Announcing New Utah Developmental Disabilities Council Members
John Crowley
John joins the Utah DD Council as a parent of a child with disabilities. John says his family’s journey has been one without much of a map, which has led to many rich friendships and experiences. He has participated in the IEP process and worked to find unique solutions. John teaches other families in the community about financial and legal issues facing special needs families, and has worked hard to help his son achieve his potential. We are excited to have John on our Council!
Ian Summers
Ian is a new self-advocate member of the Utah DD Council with a range of experiences in policy and higher ed. He has learned how to advocate for disability issues on campus and shared his experiences with Utah Senator Hatch. In addition to serving on our Council, Ian is in the process of creating an employee resource and advocacy group at his current employer in Provo, Utah. He brings his person-centered approach to his efforts on the Council, as both a self-advocate living with Autism as well as the parent of a child with Autism. He believes strongly that people with disabilities should be centered as the main voice on disability issues. Our Council is fortunate to have Ian’s outlook.
Rachael Norton
Rachael is a parent of a child with a disability and bring her focus on early intervention to the work she will do with the Council this year. Her focus on raising and continuing to support a person with a disability influences her decision to join the Council, as she works for systems change and improvements and opportunities for all Utahns living with disabilities. The Council is looking forward to Rachael’s insights and to learn from her experiences.
Empowerment Funds Available!
Are you a self-advocate with a disability, or a family member/guardian of a person living with a disability, who is looking to attend training or a conference related to disabilities, advocacy, or support services? The UDDC may be able to help cover some of the costs for your attendance through reimbursement. In order to qualify, you must provide or find someone to provide 25% of the total cost and fill out an application for help with the remaining costs.
You can find more information and the application by clicking here.
The Utah Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to welcome our new Office Specialist, Julie Hanna!
Julie joins the staff after a few years of spending time at home with her kids and nurturing her two nephews who are living with Autism. The disability community is close to her heart and she is excited to join the workforce after a few years of being a stay-at-home parent.
Julie is empowered by the idea that “you must be the change you wish to see in the world.” She works hard every day to make the world a brighter place for all people, especially those with disabilities and differences.
When she is not at the office, Julie enjoys being outdoors, teaching real USA boxing, spending time with her partner Josh, and snuggling her two little ones, Julian and Jayci.
Welcome, Julie!
Council Townhall Public Comment Meetings
Please join us in 2020!
Council members and staff will be hosting meetings at various locations across the state and welcome the public to share their thoughts on the new, upcoming state plan.
Dates and times are subject to change and are for general planning purposes.
We will be at the following locations:
Salt Lake City January 9, 2020
SLC Independent Living Center, 4pm
Salt Lake City January 23, 2020
Asian Association Building, 6pm
Ogden February 20, 2020
Roads to Independence, 6pm
Provo February 6, 2020
Ability First 6pm
St. George March 5, 2020
Red Rock Center for Independence 4pm
Logan April 9, 2020
Options for Independence 6pm
These events will also host community partners, with resource booths and opportunity for public comments to specific agency partners.
If you are not able to attend, please complete the survey below.
Call for Contributions!
Public Comment Opportunities on the Utah Developmental Disabilities New State Plan
The 2022-2026 State Plan Development Survey is Open Now!
If you are unable to attend any of the public comment meetings listed above, you may submit your comments, needs, and thoughts about issues facing our community through the link below. If you need any technical support with this survey,
please call 801-245-7350 or email uddc@utah.gov