DSPD Logo

Mother and Disabled ChildWe promote opportunities and provide support for persons with disabilities to lead self-determined lives. We oversee home and community-based services for more than 4,000 people who have disabilities. Support includes community living, day services, supported employment services, and support for people with disabilities and their families.

We also provide services to about 250 people at the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC), a state operated Intermediate Care Facility for people with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/ID).

In September 2011, Palmer DePaulis, Executive Director, Department of Human Services, chartered a Strategic Planning Committee to develop recommendations for the future direction and mission of the Utah Developmental Center (USDC). The Committee was composed of individuals representing various constituencies of the disability community. They worked diligently to tackle difficult issues and developed with a set of comprehensive and exciting draft recommendations.

Your feedback on the draft recommendations is needed.

Recent News

Public Meeting Announcement: Disabilities Advisory Council - 4/9/13

Autism Waiver Program Application


IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be aware of the reporting requirements concerning the abuse of a vulnerable adult or abuse of a child in Utah law:

Vulnerable Adults Abuse

Utah Code 76-5-111.1. Reporting requirements -- Investigation -- Immunity -- Violation -- Penalty -- Physician-patient privilege -- Nonmedical healing.

(1) As provided in Section 62A-3-305, any person who has reason to believe that any vulnerable adult has been the subject of abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall immediately notify the nearest peace officer, law enforcement agency, or Adult Protective Services intake within the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services.
To make a Referral to Adult Protective Services call 801-538-3567 (Salt Lake County) or 1-800-371-7897 (Statewide).

Child Abuse

Utah Code 62A-4a-403. Reporting requirements.

(1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), when any person including persons licensed under Title 58, Chapter 67, Utah Medical Practice Act, or Title 58, Chapter 31b, Nurse Practice Act, has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to incest, molestation, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect, or who observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect, he shall immediately notify the nearest peace officer, law enforcement agency, or office of the division. On receipt of this notice, the peace officer or law enforcement agency shall immediately notify the nearest office of the division. If an initial report of child abuse or neglect is made to the division, the division shall immediately notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency. The division shall, in addition to its own investigation, comply with and lend support to investigations by law enforcement undertaken pursuant to a report made under this section.

To report child abuse call 1-855-323-3237 within the State of Utah or, in the Salt Lake Area, 801-281-5151.