Dear Summer Program Applicant and Parent/ Guardian,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Craig Ezzell, and I am the Youth Program Coordinator at Ability 1st Utah. Together with Wendy Hansen, the IL Specialist and Nursing Home Transition Coordinator, we will be overseeing this year’s Summer Youth Program. Should you have any questions regarding the information outlined below, please don’t hesitate to contact us via phone or email.
We are thrilled to offer the Youth Summer Program for 2025, specifically designed for youth with disabilities, running from June through the first week of August. This program will provide valuable opportunities for growth, learning, and engagement.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 18, 2025. We encourage you to submit your application by this date. Applications may be emailed, mailed, faxed, or dropped off to the contact information provided below.
We will be accepting 18 students into this year’s program. An evaluation process will determine eligibility, and not all applicants may be selected. Following the submission of your application, we will request that both the parent and child attend an interview to assess eligibility.
For the duration of the program, students will benefit from a low staff-to-student ratio, with one staff member assigned to every six students. This ensures individualized attention and a supportive environment for all participants.
The program will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from June 3rd to August 7th, with class times scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days. Please note that specific times may vary depending on scheduled activities. A detailed calendar of events will be provided to each participant.
We warmly invite parents of Youth Summer Program attendees to volunteer during the program. If you are interested in participating, please contact either Craig or Wendy. Parent chaperones may be requested for on-site classes, particularly to support their child’s specific needs. You will be notified in advance if your assistance is required.
We look forward to receiving your application and are excited about the opportunities this program will offer your child.
Best regards
The Youth Summer Program
Ability 1st Utah’s Youth Summer Program is designed for young individuals ages 14-22 who do not require a student-to-staff ratio greater than 1:6. This program aims to address various aspects of independent living, with a particular focus on job skills and self-care. Our primary goal is to equip youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to live successful, independent lives in a supportive and engaging learning environment.
While the program will feature enjoyable outings, our emphasis will remain on teaching participants how to become effective self-advocates and navigate independent living. We welcome youth of varying ages and functional abilities, and we will strive to accommodate all participants in our activities. To foster growth and social development, certain activities may involve grouping peers into smaller cohorts, which may require separating friends to encourage the development of new social skills and help them build connections with others. This approach is intended to help participants step out of their comfort zones and embrace new opportunities.
Program Dates and Schedule:
- Start Date: June 3, 2025
- End Date: August 7, 2025
- Program Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Holiday Breaks: There will be no classes on Tuesday, July 1st; Thursday, July 3rd; and Thursday, July 24th due to holidays.
Eligibility and Funding:
The program is free of charge for students aged 14-22 who have a qualifying disability, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 accommodations. While the program receives funding from state and federal sources, these funds do not fully cover the program’s expenses. As a result, we conduct fundraising efforts to ensure the program remains free for students and their families. Donations are always welcome and appreciated. Additionally, we will be hosting a summer fundraising event at the Arby’s restaurant in Ephraim, and we encourage all participants to take part. More information regarding this event will be provided as the summer approaches.
We look forward to providing a valuable and enriching experience for all participants in the Youth Summer Program.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 18, 2025
Safety Measures for Attending Ability 1st Utah’s Youth Summer Program 2025 for Juab and Sanpete
Summer Youth Program Requirements
June 3rd to August 7th, 2025
Safety Measures for Attendees of Ability 1st Utah’s Youth Summer Program 2025:
The health and safety of our students is of utmost importance at Ability 1st Utah. In order to ensure a safe environment for all, we request that any student exhibiting the following symptoms remain at home until they are symptom-free:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Parents/guardians must provide a phone number where they can be reached during program hours, to serve as an alternative emergency contact in case the student becomes ill or injured while at the center.
Transportation:
Ability 1st Utah will provide transportation to and from the program classes. While we will arrange for transportation, we encourage parents to assist with transportation when possible, as this will help ensure consistent participation and keep program costs affordable. We will establish multiple pick-up and drop-off locations across Sanpete County, with specific locations and times to be finalized closer to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for ensuring their child arrives at the designated pick-up location. After each activity, students will be transported directly to their homes to ensure safe arrival.
Food & Lunches:
Ability 1st Utah will provide lunch on activity days throughout the summer. We ask that all students eat breakfast before attending the program. Snacks will also be provided by the center, and we will make every effort to accommodate individual dietary needs. If your child has food allergies or any specific dietary requirements, please ensure that these are clearly noted on the application form.
We look forward to an enriching and safe summer program experience for all participants.
Ability 1st Utah Youth Summer Program Requirements
Juab and Sanpete
Summer Youth Program Requirements and Ground Rules
In order to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all participants, we ask that all Youth Summer Program attendees and their families adhere to the following requirements and ground rules:
Requirements:
- Attendance & Participation: All attendees are required to arrive on time and actively participate in all scheduled activities and classes.
- Self-Care: Youth Summer Program attendees must be able to address their own self-care needs. If assistance is needed, attendees may bring their own attendant to the program.
- Respect for Others & Property: All attendees are expected to respect their peers, staff, and the property of Ability 1st Utah.
- Attendance Rate: Due to limited availability of attendants, attendees must maintain a 90% attendance rate. If your child is unable to attend due to illness, we request a 24-hour notice. Exceptions are made for fevers, vomiting, or life-threatening emergencies. Please contact us the morning of any absence to inform us of the situation.
Ground Rules:
- Respect & Kindness: Attendees are expected to treat everyone with respect and kindness. We encourage them to embrace and celebrate diversity while being mindful of their peers’ differences and abilities.
- Safety & Boundaries: Attendees should report any safety concerns immediately. It’s important that everyone respects personal boundaries, and we ask that attendees stop any actions when others express discomfort or do not wish to be touched.
- Support & Patience: During activities, attendees should be patient, supportive, and encouraging towards their peers.
- Zero Tolerance Policy: Bullying, harassment, or discrimination will not be tolerated. Any incidents should be reported immediately to the designated staff. We are committed to creating an environment where all participants feel safe and valued.
- Respect for Personal Belongings: Attendees should respect others’ personal items, keeping their own belongings secure and organized. Lost or found items should be reported to staff.
- Have Fun: Above all, we encourage attendees to enjoy their summer and make the most of the experience!
Two-Strike Policy:
- Breakfast & Health Protocol: If a student fails to eat breakfast and instead consumes snacks during the program, resulting in a health issue that requires significant staff attention (e.g., blood sugar levels needing monitoring), the student will be sent home immediately. If this occurs once, it will be addressed. If it happens a second time, the student will be sent home and will not be allowed to return to the program. This policy ensures fairness and safety for all attendees, as we do not have the necessary medical resources to address such situations.
- Absences: If a student misses three consecutive days of the program without notifying Craig or Wendy, they will be asked to leave the program, providing an opportunity for other students to participate.
- Emergency Protocol: If a student engages in attention-seeking behavior that results in paramedics being called for a non-medical emergency, this will lead to immediate dismissal from the program.
We are committed to ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all participants and appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe, respectful, and fun environment for everyone involved. Thank you for your understanding and support.
