The caregiver simulation is an interactive experience that simulates the many challenges and rewards of being an informal caregiver. The simulation will last three hours and is a role play event where participants will act out the role of either a caregiver or care receiver in one of six different scenarios. Role playing scenarios may involve using mobility equipment or wearing items that simulate difficulties associated with specific diagnoses. Throughout the event, participants will complete tasks based on their caregiving situation. Participants will leave with a better understanding of caregivers' roles and responsibilities and a new or renewed sense of empathy for caregiving. Hosted by the Utah Caregiving Roundtable.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT Lonestar
Let's focus on how healthy relationships look and feel. When you know what the green flags are in a relationship, you can make healthy choices for positive outcomes!
This session will help self-advocates learn how to be in a safe and healthy relationship and how to manage their mental health when relationships involve difficult or scary situations. We will also help people determine what kind of relationship they want to be a part of. We will end with a fun and engaging activity.
Information Specialist, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council
Eric Stoker lives with his family in West Jordan, Utah and is employed by the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council as the Information Specialist. He serves on the Utah Parent Center Board of Directors, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Board of... Read More →
Learn about the services that the Utah Independent Living Center offers and how to access those services. We will also review the other regional independent living centers in the state for those outside of Salt Lake county.
Rights are only powerful if you can use them. This session breaks down the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) in real world terms, focusing on housing and employment. Participants will gain practical tools, scripts, and strategies to request accommodations and navigate delays, denials, and resistance with confidence.
Jesse Yarger is a behavior analysis enthusiast. He earned his undergraduate degree from Utah State University in 2011 and completed his master’s degree at Auburn University in 2012. Jesse is the owner of Rogue Behavior Services, where he focuses on coordinating behavior-analytic... Read More →
Alex Makowski is the Chief Executive Office of Rogue Behavior Services, bringing more than 14 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. She began her career as a behavior technician and has since worked across a wide variety of settings, including schools, residential centers... Read More →
Wednesday May 13, 2026 1:25pm - 2:30pm MDT Lonestar
This session will explore the concepts of autonomy and interdependence. These two concepts have improved my understanding and advocacy of disability rights and justice. Autonomy is the idea that we all should have the final say on the decisions impacting our lives. Interdependence is the concept that no one is truly independent and that we all rely on each other to live and thrive. This session will cover how these two concepts work together and how they conflict.
I am an Autistic Mental Health consultant and educator. After becoming chronically ill while studying to be a wildlife educator I switched my focus to Autism and Mental Health advocacy. I am currently consulting on study about suicide prevention for Autistic Adults. I am an avid... Read More →
Understand the Value of Ombuds Programs: Explain how the core characteristics of Ombuds work support effective resolution and enhance the customer experience within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Explore the Disability Ombuds Program: Gain specific knowledge about the features and functions of this vital program.
Director, Office of Ombuds, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Angie has been with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for over 25 years. The majority of her career was with Juvenile Justice and Youth Services as the Assistant Program Director at the Castle Country Youth Center, in Price, Utah. Currently, Angie serves as the... Read More →
SmartMonitor provides connected assistive technology solutions designed to enhance safety, independence, and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through Inspyre, powered by Acuma Health, and AllWell, SmartMonitor helps enable more proactive, person-centered support for individuals living independently, in supported living environments, or receiving remote support services. Available on Apple and Android smartwatches as well as standalone wearable devices, the solutions offer features including unusual movement and heart rate monitoring, fall alerts, help button functionality, real-time location tracking, safe zone notifications, reminders, and customizable alerts delivered via text, call, and email. SmartMonitor’s HIPAA-compliant organizational portal also empowers remote and direct support providers with centralized oversight, event history, downloadable reports, and real-time visibility across client populations. These technologies can often be funded through Medicaid waiver programs and align closely with waiver goals focused on independence, community integration, safety, and efficient service delivery for the IDD population.
