We cordially invite you to attend an opening reception for the Utah State University Department of Art Faculty Exhibition, Monday, February 28, 2011, 5-7 pm in the Fine Arts Visual Building, Gallery 102. Included in the exhibition will be the debut of a new collaborative body of work photographed by Christopher M. Gauthier titled, Evidence and Artifacts: 1 in 110. Check out the Center for Persons with Disabilities Blog write up for nice detailed images.
Many children have made significant measurable progress through various combinations of early detection and intervention. The Up To 3 Program (a Baby Watch program) housed at the Center for Persons with Disabilities on the Utah State University campus, provides support, information and training for parents on critical behavioral and developmental interventions, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional and dietary support and other complimentary interventions of autism spectrum disorders. Highly regarded research supports the efficacy of such programs.
The Up To 3 Early Intervention program (Baby Watch) is facing significant cuts to their State funding for the 3rd year in a row. This legislative year they could lose an additional $950,000 from the State funding; requiring the eligibility standard for services to be severely restricted.
These proposed budget cuts are a lose-lose proposition. Children with moderate to mild developmental delays, approximately one third of Up To 3’s current caseload, may be denied services. These children’s developmental outcomes will be limited by the short sightedness of stingy resource allocation; inevitably costing the State additional resources for intensive 1:1 instruction upon entering the public school special education programs. Furthermore, the cost may be more than money. Failing to deliver critical early intervention services to children with autism potentially deprives society of considerable contributions to the collective intellectual and creative think tank.
Use your voice. Please contact the following legislators who have the influence to stop this round of budget cuts to Utah’s Baby Watch Program.
Co-Chair, Lyle Hillyard
595 Riverwood Pkwy, Ste. 100 Logan, UT 84321
(435) 752-2610
lhillyard@utahsenate.org
Majority Assistant Whip: Peter Knudson
1209 Michelle Dr., Brigham City, Utah 84302
(453) 723-6366
pknudson@utahsenate.org
Majority Assistant Whip: Ronda Rudd Menlove
5650 West 16800 North, Garland, Utah 84312
(435)797-3728
rmenlove@utah.gov
Representative David Butterfield
1533 E. Hayden Ct. Logan, UT 84321
(435) 363-5239
dbutterfield@utah.gov
Representative Curt Webb
65 W. 100 N. Logan UT 84321
(435)753-2467
curtwebb@utah.gov
Representative Lee Perry
977 W. 2390 S. Perry UT 84302
(435) 720-7638
leeperry@utah.gov