usu.edu
Book Review: Disarm Your Limits
Our own Mary Ellen Heiner offers a personal review of motivational speaker Jessica Cox's book, Disarm Your Limits. "As someone who uses a wheelchair, I have faced many barriers... Her message reminded...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/ID...
idrpp.usu.edu
IDRPP ECHO Network Takes On Substance Use, Stigma
Project ECHO's substance abuse network has reached professionals all over Utah: one more step in holding critical conversations around substance use disorder (SUD) in areas that need it the most. JoLy...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
ksltv.com/local-news/p...
ksltv.com
Pilot flies airplanes without arms, speaks to others about what's possible - KSLTV.com
A pilot who was once scared of flying is now inspiring future pilots.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/le...
idrpp.usu.edu
Utah Legislature Wrap-Up for 2026
Utah’s 2026 Legislative Session has come to an end with over 500 bills passed! Here is a summary of bills and funding items the IDRPP tracked along with links to items and resources where you can lear...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/ID...
idrpp.usu.edu
IDRPP ECHO Network Takes On Substance Use, Stigma
Project ECHO's substance abuse network has reached professionals all over Utah: one more step in holding critical conversations around substance use disorder (SUD) in areas that need it the most. JoLy...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/bo...
idrpp.usu.edu
Book Review: Disarm Your Limits
Our own Mary Ellen Heiner offers a personal review of motivational speaker Jessica Cox's book, Disarm Your Limits. "As someone who uses a wheelchair, I have faced many barriers... Her message reminded...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Utah State Today covers a new wellbeing survey across communities in Utah. Our very own researchers here at the IDRPP helped make the new survey. www.usu.edu/today/story/...
usu.edu
Checking On Utah: Wellbeing Survey Launches in More Than 55 Utah Communities
Residents across Utah have the opportunity this spring to weigh in on how life is going in their own communities through the Utah Wellbeing Project.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Read the full article on the Utah News Dispatch website: weba.im/program-lose... @utahnewsdispatch.com
weba.im
Program for Utahns with disabilities loses its license following deaths of 3 clients left in van • Utah News Dispatch
State regulators have revoked a company’s license to provide day treatment after the deaths of three Utahns with disabilities.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
"I have witnessed firsthand the indispensable work the DLC performs every day." Matthew Wappett, Executive Director of the IDRPP, writes about the importance of the Disability Law Center in Utah. Read the full article on The Salt Lake Tribune website: www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...
sltrib.com
Voices: I’ve seen the Disability Law Center change lives. Utah must preserve its independence.
“People with disabilities deserve advocates who can fight for them, support them and ensure that their rights and dignity are protected,” writes Matthew Wappett in an op-ed.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Episode 20 of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal is out! Listen to the whole episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and the DDNJ Author Insights Podcast page: ddnjauthorinsights.podbean.com
Libby Oseguera, Executive Director of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. Episode 20 Christine Pisani and Libby Oseguera: DD Councils in Idaho and Utah. Now Available!
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
The DLC was the subject of a critical commentary by Cicero Institute representatives in the publication by the Utah News Dispatch @utahnewsdispatch.com. Read the full article on the Utah News Dispatch website: utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/20/u...
People with disabilities gathered at the Utah State Capitol building. Utah News Dispatch. Utahns with Disabilities Don't Need More Enemies.Photo of a homeless tent made from a tarp. From Utah News Dispatch: "Institutionalizing our most vulnerable neighbors will not solve homelessness — it will hide it, at a staggering cost to taxpayers and human dignity. We can choose a better path: invest in housing, expand proven services, and build a system rooted in compassion and evidence.
"As far as we’re aware, the Cicero Institute has not spent hours visiting mental health facilities across Utah, speaking with countless individuals with serious mental illness, including those experiencing homelessness, or documenting and reporting instances of abuse and neglect of Utahns with mental illness. The DLC has, as have P&As across the nation.”
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
The Institute on Community Integration is working on focus groups that will inform their work on making research participation more accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Contact James at house119@umn.edu Participants will receive a $50 gift certificate.
We Want Your Ideas! Help Make Research Consent Forms Easier to Understand. Join a Focus Group at the University of Minnesota. We are from the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota. We're inviting adults with IDD to join a 60 minutes focus group, look at a consent form and tell us what you think about it. Adults 18 or older with intellectual developmental disabilities can join. Contact James Housworth, PhD if you are interested at house119@umn.edu. Participants will receive a $50 gift card for participation.
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Reposted by Institute For Disability at Utah State University
Greg Green @ggreen.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
I was interviewed on Disability Advocacy Day at the Utah State Capitol last month, and @idrpp.bsky.social published part of the interview on Facebook, so I'm sharing it here. www.facebook.com/usu.institut...
facebook.com
Greg Green was a participant in Disability Advocacy. Greg shares what brought him out to Disability Advocacy Day and his concerns about things like funding and transportation. What did you get out o...
Greg Green was a participant in Disability Advocacy. Greg shares what brought him out to Disability Advocacy Day and his concerns about things like funding and transportation. What did you get out.....
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
From the article: "A state lawmaker says it’s time to reevaluate a Utah nonprofit’s longtime status as a designated watchdog for those with disabilities, to the dismay of many supporters and clients." @utahnewsdispatch.com utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/06/d...
utahnewsdispatch.com
Disability Law Center says it’s doing its job, but a lawmaker calls it ‘anti-family’ • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah lawmaker says it’s time to reevaluate a nonprofit’s longtime status as a designated watchdog organization for those with disabilities.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
An article from Disability Scoop was posted earlier this morning. "Trump Wanted To Cut Disability Programs. Congress Just Said No. @disabilityscoop.bsky.social www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/02/05/t...
disabilityscoop.com
Trump Wanted To Cut Disability Programs. Congress Just Said No
After months of uncertainty, federal lawmakers approved a spending package that rejects Trump administration efforts to alter IDEA and do away with some disability programs.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
One week ago today was Disability Advocacy Day! Held at the Utah State Capitol, it was a day where people with disabilities, family members, and legislators came together and empower people to speak out and have a voice. Check out the full blog on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/di...
idrpp.usu.edu
Disability Advocacy Day Raises the Voices of Utahns With Disabilities
A day-long event at the Utah State Capitol brought together people with disabilities, their families, disability-related agencies and legislators in a powerful reminder that Utah policies affect lives...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Disability Advocacy Day Raises the Voices of Utahns With Disabilities. Read the full blog on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/di... #Disability #DisabilityRights #DisabilityAdvocacy
idrpp.usu.edu
Disability Advocacy Day Raises the Voices of Utahns With Disabilities
A day-long event at the Utah State Capitol brought together people with disabilities, their families, disability-related agencies and legislators in a powerful reminder that Utah policies affect lives...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
On Monday, January 26th, many Utahns gathered at the capitol for Disability Advocacy Day. Utah News Dispatch covers the story. Read the full article on the Utah News Dispatch website: shorturl.at/bSu3e
shorturl.at
Facing potential cuts to vital programs, Utahns rally for ‘Disability Advocacy Day’ at the Capitol • Utah News Dispatch
As Utah looks to reduce it's budget, advocates argue that cutting program funding would disrupt care for thousands of disabled Utahns
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
www.fox13now.com/news/politic... Here is a helpful resource for the Utah legislative session.
fox13now.com
How to speak Utah State Legislature as session set to begin Tuesday
Over the next 45 days, the Utah State Legislature will meet and consider hundreds of bills that will impact your life in one way or another.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Our latest blog post is a guest blog by Kirsten Barraclough. Kirsten discusses the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and its importance. Read the full blog on our website: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/why-the... #Disability #DisabilityEducation #Education
A child is assisted by a walker. Why the IDEA is Important. Guest Blog by Kirsten Barraclough.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
The most recent episode of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal (DDNJ) Author Insights Podcast is out! Check out the podcast on the DDNJ Author Insights Podcast Page: ddnjauthorinsights.podbean.com #Medicaid #Advocacy #Disability
"In my mind, we really worked hard at the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities to be bipartisan. Yeah, we really find friends on both sides of the aisle." Episode 19 of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal (DDNJ) Author Insights Podcast. Talley Wells, Executive Director of the NCCDD.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Check out the latest updates on the Public & School Partnership - Northern Utah AmeriCorps VISTA program in this article from The Salt Lake Tribune : www.sltrib.com/news/2025/12...
sltrib.com
Trump administration cuts sent a Cache Valley service program into turmoil. Its future remains uncertain.
The funding was cut, partially restored, then put on hold. Now the future of AmeriCorps is the air lawmakers in Washington debate dollars.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Ed Department Recalls Staffers Who Handle Complaints From Students With Disabilities. Read the full article on their website! www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/12/11/e... #DisabilityNews #Education #DepartmentOfEducation
disabilityscoop.com
Ed Department Recalls Staffers Who Handle Complaints From Students With Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education is bringing back hundreds of staffers to tackle a backlog of civil rights cases — including disability discrimination complaints — after trying for months to fire them...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
On November 29th we marked the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Check out the statement the Association of University Centers on Disabilities made on the anniversary of the IDEA: www.aucd.org/news/50th-an...
aucd.org
AUCD News | AUCD Statement on the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
🚨Save the date!🚨 Disability Advocacy Day will be on January 26th 2026! Trainings, a march around the capitol, a rally, and so much more! Join us! Wondering if you should attend? The people that should attend are people with disabilities, family members, allies, and disability professionals!
Flyer for Disability Advocacy Day. Join us for Disability Advocacy Day 2026! You will hear the latest updates on Utah's 2026 Legislative Session and have the opportunity to participate in advocacy training. January 26, 2026 at the Utah State Capitol. Who should attend? People with disabilities, family members, allies, and disability professionals. Schedule as follows: 12:30 PM Legislative Training with Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. 3 PM March Around the Capitol. 3:30 to 5 PM Voices for Change Rally. 4:30 to 6 PM Annual LCPD Reception.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Check out our latest blog on the the Tailored Research, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement (TRECI) program here at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice: idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/tr...
idrpp.usu.edu
TRECI Opens Research, Evaluation and Continuous Improvement Services
Not all data is good data or useful data. That is why the IDRPP now has a team dedicated to evaluation and other research-related services. JoLynne Lyon & Alyson Ward
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Read the full article on the Disability Scoop website: www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/13/3...
disabilityscoop.com
30 Years Without A Real Raise: Early Intervention Pay Crisis
Early intervention providers in one state haven't seen a substantive raise in three decades — and vulnerable young children are losing out.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Read the full blog on the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU website: cehs.usu.edu/news/2025/de...
cehs.usu.edu
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 ...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Check out this awesome story on frame running from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance! cerebralpalsy.org.au/news-stories...
cerebralpalsy.org.au
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.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
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
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
We are so grateful to have Elizabeth on our team! idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2025/ID...
idrpp.usu.edu
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...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
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...
idrpp.usu.edu
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...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
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...
cehs.usu.edu
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...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
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
idrpp.usu.edu
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...
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
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
idrpp.usu.edu
Accessible Birding
There are many assistive technology devices that can support birders in Cache Valley.
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Institute For Disability at Utah State University @idrpp.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
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.
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