LOGAN (AP) — Researchers at Utah State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities will get a $1.6 million federal grant to promote support services programs for children with special heath-care needs nationwide.
The Champions for Inclusive Communities program is designed to help states create programs for children with disabilities and kids who are considered "at-risk," USU researcher Adrienne Akers said. Grant funds will support USU's Early Intervention Research Institute, she said.
"If you live in Nephi, where do you go?" Akers said. "All states are supposed to make it so that people can find services for their kids at a local level."
The grant project is funded by the U.S. Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the money will be used over the next four years, Akers said.
The grant will also help support agencies form a service network, so that if they are unable to provide a specific service, they can help a client locate the needed resource.
"This is really to help provide connections across federal and state programs that help support kids and families at the community level," Akers said.
That could include making sure doctors know how to direct families of children with disabilities to services, she said.
Another goal of the project is to create playgrounds and recreational activities for kids with disabilities.