Developmental Disabilities

Utah Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

Although the Administration Office is in Salt Lake City, the support and services for people with developmental disabilities are provided through regional offices throughout the state. For a listing of regional offices contact the Administration Office or go to:

The Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD), housed in the Utah Department of Human Services, is the state agency that provides for long-term support and services for people with disabilities so they can participate fully in their communities and in Utah life. The Division also promotes public awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities. For information on who is eligible for services or for more information about the services provided call or write:

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled

The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR) provides for short-term services for people with disabilities. The mission or USOR is to assist individuals with disabilities to prepare for and obtain employment to increase their independence.

The Division of Services for People with Disabilities does not provide services for people whose disability or primary need for treatment is due primarily to: mental illness or behavior disorder (depending on how the behavioral disorder is defined and diagnosed). These services are provided by the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, also housed in the Utah Department of Human Services. The Division is the agency responsible for ensuring that mental health prevention and treatment services are available statewide. For more information about mental health services or to find a treatment provided write or call:

Sheltered Employment

These services are generally employment-related and require that individuals spend time on a job site under the supervision of a job coach. A referral to the sheltered workshop by the Division of Services for People with Disabilities case manager is required. To locate the nearest Sheltered Workshop and to check eligibility, contact the Division of Services for People with Disabilities office:

Competitive Employment

The Disabilities Ombudsman provides an avenue for consumers in the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) to voice their concerns about services, and helps to improve services and service delivery systems. The Disabilities Ombudsman services are short-term and available only to consumers of DSPD services. The Disabilities Ombudsman can be reached at 1-800-868-6413; in salt Lake call 801-538-4373.

The Utah Department of Human Services Office of Licensing licenses homes for disabled persons and day treatment sites where disabled persons work. Safety and health are reviewed by the Office of Licensing, to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to fully participate in society. Group homes must meet local zoning, fire, and Health Department requirements and Office of Licensing rules. The programs are licensed on an annual basis with periodic visits from a Licensing Specialist to monitor and provide technical assistance. A large percentage of these licensed programs contract with the Division of Services for People with Disabilities. Further quality assurance is provided by that Division. Mental health programs are licensed on an annual basis with periodic visits from a Licensing specialist to monitor and provide technical assistance.

Health and Safety

The Utah Job Safety and Health Consultation Services Program is available at no charge to any business with one or more employees through the State.

The Utah Occupational Safety and Health Division (UOSH), Labor Commission, provides safety and health protections to most private sector workers and state and local government employees within the state. UOSH investigates complaints about workplace safety and health hazards.

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

In Utah, the law (62A-3-305 and 76-5-111.1) states that any person who has reason to believe that an elder or disabled adult is being abused, neglected or exploited must immediately report the situation to Adult Protective Services intake or the nearest law enforcement office. To report a suspected case of abuse and/or neglect, call the police or sheriff, or call Adult Protective Services.

Protection and Advocacy

Another advocacy source is the Utah Governor's Council for People with Disabilities. The focus of all the activities of the Council is to promote consumer and family directed services that increase self-determination in individuals with disabilities and their families.

There is a federally mandated system in each state and territory of the United States that provides protection of the rights of persons with disabilities through legally based advocacy. The Disability Law Center (DLC) is the private non-profit agency designated by the governor to protect the rights of people with disabilities in Utah.