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Dear Summer Program Applicant and Parent/ Guardian,

 Hi my name is Meagan Wedge, I am the Youth Program Coordinator and I will be the one running this year’s Summer Youth Program. Feel free to call or email me with further questions regarding the information below. 

Ability 1st Utah is excited for the opportunity to be offering the Summer Youth Program for the summer of 2024, for youth with disabilities, during the months of June, July and the first week of August.  

We hope to receive your application soon. We are now beginning the enrollment for our Summer Youth Program attendees, the deadline for applications will be April 18th 2024. Please make sure to turn these in before then. Feel free to email, mail, fax, or drop-off the application to the contact details provided down below.

We will be accepting 25 students for this year’s summer program. There will be an evaluation process to determine if your child is eligible to participate in the Ability 1st  Utah Summer Youth Program. Not everyone that applies will be accepted. After applications are submitted, we will ask that the parent and child included in the application to schedule an interview to determine eligibility.                            

If you child does not get chosen for this year Summer Program, if they meet qualifications, we will put them on the waiting for next year Summer Program.

Classes & activities will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the beginning date will be June 4th and will end on August 8th. The class times on Tuesdays will be from 10:00am to 1:00pm, and Thursdays will be from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Times may vary depending on our activity that day, however I will provide a calendar to each Summer Program Attendee. 

Parents of the Youth Summer Program Attendees are more than welcome to join us as volunteers, please reach out to me to a week before to join any of the activities or classes on site. Parent chaperones may be needed for onsite classes due to their children’s needs, parents will be notified if and when necessary.

Summer Program

Ability 1st Utah’s Summer Youth Program is for students ages 17-30 and who do not require a greater than 5 to 1 student to staff ratio. This program will focus on all aspects of independent living including employment. Students will learn about social skills, task boxes, putting events together and team work. With some activities the students will learn how to rely on transportation using the bus or front runner to access community resources. Students will also learn how to be an effective self-advocate in an interactive and fun learning environment.

 

Ability 1st Utah Summer Program is a learning environment, while there will be fun outings that we provide, we will focus on teaching our Summer Program attendees on how to be an effective self-advocate and how to live a successful independent life so not everyday will be a fun outing. We have various ages and functioning levels that we will do our best to accommodate in all of our activities. In some activities we will split our peers into small groups, it is possible that we will separate friends in order for them to learn new social skills and meet new people. We do this to help our youth grow and adapt to new things that may be uncomfortable at first. 

Summer Youth Program Dates: The summer program starts on June 11th  and will end on August 8th. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will be a talent show that the students will put together themselves.

The Center will be closed on Thursday July 4th and Wednesday July 24th for the holidays.

Cost for the Summer Program is $50.00. This is a donation that will assist with the cost of activities, classes and a t-shirt. No child will be turned away for inability to pay.

Meagan Wedge: 

[email protected]

Youth Program Coordinator

Phone:(801) 373-5044

Fax: (801) 373-5094

Safety Measures for Attending  Ability 1st Utah’s Youth Summer Program 2024

 The student’s health and safety is the highest priority of Ability 1st Utah. We ask that if a student has any of the following symptoms, that the student is kept home until they are symptom free.

Following Systems:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss or taste or smell

Parents/guardians must provide a phone number where they can be reached as well as an alternatie emergency contact, in case the student becomes ill or injuired while at the center.

Transportation:

Ability 1st Utah will be providing limited transportation to and from the classes. We are encouraging parents to assist with transportation, this will help to ensure everyone’s participation and assist in keeping the program costs affordable. We have set up three locations for you to meet our drivers across Utah County. The pick-up and drop off locations will be in American Fork, Spanish Fork and the Provo/Orem area. Parents will also be notified what time the bus will leave the center to the drop off points. You are responsible for transportation to and from the pick-up and drop off locations for your child.

Food & Lunches: On designated activities only Abilty 1st Utah will provide lunches.  There may be an occasional opportunity to eat at a fast food restaurant but this will be limited.  Food for snacks will be provided by the center and every effort will be made to keep food individualized.  If your student has food allergies or special food requirements make sure to list them on the application.

Other outings will be scheduled as community opportunities become available, but could include: Examples;

  • Job Sites-Deseret Industries
  • Aquarium
  • Parks
  • Hogle Zoo
  • Local Recreational Centers
  • Planetarium
  • Krishna Temple

Ability 1st Utah Summer Youth Program Requirements

Attendance:

Due to the limited number of attendants in the Summer Youth Program. Attendees will be required to maintain a 90% attendance rate. If your child is sick and unable to attend a class. A 24 hour notice must be given. The only exceptions are fevers, vomiting or any life threatening emergencies

Ground Rules:

In order to keep our summer program environment safe for all participants there will be requirements and ground rules that we are asking all attendees and their families to adhere to.

  • Youth Summer Program Attendees will be asked to treat everyone with respect and kindness. We ask that they embrace and celebrate diversity, and to be mindful of their peers’ differences and abilities.
  • Youth Summer Program Attendees will be asked to report any safety concerns immediately and to beware and respectful of theirs and others personal boundaries. Some children do not understand boundaries and that’s okay! But they will be asked to listen and stop when someone states that they are feeling uncomfortable or don’t want to be touched.
  • Youth Summer Program Attendees will be asked to be patient and supportive towards their peers during activities. 
  • There will be Zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or any discrimination. We asked that Youth Summer Program Attendees report any incidents promptly to the designated staff, and to foster an environment where everyone feels safe and valued. If your child displays any aggressive physical behaviors directly towards any other students or staff this will result in an automatic dismissal from the program.
  • Youth Summer Program Attendees will be asked to respect their peers’ personal belongings. Attendees must keep personal items secure and organized and to report any lost or found items to staff.
  • And last but not least Youth Summer Program Attendees will be asked to enjoy their summer and have some fun.

Requirements:

  • Youth Summer Program Attendees will be required to provide their own transportation if the center transportation is not available.
  • Youth Summer Program Attendees will be required to arrive on time and participate in activities and classes.
  • Youth Summer Program Attendees will be required to address their own self care needs. If they need attendant assistance they can bring their attendant.
  • Youth Summer Program Attendees will be required to respect their peers, staff and Ability 1st Utah’s property 

The summer program follows a three-strike policy:

This three-strike policy will be used with bullying, harrasment, discrimination and any attention-seeking behaviors where paramedics are contacted. 

  • If the summer program attendee is showing any of the listed following behaviors there will be a warning given to the attendee about their behavior and the parents or guardians will be notified of that attendee. This will be the only warning provided due to the safety of our youth.  
  • If they continue, they will be given a 1st strike. They will be asked to leave the class, to meet with Meagan to discuss ways to change their behavior. 
  • If a summer program attendee receives a 2nd strike, they will be asked to leave the class and must contact Meagan to set up a meeting involving both the attendee and parent or guardian where they will present a way they plan to change their behavior in the future.
  • If a summer program attendee receives a 3rd strike, we will call the parent or guardian to come pick the attendee up from the center and will be kicked from the program.

 

Independent Living Youth Summer Program 2024 Application

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  • I understand that assistance may be given by Ability 1st Utah for the purpose of assisting me to become independent. Although specific services or independence cannot be guaranteed by Ability 1st Utah or by myself, a reasonable amount of assistance will be given to me for that purpose if I am found eligible for services.

  • I understand information collected in this interview and in the subsequent development of my service record is necessary to establish eligibility for services and in the provision of services if I am found eligible. Ability 1st Utah will gather information from me personally or with my consent. Information from my service record will not be disclosed other than in the administration of my independent living program, unless my written approval has been obtained. I am aware of my rights concerning the release of information.

  • Ability 1st Utah makes no distinction in race, color, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, disability or national origin in the provision of services to individuals under the program. I understand that I may appeal discriminatory practices and that I have the right to appeal the decision of my service coordinator to his/her supervisor. My service coordinator will help me if problems of this nature arise. If additional assistance is needed, the Client Assistance Program (CAP) is available to act as an advisor and advocate. CAP can be reached by calling 1-800-662-9080.

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  • Student Eligibility-: Ability 1st Utah’s Summer Program is for students ages 17-30 who do not require a greater than 5 to 1 student to staff ratio. Please contact the center if your student needs an ADA accommodation.

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  • Below are some questions to help Ability 1st Utah’s staff members better serve your student. Information provided will be used to help us plan and organize classes and activities.

  • Your student must be able to take care of their self care needs independently. You are responsible for transportation to and from the Center for your student.

  • Ability 1st Utah Youth Summer Transition Program 2024 Permission Form

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  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.