News & Events
Uncategorized
Their Voice: Celebrating World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
I was referred recently to an essay, “Welcome to Holland,” written in 1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. Kingsley, a mother of a child born with disabilities, compares pregnancy to planning a trip to Italy and the preparation for the newborn as the preparation for the trip. She continues to create a parallel between learning that […]
Uncategorized
Value the Work: Raise the Wage
We need local and national legislature to recognize and reward the specialized work of these dedicated professionals. It’s an essential service and a big problem in need of an immediate solution. Part of the problem is the lack of information as well as understanding on the part of elected officials. Read more at valuethework.com
Uncategorized
Their Voice: The often thankless job – Utah’s caregivers are lifting others
The calendar that alerts me of monthly observances informed me that Friday is National Caregivers Day. Observed annually on the third Friday in February, this day was originally founded by the Providers Association for Home Health and Hospice Agencies to recognize “caregivers providing quality, compassionate care every day.” Although the original intent of this day […]
Uncategorized
Their Voice: Participants in early intervention programs increasing, funds are not
Tel Morris began walking at the age of 14 months, just two months after his twin brother Renn. What makes this story worth telling is that when their mother Lacey was 28 weeks pregnant, she was informed that Tel’s brain did not form properly. Read the full story at heraldextra.com
Uncategorized
Their Voice: The playground problem: How Orem and its community are becoming more inclusive
I frequently hear people in my generation remark about the differences with children now and the variety of ways that they entertain themselves. They refer to the “good old days” when children had to use their imagination in play rather than turn on a device. However, one thing that all recent generations of children have […]
Uncategorized
Their Voice: Early intervention makes all the difference
August 31 was a beautiful day for a picnic, specifically the picnic at the Salem Pond Park organized by the staff of Kids Who Count. Kids Who Count is an early intervention program in Salem that provides services to infants and toddlers living in the Nebo School District. “It was the first picnic we have […]
Uncategorized
Their Voice: Undetectable disabilities exist in our county
My friend has a disability. Often we think disabilities are only those that we can see such as a person in a wheelchair or someone with a developmental disability with distinct characteristics like Down’s syndrome or Cerebral palsy. However, there are many other types of disabilities that are undetectable. According to the Americans with Disabilities […]
Uncategorized
Their Voice: Tutoring program helps students become ‘Best Buddies’
It’s the middle of August, which means the school year is about to begin. Many children are anxious to take the next step in their educational career and reestablish friendships, while others look ahead with some fear and apprehension. When asked what they hope to achieve in the upcoming school year, some of the youth […]
Uncategorized
Their Voice: The Americans With Disabilities Act has brought progress in its 25 years
UTAH COUNTY – Things have changed in the last quarter century — throughout the United States and in Utah County — as the Americans With Disabilities Act has affected the nation’s laws and attitudes. In 1990, U.S. senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) used sign language to present a speech from the Senate floor. Harkin sponsored the […]
Uncategorized
Their Voice: Run to Walk 5K helps people with disabilities
I have a group of friends who try to get in at least one 5K a month between March and November. Through this group I was introduced to Run to Walk, a race scheduled for this Saturday. “It is my favorite 5K in Utah County,” my friend Diane informed me, “because it supports people with […]