October Spotlight - UATP / CReATE

The Utah Assistive Technology Program (www.uatpat.org) is a nonprofit serving all ages and disabilities in the state of Utah, helping people with disabilities become more independent through acquiring and learning to use assistive technology. Trainings, funding programs, device repair and maintenance, and device reutilization are services offered to families of people with disabilities, professionals and caregivers. Learn more about financing options at www.uatf.org, and check out our archived webinars on a variety of AT topics at www.youtube.com/utahATprogram.

CReATE (www.createutah.org) is an initiative of UATP, and helps people with mobility needs get low-cost wheelchairs and scooters. The process is low-red tape and professional evaluations make sure individuals get the wheelchair that fits their needs. Donations of devices are also welcome! Get that unused wheelchair out of the basement by donating it to CReATE, where it will be refurbished and matched to someone in need.

Christmas Is Coming - Participate in the Empty Stocking Fund!

This holiday season, dozens of families living in Utah will be going without.  These families have special needs children, and often have circumstances that make providing a nice Christmas difficult for them.  If you have the means and the desire to help, please do!  The links below will provide you with the proper forms to sponsor a family...or let us know that you are a family in need.

TO SPONSOR A FAMILY:
Sponsor A Needy Family - Application Form


IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF UTAH KIDS FOUNDATION AND ARE IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, FILL-OUT THE FORM BELOW:
Needy Family - Application Form

(DEADLINE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES TO APPLY - OCTOBER 30th)


TO JOIN UTAH KIDS DISCUSSION GROUP ON FACEBOOK, FOLLOW THIS LINK:
Utah Kids Foundation Discussion Group on Facebook

All Hallows Eve - Trunk or Treat

Meet Brianna - Our October Utah Kid of the Month

Brianna was born with Spina Bifida, club feet and hydrocephalus. She came into our lives when she was just 18 days old. There were many challenges and surgeries along the way. Due to this she developed Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) and that has been one of our greatest struggles yet. At age 6 we made the difficult (but necessary) decision to have her feet amputated. While this has actually improved Brianna's mobility it was a difficult step to take in life. She has also struggled with the decision that we made 3 years ago to have a port put into her belly button to make intermittent cathing easier. She was in surgery 17 hrs, 3 days in ICU and 7 more days in the hospital. Brianna resents having it done and it really triggers her ODD. She is a brilliant girl and I know she will do great things in her lifetime. We just need to get through the day to day struggles we have today.8