About CAC
A word from Dr. Bryce Fifield, Director, CPD
For 38 years, the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University has touched the lives of thousands of people with disabilities and their families. Our services and programs have helped people receive state of the art services in every county of Utah. Our training, education and inservice programs have helped every professional in Utah have access to the training needed to improve their skills and stay current with advances in the field.
CPD’s research has contributed to ground breaking developments in prevention, healthy living, and effective services. The Center has played a major role in the development of policies, guidelines, program regulations, and laws that affect people with disabilities.
We need your help! The input and perspective of people with disabilities is critical to our success. We cannot be effective without your help in setting priorities. Participating on the CPD’s Consumer Advisory Council helps us and it helps you. You will meet new people, work with fellow advocates, and help us make a difference in every Utah community!
What is the Center for Persons with Disabilities?
The Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) is Utah’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Services (UCEDD).
The purpose of UCEDD’s is to “Provide leadership, advise policymakers, and otherwise promote opportunities for individuals with disabilities to exercise self determination, be independent, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of community life.”
What is the Consumer Advisory Council?
The Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) is a group consisting of individuals with disabilities, family members, and representatives of government entities and local agencies who work with people with disabilities.
Consumer Advisory Council Executive Members
Tom Brownlee, Chair
Self Advocate
801-755-1525
tommy.brownlee@yahoo.com
Shaunaleen Crapo, Vice-Chair
Family Advocate
(435) 245-5702
crapo5702@msn.com
Tina Peck, Secretary
Advocate
(435) 237-1477
tina.peck@usu.edu
Gordon Richins
CPD Consumer Liaison
(435) 797-2832
Gordon.richins@usu.edu
What is the CAC’s Purpose?
The Consumer Advisory Council is one of the primary advising and guiding bodies for the Center for Persons with Disabilities. The CAC advises the CPD director about the Center’s impact on systems change, advocacy, and capacity building. The CAC works with CPD staff to develop annual goals and regularly reviews progress towards their accomplishment.
What are the responsibilities of a CAC member?
Members bring many different perspectives, ideas, and views to the council. They represent the varied geographical areas and disability issues within Utah.
Members are asked to:
- Attend/participate in meetings at least twice per year.
- Help build the capacity and reputation of the CPD.
- Actively participate on sub- committees as needed.
- Participate in discussions and provide input at CAC meetings.
- Share resources, ideas, and network with each other.
- Represent the CPD at local and regional events
If I am interested, how can I join the CAC?
To be considered for participation on the Consumer Advisory Council, follow these 3 easy steps:
1) Fill out a Consumer Advisory Council “Application” form.
This form can be mailed or emailed to you. It is available in alternate formats upon request.
Please contact Gordon Richins, CPD Consumer Liaison for a copy of the Application form by
Mail: Gordon Richins
Center for Person with Disabilities
6800 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, Utah 84322-6800
Email: gordon.richins@usu.edu
Phone: (435) 797-2832
2) Mail or email the completed form to Gordon Richins.
3) Wait to hear from the Membership Committee within two weeks to find out if there are openings on the Council.
The CAC is currently seeking parent representatives, agency representation, and members from a diverse population and from all geographic areas in Utah. All interested persons will be considered.
