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[wpforms id=”2833″ description=”true”]Meet the UDDC Council Chair Kelie Hess
Hello Everyone,
Here we are in 2019! January is a time to set new goals and refocus on goals already set with a renewed energy. I feel so honored to have the opportunity to serve as your Council Chair. My goal during my time serving as Chair is to support each of you Council members in promoting the Council’s mission to advocate, build capacity and encourage systems change to support people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities.
I want to help strengthen the Council’s capacity to be a vital influence in the disability community. As a Council we have the opportunity to accomplish so much through the work we do with the committees we serve on, the systemic change activities we engage in and the education we share across the state.
While you serve on this Council, I want you to feel that your time and participation has value and intention. I am sure that many of you, like me, made the decision to serve on this Council because you wanted the chance to bring positive changes to the community of people with disabilities in Utah.
Participation on the Council allows this opportunity.
Libby and I are dedicated to creating an environment where Council members can feel comfortable and confident to contribute and be involved in efforts that have purpose. We envision your role to be so much more than mere attendance at quarterly Council meetings. I hope each of you can recognize the value of your unique perspectives and experiences that you bring to this Council.
Please bring your insights to the table and share your ideas as you meet with fellow committee and Council members. We want to hear your voice and opinions. Your input and perspective make this Council stronger. I am so excited for the good we can accomplish this year! I thank you all for your dedication to serve, support efforts, and taking action as we move forward to improve systems and support independence in the lives of people with disabilities.
– Kelie Hess
Self-Advocate Spotlight: Kayci Lynam
This quarter the UDDC is spotlighting Kayci Lynam.
Kayci Lynam began developing her own advocacy skills in 2008 as a member of the very first People First chapter in the state and has not stopped since then. In 2011, she was appointed by the Governor to be a member of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council; then, she was elected Vice Chair along with being the chair for the Council’s leadership committee. For many years she also lent her expertise to the Committee on Accessible Transportation, a citizen advisory committee with the Utah Transit Authority. Kayci has spoken throughout the United States about a variety of issues that affect people with disabilities, With all of her work in the advocacy, she has also been advancing her own career by holding down a job for the last nine years at a local grocery store where in 2016, she earned a higher position within the company. Kayci loves sports and with all of her gold & bronze medals, truly demonstrates her great athletic ability, especially in both bowling and basketball. She would describe herself as friendly, easy to get along with, kind, respectful and smart. Click on the link to see Kayci’s interview with UDDC Information Specialist, Eric Stoker, and find out more about the self-advocacy work she is doing.
Click here to watch the full video.
Save the Date for the Self-Advocacy Conference
Save the date for the UDDC Self-Advocacy Conference May 16-18 2019
Registration will be available February 1st 2019
$60 Registration fee covers two nights lodging and meals
Self-advocates interested in presenting should complete an application by February 15, 2019
Presentation Application forms can be found here.
Upcoming Events
January 25– Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Public Meeting
As the State of Utah works toward achieving full compliance with the HCBS Settings Rule, Utah has continued to progress through its State Transition Plan. The State will be hosting an in person meeting to go over the changes in the Plan in addition to responding to questions/receiving feedback.
This meeting will take place on Friday, January 25, 2019 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the Martha Hughes Cannon building, 288 N 1460 W, Salt Lake City, room 125.
For those unable to attend in person, a call-in line will be available:
1. Dial the access number: 1-877-820-7831
2. Enter the Passcode: 197312
January 28 – 2019 Utah Legislature begins
January 31 – Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities Reception
Utah Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities Reception with Legislators
Thursday, January 31, 2019 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm in the State Capitol Rotunda
Invite your Legislators to come to the reception to meet you and join in an afternoon discussion of disability issues and concerns!
To locate the names and contact information for your State Senator and House of Representative Member, go to the Internet website http://le.utah.gov/GIS/findDistrict.jsp enter your address and click on the links provided.
Call them and ask them to meet you at the Reception!
RSVP PLEASE!
Please RSVP by contacting Brooke Wilson at
the Utah Statewide Independent Living Council
by Friday, January 25th
by phone at 801-463-1592 or email brooke@usilc.org
Thank you to our Sponsors:
The Utah Statewide Independent Living Council (USILC)
The Utah Developmental Disabilities Council (UDDC)
February 1- Registration opens for Self-Advocacy Conference
February 15- Proposals for Presentations at Self-Advocacy Conference Due
Click here for presentation information and forms
February 19 – Full Council Meeting at the Utah State Capitol
March 14 – 2019 Utah Legislature ends
The 2019 Utah Legislature begins at the end of January. Now is a great time to meet with your state senator or representative to share facts and viewpoints about issues that are important to you and your community. The Council has three priorities this session: management of the Division of Services for People with Disabilities wait list, early intervention, and Medicaid expansion. The UDDC has lots of tools and tips to help prepare you for your visits. If you would like any insights or tips on how to work with your representative, please let us know.