Utah Disability Today

Building Neuro-Inclusive Communities

The latest Developmental Disabilities Network Journal includes an article on building neuro-inclusive communities. The article is a great read that inspired some follow-up questions on how to creative more inclusive communities, workplaces, professional offices and friendships. Read authors authors Sumiko Martinez and Ann Carrick's answers on our blog. Both Martinez and Carrick are from the Autism After 21 Utah Project.

IDRPP Salutes 2024 Graduates, Trainees

Three bachelor's degrees. Two Ph.Ds. Forty-one URLEND trainees. See who marked a milestone in 2024 from the ranks of the Institute for Disability on our blog.

Undergrad Research Highlights Mental Health Services Gap

Two undergraduate researchers, mentored at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice, presented their award-winning work to understand a sobering gap in mental health resources during Research Week at Utah State University.  

Abby Julian and Lindy Strand received the Undergraduate Oral Presentation award in the Social Services and Education category. Their presentation, “We Are In A Complete Crisis: Navigating The Lack of Resources To Mental Health Care For Individuals With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD),” outlined a qualitative analysis of an open-ended question: “What challenges, if any, have you experienced with getting mental health services for your family member with IDD?”  

News From Around the Institute for Disability

Pictured: Clay Christensen and Amy Henningsen.

IDRPP said some hard goodbyes to two former employees who passed away in April. View our tributes to Clay Christensen and Amy Henningsen, two dedicated people who put their hearts into their work at IDRPP. They are both greatly missed.

The Institute's Ty Aller raised some critical points about mental health and disability in this op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune. "While the conversation around mental health has commonly focused on school-based issues, LGTBQ+ youth and even adults following the COVID-19 pandemic, there continues to be a lack of concerted state-wide attention for one group: individuals with disabilities."

Melissa Malcom King, a Ph.D candidate, presented "From Within the Margins: Six Core Ideas of "Intersectionality" during IDRPP's Community of Practice in April. Read a summary or watch the video.

The National Resource Center for Paraeducators, Related Service Providers and Interveners held its ninth webinar in the 2023-24 Saturday Mornings with the NRCP training series. Over 500 participants are registered for either the recording or live attendance from 16 different states. To view upcoming sessions, visit their website.

Project ECHO has posted three new videos on Social Communication Pt. 3 (early intervention), Suicide Prevention (Mental Health Across the Lifespan), and Substance Abuse: 5 things to know about Naloxone.

Joana Franco, Ph.D, instructional designer and mindfulness coach

Two mindfulness courses offered

IDRPP presents two 12-week mindfulness programs this summer: Mindfulness Foundations and The Heart of Mindfulness.

Mindfulness Foundations teaches mindfulness through four main pillars: body, mind, emotion and connection. Benefits include greater life balance and reduced stress and anxiety. Training is offered on a sliding scale from $360 to $60. To register, visit the online MF registration page.

The Heart of Mindfulness teaches the qualities of being grateful, kind, compassionate, joyful and peaceful. Benefits include greater happiness and reduced levels of depression. To register visit the THM online registration page.

Both courses are facilitated by Joana Franco, Ph.D, instructional designer and mindfulness coach at the Institute for Disability. If you have questions, she can answer them!