UACS Provider Conference – Keynote

Zachary “Zack” Gottsagen

We are thrilled to announce Zachary “Zack” Gottsagen as the keynote speaker for our October UACS Provider Conference!

Zack is an award-winning actor best known for his lead role in the 2019 indie hit, The Peanut Butter Falcon. His vibrant personality inspired the film’s creators to craft a script highlighting his unique spirit, making him a trailblazer for authentic disability representation in Hollywood.

Beyond the screen, Zack was the first child with Down syndrome to be fully included in the Palm Beach County school district and graduated as a theatre major. After the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), he made history by successfully challenging Little League to include children with disabilities — a victory that mandated inclusion training for coaches nationwide.

His accolades include the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocate Award and the Rising Star Award from the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Zack even made history at the 2020 Academy Awards as the first person with Down syndrome to present an Oscar.

Zack is a shining example of perseverance and advocacy. Don’t miss this chance to hear his inspiring story firsthand.

Future-Ready Service Delivery: Integration & Innovation for UACS Providers

Danny Laneri – Vice President of Business Development – Giv

Description: A comprehensive course designed for providers seeking to better understand how technology is advancing the I/DD and HCBS sectors. This session will explore current trends shaping service delivery, including changes in compliance expectations and the growing role of integrated technologies. Participants will examine how technology can reduce administrative workloads, streamline essential operations, and support individualized care planning. The course also offers practical strategies for maintaining compliance in a digital environment and demonstrates how real-time data can be used to deliver more responsive, person-centered services.

Honoring Development: Delivering Age-Appropriate Sex Education for all

Julie Hanna (She/Her) – Utah Developmental Disability Council
Alexandria Acor (She/Her) – Utah Parent Center
Grace Rejali (She/Her) – Utah Parent Center

In this session, titled “Honoring Development: Delivering Age-Appropriate Relationship Education for All,” we will explore the critical importance of comprehensive relationship and sexuality education tailored to individuals based on their age rather than perceived cognitive ability. Emphasizing respect, humanity, and self-determination, we will discuss the unique needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and how age-appropriate content can empower them with essential knowledge and confidence. Attendees will gain actionable tools and strategies to effectively foster independence and affirm the right of all individuals to understand and navigate their relationships. Join us in championing a more inclusive approach to education that honors the developmental stages of every individual.

Key Takeaways:

1. Compare developmental sexuality education and age-appropriate education as the foundation of healthy relationships and safe sexuality for people in supportive care.
2. Consider how developing a sexuality education policy for your clients can empower self-determination and reduce instances of abuse.
3. Study common behavioral obstacles with clients of varying support needs and understand how age-appropriate sex education can support them.

The Importance of Community Wide Suicide Prevention for Autistic People

Whitney Lee – Neurodiverse Utah

Autistic people are at least three times more likely to die from suicide in comparisons to non-autistic people. Many factors go into this including barriers in accessing mental healthcare, isolation, and lack of community supports. Presentation will go over existing community models of suicide prevention and research being done to adapt them to Autistic community. Interwoven throughout the presentation are anecdotes about living with suicidality. Finally, the presentation will cover actions that service providers can do to improve the emotional well-being of people with Autism. This is a self-advocate’s perspective on suicide prevention based off lived and professional experience with suicidality.

Key Takeaways:

1. Learn about the research being done on what causes suicidality in Autistic people.
2. Learn about existing models of community suicide prevention.
3. Learn how signs of suicidality may differ in Autistic people.

The Value of Connection: Business Relations Partnerships and their Role in Increasing Access and Opportunity to Competitive Integrated Employment

Leah Lobato – ADAC, CPM
Josh Rodeback – LVRC

In this session the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation Business Relations team will share information on how business partnerships support vocational rehabilitation services and increase access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to secure competitive integrated employment. We will discuss the history of Vocational Rehabilitation services, when Business Relations was included in VR services and how the Business Relations team in Utah supports the Vocational Rehabilitation process

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding of the importance of relationship with business partner
2. How to begin developing business relationships
3. Business Relations resources available in Utah

Broken Windows: Understanding The Little Things That Will Make or Break Your Program and Culture

James Whipple, Executive Director – Danville Services Corporation

The Broken Windows Theory was introduced in 1982 by criminologists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling. The theory came about from multiple efforts to understand how crime and destruction proliferate in certain areas, and what can be done to prevent or avoid it. In 2006, Michael Levine (best-selling author and company branding and media expert) took the Broken Windows theory and applied it to the business world to understand how the smallest remedies reap the biggest rewards in a company’s reputation and product.
In our discussion, we will be taking the Broken Windows theory one step further to understand how its principles can help us avoid the dangerous landmines that can strip culture and break IDD programs.

Best Practices Panel

Neil Allred, Vice President – NES
Jim Jensen, Executive Director, TKJ
Tifani Jefferies, Chief Executive Officer – Futures Through Choices Inc.
Christian Frankowski, Vice President of Operations – Chrysalis

This panel brings together experienced leaders in the disability service field to share practical strategies and proven models that strengthen supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Panelists will explore best practices in supporting smooth transitions—whether from school to adult life or from institutional to community living—while highlighting the importance of community inclusion and integrated employment opportunities. The discussion will also address ensuring health, safety, and dignity in residential settings, quality improvement and outcome measurement, and promoting person-centered planning and individual choice. Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable approaches that can be adapted to improve programs, services, and outcomes in their own organizations.