Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice

04/26/2026

Leo and Janel discuss the stigmas that surround substance use and how Time to Act: Substance Use Effects on Children and Families tries to combat those stigmas.

Learn more about the ECHO on their website: https://idrpp.usu.edu/project-echo/time-to-act-echo-substance-abuse

From their website:
"Time to Act ECHO: Substance Use Effects on Children & Families is a statewide training initiative intended to strengthen provider capacity and confidence in using evidence-based practices to support children and families affected by substance use and related trauma. This ECHO series brings together professionals from multiple disciplines to learn, collaborate, and deepen their understanding of how substance use impacts the entire family system. It fosters a connected network of providers committed to family-centered care."

04/24/2026

Jessica Cox shares the tool that is the key to her independence. Jessica Cox recently visted Utah State University. Jessica is the first person to have a pilot's license while having no arms. Jessica also visited some of the classes taught by staff at the IDRPP as a guest speaker. It was so wonderful to have Jessica visit us!

Thanks to Jessica for visiting Utah State University. Check out Jessica's website: https://rightfooted.org/

04/24/2026

Don’t miss out on this summer opportunity! Joana Franco Ph.D., an instructional designer here at the IDRPP, is offering a Mindfulness Communications course in the summer. This course will focus on applying mindfulness to relationships and help you communicate with yourself and others in a mindful way.

Classes will be held on Wednesdays at 12 PM from May 13th to July 29th. This course is offered on a sliding scale from $60 to $360.

Register here: https://mindfulness.learn.usu.edu/courses/mindful-communication

04/24/2026

¿Su hijo/a está inscrito/a en el programa DSPD o en la lista de espera y tiene dificultades para encontrar cuidado de relevo? Gracias a una subvención del DSPD de 2026, Utah Respite Care (Servicios de relevo en Utah) conecta a familias de Utah con cuidadores de relevo capacitados mediante perfiles en línea. Las familias pueden usar fondos del DSPD o pagar de forma privada, y tanto las familias como los cuidadores reciben capacitación en línea. Para participar, debe tener un hijo/a con discapacidad inscrito/a en el DSPD o en la lista de espera y residir en uno de los 8 condados de Utah: Salt Lake, Utah, Weber, Davis, Cache, Iron, San Juan y Washington. Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web de Utah Respite Care.

https://www.utahrespite.care/

04/23/2026

04/22/2026

IDRPP Executive Director Matthew Wappett outlined IDRPP's vital role in research, training, services and shaping policy during yesterday's Blue Plate Research event in Salt Lake City. A full video of his presentation will soon be available--watch here and we'll link you over!

04/22/2026

The Utah State University's Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice is looking for self-advocates ages 18 and older who want to learn more about mental health and caregivers or family members who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to join their free Mental Health and You workshop. As part of the workshop, you will: Learn about mental health and how to advocate for yourself, Participate in activities to learn skills to support your mental health, Learn how to identify your values and mental health needs and Learn how to ask for help with your mental health.
Each participant that signs up will get a door dash gift card for lunch on the second session. This workshop will be held online via zoom. Registration is open to do the workshop. for the months of April, May and June. The workshop will run from 10am-12pm on Thursdays and 10am-1pm on Fridays. If you would like to register for April please visit: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/uphb5tm?source_id=25593b71-5269-47a1-ae3c-72c0b1717737&source_type=em&c=t7RJSqHBBFujmNqlUX1PiL_YRGWtKf2f76so-xAgIZdf-WIQcS3zYQ==
May: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/yakqbnj?source_id=25593b71-5269-47a1-ae3c-72c0b1717737&source_type=em&c=t7RJSqHBBFujmNqlUX1PiL_YRGWtKf2f76so-xAgIZdf-WIQcS3zYQ==
June: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cyc9thk?source_id=25593b71-5269-47a1-ae3c-72c0b1717737&source_type=em&c=t7RJSqHBBFujmNqlUX1PiL_YRGWtKf2f76so-xAgIZdf-WIQcS3zYQ==

If you have any questions about the class you can contact Rachel Beyers and her email is listed on the flyer.

04/21/2026

This week on April 23rd, Dr. Matthew Wappett will be talking about the history of institutionalization and how to protect the future. "Out of sight, out of mind" used to be the policy for people with disabilities in the United States. Dr. Wappett will discuss the threats that may undo all of the progress made over the years.

The event will be at the Salt Fire Brewing Co. on 2199 South West Temple St South Salt Lake, UT at 6:30 PM on April 23rd 2026. Thank you to the Fernandes Scholarship Fund for inviting Dr. Wappett to speak!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/madhouses-asylums-and-mental-hospitals-tickets-1983463262010?aff=erelexpmlt

04/21/2026

On DSPD or the Waiting List and struggling to find respite care? Through a 2026 DSPD grant, Utah Respite Care can connect Utah families with trained respite workers through searchable online profiles. Families can use DSPD funds or private pay, and both families and workers receive helpful online training.
To participate you must have a child with a disability on DSPD or the Waiting List and live in one of 8 Utah counties: Salt Lake, Utah, Weber, Davis, Cache, Iron, San Juan, and Washington.

Find out more at https://www.utahrespite.care/

04/20/2026

Matthew Wappett was on KSL NewsRadio, and Aubrey Snyder joined him on Good Things Utah today, telling the state about the great work of IDRPP!

Tomorrow, Matt will be presenting at the Blue Plate, RSVP for his Blue Plate Research presentation tomorrow in Salt Lake City. https://research.usu.edu/blue-plate/

04/17/2026

Matthew Wappett, Executive Director of the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP) here at Utah State University is presenting at the Blue Plate Research event in Salt Lake City. He will be talking about the IDRPP's role in disability services, not only just in Utah but in other states as well.

The event will be at Gallivan Hall in Salt Lake City on April 21st at 11:30 am.

Read more about the event on the Utah State Today website: https://www.usu.edu/today/story/expert-to-discuss-building-better-disability-support-systems-at-blue-plate-research

04/17/2026