Utah Autism Academy

Eaton Alliance is a community-based service provider for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries, serving people throughout Utah. Brothers Dave and Jimmy Eaton started Eaton Alliance in 2004 with a single client, at the urging of a friend who wanted better services for her son with autism, and about half the people supported today are on the autism spectrum. Services include group homes with 24 hour assistance, host homes, supported living, supported employment, respite care, financial management, and day and summer programs. Every program is built around making daily choices, pursuing individual goals, personalized learning and leisure, psychosocial development, and community engagement. Parents, families, medical providers, and caseworkers all sit on the support team.

Jordan Valley School is the center-based school for students with significant disabilities in Canyons School District. Special education and related services are provided to students from birth through age 22 based on IEP team decisions, so families of preschoolers and of older students find programming under one roof. Related services delivered on site include speech and language therapy, school psychology services, physical and occupational therapy, music therapy, adapted physical education, and specialized transportation. A board certified behavior analyst and a team of school nurses are also part of the staff. The building itself is purpose-built for the students it serves, with a therapy swimming pool, two multi-sensory environment rooms, two playgrounds, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and an on-site nurse station. The school's vision is for every student to receive individualized instruction and related services that maximize independence through communication and self-advocacy skills while contributing to their community. Students are the Chameleons, a mascot chosen to reflect the adaptability and resourcefulness of the school community. An early childhood preschool program runs morning and afternoon sessions, and the school takes part in Special Olympics.