📢 DHHS successfully completes 5-year settlement agreement with the Disability Law Center We're proud to announce the completion of a 5-year settlement agreement focused on improving access for people with intellectual and development disabilities to live independently in their communities rather than in institutions. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible services for all Utahns. Key Accomplishments: Increased education about community living options. Moved 501 people from institutions into their communities (exceeding the goal of 300!). Decreased the number of institutional beds by 457 (exceeding the goal of 190!). Improved conditions for those remaining in care facilities. "While this achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff to create lasting improvements in the services we provide, this is really a win for the people with disabilities who have better opportunities to live their best lives as independently as possible."  - Tracy Gruber, Executive Director of DHHS Our press release: https://lnkd.in/gmqqWFUS #Utah #DHHS

YOU DID IT!  Thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised $11,925 yesterday for civil legal aid programs in Utah. With the Florence J. Gillmor Foundation’s 3-to-1 match, that’s $35,775 in legal services for vulnerable Utahns. This is an amazing start to our year-end fundraising! If you didn’t have the chance to give yesterday, there’s still time to add to our totals at givebutter.com/utahjustice. The Florence J. Gillmor Foundation will generously match any donation 3 to 1 through December 31, 2024. From all of us at the "and Justice for all" partnership—Disability Law Center of Utah, Utah Legal Services, and Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake—thank you for helping bring equal access to justice to those who need it most.

🎉 Exciting things are happening at The Utah Law Student Mentoring Program! 🚀✨ We kicked off with an amazing Opening Social on October 17 at the Disability Law Center of Utah, bringing together 52 brilliant law student mentees and 94 dedicated attorney mentors! 🌟 From Breathwork to Mindfulness Meditation, we learned how to thrive in law school & beyond. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g8jmuDBj #MentorshipMatters #FutureLawyers #UCLI #UtahLaw #WeAreUCLI

Meet Jennifer Carver! She is the Paralegal Division Chair for the 2024–2025 year. She said, "I’m excited to build on the fantastic work the Board of Directors and Paralegal Division of the Utah State Bar accomplished last year." Find out what else she had to say in the Utah Bar Journal on page 60. https://lnkd.in/gaCSJ6Ra

Come join us for a free event for the uniquely-abled community! Our friends at the Global Autism Coalition are hosting a Safe Shopping for Special Needs Pop Up Shop this Saturday at the Leonardo Museum in Salt Lake City. From 12 – 4, shoppers will enjoy finding their fit with brands like böhme, Stance, Gildan, Port Authority, Salt Lake Running Company, Magnetic Me, Drawings by Trent (and more!). Items will be marked with a suggested donation. Tailored to the uniquely-abled community, shoppers will find a maker’s space, relaxation nook, and resources like the Disability Law Center of Utah, Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, and Best Buddies in Utah. Details: October 19, 2024 12 – 4 The Leonardo Museum in SLC Entrance to the event is free. Travis Mathew Heidi Kershaw Destination West Builders LLC Stance Broken Arrow Wear Zao Asian Cafe Snowbird Utah Islamic Center Columbus Community Center Intermountain Health Jon Archer

If you haven't registered to vote, the deadline is on October 25th. Learn more about your voting rights on the Disability Law Center of Utah's website. https://lnkd.in/gcEjNygn You can also learn more about registering at vote.utah.gov.

Join us for a FREE Community of Practice Meeting! Register: https://lnkd.in/gG_ecEWf Our October meeting will feature two staff members from Disability Law Center of Utah. Katie Cox is a Staff Attorney and Utah Medical-Legal Partnership Attorney Coordinator. Sheri Newton is an Advocate of 30 years! Their combined experiences and expertise will make for an informative discussion about legal and civic services for diverse people with disabilities you won't want to miss! #UtahDisabilityDiversity #DisabilityDiversity #Justice #DisabilityRights #LegalServices #MedicalCare #SpecialHealthcareNeeds #Vote #VotingAccess #Voting #VotingRights

Voters with disabilities faced serious barriers during Utah’s recent GOP caucuses, with unsafe conditions and a lack of accommodations. The Disability Law Center (DLC), one of AJFA's founding partner agencies, uncovered these issues in a critical report, calling for reforms. DLC’s vital advocacy is a reminder that we all need to work together to ensure equitable access to the democratic process for all. #DisabilityRights #VoteEquity #AccessForAll #AndJusticeForAll

"This appalling practice is more than just a failure of one company – it’s a reflection of systemic neglect and exploitation of vulnerable populations that runs rampant within the mental health service system." Read our full statement on the investigation into Acadia Healthcare

Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law in 1990. This landmark legislation has advanced the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities tremendously. We proudly recognize our partner, the Disability Law Center of Utah, for their incredible work in protecting disability rights in housing, education, employment, and more under the ADA. Join us in honoring the ADA’s legacy and the ongoing efforts to create a just and inclusive society for all. #ADAAnniversary #DisabilityRights #JusticeForAll #InclusionMatters