Disabilities Impact Team
The challenges Utah women and girls face disproportionally affect those with disabilities. 6.8% of Utahns live with a disability. Women living with a disability have a higher prevalence of abuse. Some studies have shown that people living with a disability are 7 times more likely to experience sexual assault (UofU). It is critical when addressing these challenges we don’t ignore the populations in our community who are hit hardest and we bring to the table diverse voices representing all abilities. As part of “Identity” on the Rim of the BWF Wheel of Change, this Impact Team is tasked with working with the leaders or a representative of each spoke to ensure that women and girls with disabilities are considered in all aspects of A Bolder Way Forward.
Leaders
Libby Oseguera
Executive Director
LinkedIn Profile
Libby is the Executive Director of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and is dedicated to advocacy, building capacity, and encouraging systems change to support people with disabilities and their families to fully and independently participate in their communities.
Kelie Hess
Program Manager, IDRPP
Website
Kelie has been working with people with disabilities for 16 years and is currently working at Utah State University's Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice. She served as the Program Manager for the Utah School to Work Project, a statewide system change initiative.
Bold Vision
To make Utah a place where more girls and women can thrive, the Disabilities Impact Team leaders, affiliates, and partners are currently working to craft a bold vision. The bold vision will help guide the 18 areas of focus as they develop their bold goals, measure outcomes, create dashboards, and create momentum for additional changes.
Thriving Statement: Women and girls thrive when they are respected, have equity and access to their communities, are informed to make choices, can practice self-determination, and are recognized as valued members of society.
Partners
