USU's Center for Persons with Disabilities seeks Input from Utahns

The Utah State University’s Center for Persons with Disabilities is seeking input from Utahns with disabilities, the professionals who work with them and their families on four key topics: transition (from early intervention to preschool; preschool to kindergarten; school to post school experiences, etc); health care for people with disabilities; mental health as it is affected by disability; and employment.

This discussion will help the center’s staff refine its focus over the coming years, so the center can better serve the needs of the community. That’s why your opinion matters. Participants can also enter to win a $100 gift card.

Cyndi Rowland, the CPD’s associate director, is hoping for information from a variety of communities in Utah.

“We know that there are some particular issues in rural areas that might be different than in urban areas,” she said.

CPD staff members will also reach out to Spanish-speaking and refugee communities. The online survey is available in Spanish.

In hopes of reaching a broader audience, the CPD allows you to participate online and by a toll-free, call-in focus group. You can fill in the survey and participate in calls for each topic — it’s up to you.

For the online survey:

You can take this anytime from now until Wednesday, Sept. 28. The survey is broken up into the four topics, plus demographics. Each topic takes about five minutes, so depending on how many you choose to address, plus the brief three-minute demographic section, it should take between eight and 23 minutes to complete. The survey is on the CPD website.

For the statewide call-in focus groups:

While registration is not required, it is encouraged so that moderators know who is participating. You can register, enter to win the $100 gift card and find more information on the CPD website. When you call in, you will need this passcode: 7200387#

Two call-in times are provided per day, per topic. Call 1-866-284-2821 at the times below to participate.

1. Transition: Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
2. Employment: Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
3. Health care: Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
4. Mental health: Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Related links:

USU’s CPD

USU Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Contact: Cyndi Rowland, CPD associate director, 435-797-3381, cyndi.rowland@usu.edu