Utah disability benefits and assistance programs.
The disabled in Utah can get receive assistance from the government, non-profits, and other social services agencies. The state does its best to provide qualified individuals with assistance and they will also work with non-profits and other local organizations as needed.
A number of government social service organizations in Utah coordinate care and support for the disabled and their family members. Caregivers can also get assistance and the government and non-profits can also help by coordinating respite. While what is offered will vary based on qualifications and government funding levels, some examples of what the state provides includes housing, financial aid, chore and home services, and supported employment.
The Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities, or DSPD, serves both adults and children in Utah that have physical disabilities, brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other qualified conditions. This is one of the main places to turn to for help, information on benefits, and referrals. The focus of DSPD is to offer a number of social services and other support which is intended to help people with disabilities lead more self-determined lives and participate more fully in their communities.
Chore Services help create a sanitary, clean, and safe living environment for those with disabilities who are unable to do some of the basic chore activities on their own. Assistance may be offered for tasks such as snow removal, heavy household chores such as washing floors, windows, and walls; mowing the lawn, and moving furniture.
Get assistance and counseling in behavior problems for people with disabilities. DSPD provide personalized behavior consultation to families and staff and focus on sound principles of applied behavior analysis.
Companionship is a form of non-medical care. It is socialization service and supervision for functionally impaired adults in Utah with some form of minor disability. Companions approved and qualified by the state assist with laundry, meal preparation, light housekeeping tasks, and shopping.
Daytime supervision and day services is support to help the disabled in Utah develop and maintain communication skills, self-help skills, and community living. It often partners up with the Utah Supported Employment Services Division.
Residential Habilitation Supports assist a disabled person to gain or maintain skills to live as independently as possible. This will also assist them with fully participating in a community setting of their choosing. Up to 24 hours of supervision, support, job training, and assistance is offered to maintain the person’s health and safety.
Home modifications and environmental adaptations allow households to make physical adaptations and alterations to their home as needed to ensure the welfare and health of the individual. The home updates, which can be paid for by grants or low interest loans, enable the individual to function with greater independence in their current home.
Host Home Services are arranged by Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities. It is out-of-home placement that is available for a short or extended period of time and is offered within the private home of a trained family. This is customized to the individuals needs and offers many benefits and social services.
Employment opportunities and training from the state’s Supported Employment Program includes intensive on-the-job training, development, job placement, and supervision by a coach. Employment is intended for those people who may not be able to work in the community without some form of support.
Professional Parent Support is for Utah residents under the age of 22. It is for those that prefer living in a private residence with a caregiver or family member. This was created to give youth and children with disabilities in Utah an alternative to institutional or community living settings, such as group apartments or homes. This program also allows a child or youth to be placed with a family member or caregiver.
Assistance for caregivers is offered from respite programs. This is provided by a highly trained person from the Division of Services for People with Disabilities. The assistance can be in their home, a parents or family members. Or the respite can take place in specialized facility, depending on the needs and preferences of the resident.
Transportation Assistance from DSPD provides the disabled with a wide number of options. This will help a person gain access to community services, waivers, activities and resources. The transportation may also take place in the form of paratransit or UTA passes. There is also day training rides and transportation for supported employment services.
Supported living services coordinate socialization, personal care, support, job training and assistance in order to help disabled people live as independently as possible. This benefit is often for those who live alone in their own homes, with a spouse, with roommates and it also includes help with various activities of daily living.
The DSPD - Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities is one of the leading agencies to contact for referrals, support, information on government benefits, and assistance. Call (800) 837-6811 for more details on the benefits indicated above.
Utah Department of Workforce Services oversees and processes applications for low income financial aid and grant programs. Some of these resources, such as heating bill assistance from LIHEAP, will prioritize the disabled. Apply for any of the following.
- Food assistance from SNAP food stamps.
- Utility, energy bill, and heating bill help is available as part of LIHEAP or the HEAT program.
- Medical care in Utah is available as part of the state and federal government Medicaid program.
- Low income disabled residents can also explore child care subsidies, discounted prescription medications, low income housing and rent assistance and other support.
- Cash assistance from TANF.
For more information on any of these grant or financial aid resources, dial 1-866-435-7414.
The Department of Health, Bureau of Health Promotion, Arthritis Program is involved in support those with this chronic condition. Workshops, classes, and referrals are all provided. Dial the Salt Lake City groups at (801) 538-9458.
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) - Department of Health focuses on assisting children in Utah with developmental delays. The department oversees children’s hearing and speech services, neonatal follow up program, specialty community clinics which provides orthopedic and craniofacial services and more. Occupational and physical therapy services are available as well.
- The Travis C. Medicaid Waiver for Technology Dependant Children provides respite care.
- The Utah Children's Hearing Aid Pilot Program (CHAPP) is a two year program that distributes free hearing aids to qualifying children under three years of age.
- Newborn Hearing Screening Program makes appropriate referrals to health and medical care programs for infants and children with hearing problems.
- Family Involvement and Leadership coordinates community services and public benefits such as medical care.
Parents and families of disabled children can call (800) 829-8200 to reach the Utah Division of Children with Special Health Care Needs.
Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging and Adult Services also supports the disabled. The agency will offer information and referrals as well as homemaker type services including chores. Assistance available is also offered from free home-delivered meals, medical equipment, companion services, free or low cost home modification, and caregiver training. Some older adults in Utah may also receive medical card for prescription medications and related bills. Call (877) 424-4640 for details and an office near you.
Department of Human Services Mental Health offers outreach services. Assistance available includes prescription medication management, in-home services, intensive outpatient treatment, and other support. (801) 538- 3939.
Vocational Rehabilitation helps residents by offering career information to enable people to make meaningful choices for employment, considering their aptitudes, interests, abilities and values. They run the Utah Center for Assistive Technology, which coordinates a wide range of assistive technology services to individuals with disabilities. Vocational programs will help people reach their employment and other goals, including living independently. This is for the low income and uninsured in Utah. Case managers and specialists work to maximize work incentives for individuals with disabilities. Call (801) 538-7530.
Utah State Office of Rehabilitation Administration’s Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DSBVI) as well as Deaf and Hard of Hearing Division administer benefits for those individuals. This will include screenings, assistance to individuals who are deaf and/or blind, independent living services, and vocational training. Other government benefits will provide for assistive aids such as magnification and other hearing aids or equipment. Call (877) 860-4861.
Additional Utah disability programs
Access Utah Network Main address 155 South 300 West, Suite 100 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Toll-free (800) 333-8824
Brain Injury Association of Utah Address is 1800 South West Temple, Suite 203 Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Toll-free (800) 281-8442
Learning Disabilities Association of Utah P.O. Box 900726 Sandy, UT 84090 (801) 553-9156
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Utah State Chapter 6364 South Highland Drive, Suite 101 Salt Lake City, UT 84121 Main phone number is (801) 424-0113
University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Registry of Autism and Developmental Disabilities Location is 650 Komas Way Suite 206 Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Main phone - (801) 585-7576
Utah Association for the Deaf 5320 South 4100 West Roy, UT 84067
Utah Association of Counties, The Utah Behavioral Healthcare Network 5397 South Vine Street Murray, UT 84107 Main number is (801) 265-9485
Utah Department of Health, Division of Medicaid and Health Financing P.O. Box 143106 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 Main number is (800) 662-9651
Utah Department of Health, Violence and Injury Prevention Program, Traumatic Brain Injury 288 North 1460 West Salt Lake City, UT 84114 (801) 538-6141
Utah Department of Human Services, Division of Services for People with Disabilities Location of the office is 195 North 1950 West Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Toll-free (800) 837-6811
Utah Developmental Disabilities Council Main address is 155 South 300 West, Suite 100 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Toll-free in Utah: (800) 333-8824
Independent Living Center Address is 3445 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Toll-free (800) 355-2195
Utah Office of Education 250 East 500 South, P.O. Box 144200 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 Phone: (801) 538-7500
Utah Office of Rehabilitation Administration Address is 250 East 500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84114 Telephone number is (801) 538-7530
Rehabilitation Administration, Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Address is 250 East 500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84114 Call (801) 538-7530
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind 742 Harrison Boulevard Ogden, UT 84404 Toll-free (800) 990-9328
Utah State University, Center for Persons with Disabilities 6800 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322 Toll-free (866) 284-2821
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