Membership Agreement

UACS Membership options, benefits and membership agreement.

Who is eligible to join UACS?

Any state-approved agency providing services within the borders of the State of Utah and serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities or delays shall be eligible for membership. Members shall be in good standing with their respective overseeing state Department(s), including the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Workforce Services Rehabilitation, the Utah Office of Early Childhood, or any succeeding state entity or authority.

Benefits of UACS Membership

SOAR Training Platform

  • A licensed, exclusive training approach developed by UACS to enhance interactions with the people we serve.
  • Approved by the Utah Department of Human Services, Division of Services for People with Disabilities.
  • Offers specialized, tailored training designed for provider needs.

Collaborative Meetings

  • Monthly meetings (held on the 4th Tuesday of each month) where members can connect with fellow providers, share insights, and stay informed about updates in the field.

Weekly Newsletters

  • Stay updated on the latest developments, resources, and opportunities within the disability services community.

Advocacy Efforts

  • UACS has strong legislative efforts annually to address disability issues on a state-wide basis.
  • UACS takes an active role in legislative advocacy, partnering with a contracted lobbyist to implement strategies that strengthen the service system.
  • Recent priorities include advocating for Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) rate increases.

Collaboration with DSPD Leadership and ISCA

  • Monthly meetings with leadership from all DSPD departments to address provider concerns and develop solutions.
  • Partnership with the Independent Support Coordinators Association (ISCA) to improve service delivery system cohesion.

Membership Options

This outlines the rights, responsibilities, and benefits associated with two tiers of membership: Full Membership and Associate Membership.

Full Membership

Eligibility:

Any agency contracted with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to provide disability services.

Membership Benefits:

  • Voting rights in all UACS matters. 

  •  Weekly updates on latest developments, resources, and opportunities within the disability community.

  •  Collaboration with DSPD leadership: Monthly opportunity to address provider concerns and develop solutions.

  •  Eligibility to serve on and lead the UACS Executive Council. 

  •  Full access to UACS training programs, including SOAR.

  •  Networking opportunities, advocacy support, and updates on legislative and regulatory developments

  •  Full access to monthly membership meetings

Dues Structure:

Membership dues or an acceptable payment schedule shall be due on or before October 31 of each year. Each organization membership dues shall be based upon their revenues for Utah State contracts for services for people with disabilities. These contracts include the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Services for People with Disabilities.

Associate Membership

Eligibility:

Organizations not contracted with DSPD but billing Medicaid or other insurance for providing disability-related services.

Membership Benefits:

  • Access to UACS training programs, including SOAR.
  • Full access to monthly membership meetings
  • Networking opportunities and updates on legislative and regulatory developments.
  • Membership rates for UACS conferences

 Limitations:

  • Associate members do not have voting rights.
  • Associate members are not eligible to serve on the UACS Executive Council. 

Dues Structure:

Associate members pay a flat annual membership fee of $750 set fee for associate members reviewed

Membership Responsibilities

All members agree to: 

  1. Uphold the mission and values of UACS, including safety, dignity, and quality in services for individuals with disabilities.
  2. Actively participate in training opportunities and advocacy initiatives where applicable.

    Agreement Terms

    1. Membership is valid for one year and will automatically renew upon payment of the applicable dues unless written notice of termination is provided.
    2. Dues are non-refundable and must be paid annually by the deadline established by UACS.
    3. UACS reserves the right to adjust the dues structure and benefits annually, with notice provided to all members.
    Apply for UACS Membership