Aspen Center for Learning seeks state support for continuing-education campus for adults with disabilities

Representative Gratius introduced the Aspen Center for Learning, a nonprofit planning a continuing-education campus for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. JD Davies described the problem: many adults with disabilities leave high-school services with no next-step educational options, risking regression and isolation.

Davies said Aspen holds a fully conditioned use permit on a 2.2-acre site in Heber City, has raised $3.6 million in private donations, and that the full project cost is about $16.6 million including building and operational funds. He said the governor included Aspen in the upcoming fiscal year budget and that the organization is ready to build pending fundraising; partners include ConnectIDD and Utah Valley University, with potential for campus space and programmatic partnerships.

Presenters described a self-sustaining model that would use DSPD (Division of Services for People with Disabilities) funding where eligible, private pay, and scholarship funds. Committee members praised the concept and noted the long-term demographic need in Wasatch and surrounding counties; no appropriation was made on Feb. 2.