Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice

02/10/2026

Andy Andersen works for the Utah Independent Living Center and shares with us why he came out to Disability Advocacy Day. It is important to advocate for both yourself and others. If you were at Disability Advocacy Day this year, what did you learn?

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

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."

https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/06/disability-law-center-says-its-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.

02/09/2026

02/06/2026

The National NRCP conference is coming up on February 20-22, 2026! NRCP stands for the National Resource Center for Paraeducators. The National NRCP virtual conference is a virtual conference packed with keynotes and breakout sessions. Sessions will be recorded and shared with registered participants. Register today!

Learn more and register on the NRCP website: https://nrcpara.org/conference/

02/05/2026

An article from Disability Scoop was posted earlier this morning. "Trump Wanted To Cut Disability Programs. Congress Just Said No.

Read the full article on the Disability Scoop website at this link: https://shorturl.at/ucqYI

From the article:
“Trump had also urged Congress to eliminate funding for University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, or UCEDDs, and some programs serving people with disabilities at protection and advocacy agencies, but lawmakers chose to maintain them.”

02/03/2026

Aubrey Snyder discusses ways that members of the disability community, and their families, can have an influence legislators. If there is anything we learned from Disability Advocacy Day, it's that our voices matter.
To find your legislator you can visit le.utah.gov.

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: https://idrpp.usu.edu/blog/2026/disability-advocacy-day-raises-voices-utahns-disabilities

02/02/2026

Our next 2025-2026 Saturday Mornings with the NRCP webinar is Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10-12 MST.

Register Today!

https://cvent.me/QvBbKb

"Evidence-Based Practices for Paraeducator Career Growth" will be presented by Kathleen Adolt-Silva.
Description:
Dr. KAS presents “Evidence-Based Practices for Paraeducator Career Growth". This presentation provides strategies for paraeducators to advance their careers. It highlights the importance of continuous professional development, engaging in mentorship, and seeking specialization to enhance skills. Building a network can lead to collaboration and opportunities, while embracing technology and reflective practices boosts instructional effectiveness. Pursuing leadership roles and setting clear career goals are vital for growth. These strategies empower paraeducators to confidently navigate and elevate their careers in education.