Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Mary Woffinden has started a beginners country dance class in the heart of Lehi. The class is designed with learning in mind and has already become a favorite of many throughout the city.

Woffinden has been country dancing since 1985. When she was 15, she went to The Palace in Provo and fell in love.

“I had no idea I liked doing dance,” Woffinden said. “I actually learned I loved dance when I auditioned for Lehi High School’s drill team.”

Woffinden’s deep love of dance carried into adulthood. By day, she teaches traditional dance classes at Move Dance Studio. By night, she becomes a country swingin’ teacher with a passion to share.

Three months ago, she decided to start her own country dance lessons, Kick’N Country Swing, for anyone in the community. Her classes focus on the most basic level of country swing dance, rather than some of the more fusion-based lessons out there. Woffinden believes her style of teaching can help students learn more than they would otherwise.

“It allows for great success for the students because if you don’t have any background in dance, it’s really hard to learn all of these different moves,” Woffinden said. “It’s extremely basic, easy and fun.”

During class time, Woffinden encourages learners to frequently change partners. While optional, she believes swapping more often can help dancers know how to correctly lead and follow. It also provides an opportunity to meet more people and nail down new moves.

A typical class includes learning basic handhold position, framework, footwork and some dos and don’ts. Each class ends with a basic country line dance.

Once students feel confident enough, they can join a more intermediate class. The class builds on the basics and helps dancers to shine. No matter a student’s level, Woffinden encourages everyone interested to come and try.

“I promise success,” Woffinden said. “Dance has proven to be the #1 exercise to help mentally, physically and emotionally. You connect with other people and it helps with brain support.”

The class has been very successful, especially with those in the 30-70 age range. While many dance studios cater to a college or high school age crowd, Woffinden hopes to give everyone the chance to dance and connect.

“They love it,” Woffinden expressed. “For most of them, they had three or four moves they did all the time. They are so grateful not to be stuck in those moves.”

The beginning of Kick’N Country Swing has meant the world to Woffinden.

“When I see my students out in the wild at the dances and in the dance world, and I see them doing the moves I taught them, it makes me want to cry. I am seeing success and helping them make connections and broaden their world,” Woffinden said. “It’s very soul-fulfilling for me. I love dance, so if I can bring that joy to others, I have fulfilled my purpose.”

In the future, Woffinden hopes to expand to a teens camp and family country nights.

She also teaches private lessons for couples and individuals. Those interested in group lessons can sign up as an individual or a couple. No dance partner is required. For class times and more information, visit @kickncountryswing on Instagram. One class is $15 for individuals and $25 for couples.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

A beloved leader in local music was recognized in April as city officials honored his lasting impact on the arts community.

During the April 14 City Council meeting, John Miller, director of the Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band, received two prestigious awards, including a “Hero” award. Brad Frost also proclaimed May 4, 2026, to be “John Miller & Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band Day,” recognizing the group’s 20-year milestone.

Founded in 2006, Wasatch Winds was created to give adult musicians a place to continue performing after their school years had drawn to a close. Over the past two decades, the band has grown into a respected community ensemble, bringing live music to audiences across Utah County.

To celebrate the anniversary, the band will host a special concert on May 4 at 7 p.m. at the American Fork High School auditorium. In a tribute to its beginnings, the group will perform the same program from its inaugural 2006 concert.

The concert invitation also carries a playful theme, with organizers encouraging residents to attend under the slogan “May the 4th be with You and Us.” In addition to the music, refreshments will be served, creating a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere.

Admission is donation-based, greatly appreciated, and may be made at the door or online at www.wasatchwinds.org/tickets. Donating helps support the local live music community.

City leaders say the recognition reflects not only Miller’s influence as an educator and conductor, but also the importance of community arts. With members from all walks of life, Wasatch Winds continues to provide a place for musicians to connect, perform and keep music alive in American Fork.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

American Fork High School senior Mazie Walters didn’t expect the level of success she’s had in her first year in the FCCLA program, but this summer, she’ll find herself among the country’s top competitors in Washington, D.C.

Walters qualified to compete in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference, held July 5–11, by earning a gold rating and a top-two finish at the Utah state competition held in March.

“I was very excited. I wasn’t expecting it,” Walters said. “When I was setting up, I was looking at everyone else’s boards and thinking, ‘I don’t know if mine’s going to make it that far.’”

The FCCLA STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events competition challenges students to apply real-world skills in career-focused categories. In Interior Design, competitors are all given the same scenario and must create a comprehensive design solution. This year’s project centered on a commercial retail space for a plant shop called “Bloom and Root.”

Participants were tasked with designing both the storefront and backroom to meet specific client needs, including layout requirements, square footage, functionality, and design elements.

Walters developed a full concept that incorporated workstations, a sales counter, display areas, and a workspace, along with samples of materials she would use in the design.

Walters’ final presentation at the state competition featured two poster boards displaying floor plans, elevations, material samples, color schemes, and design elements, including tables, counters and tile selections. In addition to the visual components, judges evaluated competitors heavily on their speaking and presentation skills.

As she prepares for the next stage, Walters will have the opportunity to refine her project based on the judges’ feedback. While she plans to keep her overall design largely the same, she is working on small adjustments to strengthen her presentation.

As the only American Fork competitor, Walters will travel to the national competition with a group from Lehi High School to represent her school.

During the FCCLA STAR Events Finalist Session, the top 10 finalists in each category will be recognized, and the top three winners will be announced live and presented with a plaque.

Walters sees a future for herself in interior design. “Interior design has always been something I’ve loved,” she said. “This has always been big for me and something I want to do in the future.
Having already gained experience through classes, internships and personal projects, she plans to begin an interior design and architecture program at Utah State University this fall. She’d love to apply her talents in the future to temple design for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

McKynzee was in the middle of cheerleader tryouts when the pain started. The tryout required a one mile run that would normally be no problem. But this time was different.

The pain didn’t go away. It got worse. When doctors finally got test results back, the news came fast. It appeared to be some form of cancer. She was taken by ambulance with her mom from Utah County to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake.

“We couldn’t say cancer — like almost don’t say the “c” word,” McKynzee said on Monday afternoon at a Chick-fil-A celebration lunch in American Fork in her honor. “Anytime anyone would say the “c” word aloud we all started crying. And it’s so sad. But now I can say it. I feel great, and I’m done with it.”

Done with it meant she rang the bell. Ewing sarcoma — that’s what the biopsies confirmed — put McKynzee through a year of treatment that swallowed her summer of 2025 whole. Now she’s getting it back.

Make-A-Wish Utah granted McKynzee a Caribbean cruise — Jamaica, the Bahamas and beyond — and she leaves in a matter of weeks. Her wish proclamation came in January, sponsored by Kenect, a Pleasant Grove-based technology company that provides auto dealerships with an all-in-one platform. Kenect employees didn’t just lend the company name and pay for the party to announce McKynzee’s wish— they raised enough money to help grant at least five wishes for kids just like McKynzee.

Kenect co-founder, Graham Anderson, said “We loved having the opportunity to get to know McKynzee and her family. We got to see firsthand how strong she is while going through such a challenging time. We are so grateful we got to play a small part in her journey, and are thrilled that she’ll be able to enjoy her own Wish!”

Dusty Pyne, who operates the Chick-fil-A restaurants in American Fork and Lehi, brought McKynzee and her family in for a small complimentary celebration lunch during McKynzee’s spring break. The gesture was personal — but what’s coming next month is even bigger.

On April 14 and 15, Chick-fil-A locations across Utah will run a Cookies for Kids campaign. One dollar from every cookie sale goes directly to Make-A-Wish Utah. Pyne has pledged to match all funds raised at his American Fork and Lehi locations on both days.

For McKynzee’s father, that kind of community response means more than most people realize. He described watching his daughter run out of energy during treatment — and watching Make-A-Wish step in again and again to give her something to look forward to.

“There were times she was completely down,” he said. “Getting her to these events actually helped the doctors — they’d say, let’s do blood transfusions, let’s make sure your numbers are up so she has a great time. Every single thing just lined up.”

He said Make-A-Wish gave McKynzee a reason to push through one more hard week. “I could get through this next week — and I have this to go to,” he said, recapping her mindset. “That’s the biggest thing.”

“Cancer sucks,” McKynzee said simply. “But this helped me go through the journey so much.”

Of all the things to wish for, McKynzee chose a Caribbean cruise because it represents everything cancer took from her in 2025. Sun. Freedom. Summer.

Make-A-Wish Utah’s efforts this month extend beyond McKynzee’s story. The organization has launched its fifth annual Drive for Wishes campaign — the largest fundraising and media effort in its 39-year history. Three Make-A-Wish cars are traveling across the state throughout April, creating wish-granting moments and amplifying stories like McKynzee’s. The campaign runs through April 29, closing with a World Wish Day event at the Kahlert Foundation Wishing Place.

Anyone looking to support wish kids directly don’t have to travel far. Just stop by either Chick-fil-A on April 14 or 15, order a cookie and know that $1 will go towards granting more wishes for kids like McKynzee to give them hope during their toughest days.

Want to learn more about Make-A-Wish Utah’s Drive for Wishes campaign? Follow along at makeawishutah.org and on social media throughout April.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

A local high school musician is gaining national recognition after being selected to perform with one of the country’s most elite student jazz ensembles.

Tanner Brinkerhoff, a student at American Fork High School, has been named a member of the 2026 Jazz Band of America. The honor places him among the top young jazz musicians in the United States and will take him to Indianapolis later this month.

The Jazz Band of America is part of the prestigious Music for All National Festival, which was held on March 26-28. Brinkerhoff earned his spot through a highly competitive audition process, ultimately being selected as one of the nation’s top jazz saxophonists.

The ensemble is widely recognized as one of the premier honor bands for high school musicians, offering students the opportunity to perform at an advanced level alongside some of the most respected names in music education. Participants rehearse under renowned conductors, collaborate with guest artists, and perform for audiences comprising accomplished student musicians and educators from across the country.

This year’s Jazz Band of America will be directed by Mike Tomaro, former Jazz Studies Program Director at Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music. The ensemble will also feature guest artist Summer Camargo, a member of the Saturday Night Live house band and a Jazz Band of America alumna.

Brinkerhoff and the ensemble performed at the Schrott Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 28, at 8 p.m. central time, closing out the three-day festival.

The Music for All National Festival is one of the largest gatherings of student musicians in the United States, bringing together 54 ensembles from 14 states. The event showcases a wide range of performances from concert bands, orchestras and percussion ensembles, all selected through a rigorous audition process.

According to James Weaver, the festival focused on collaboration rather than competition, offering students a unique environment to learn from one another. “Students perform not only for audiences but for each other,” Weaver said. “They gain new perspectives, build friendships and experience the transformative impact of music at the highest level.”

In addition to performances, students participated in rehearsals led by top music educators, attend leadership workshops, and take part in social events that foster connections among young musicians nationwide. The festival culminates with performances by the national honor ensembles, including the Jazz Band of America.

For Brinkerhoff, the opportunity represented both personal achievement and a reflection of the strong music programs found in Utah schools. His selection highlights the level of talent being developed locally and the opportunities available to students who pursue music at a high level.

For those who were unable to attend in person, all festival concerts, including the Jazz Band of America performance, are streamed live and available to watch for free online.

As Brinkerhoff took the stage, his accomplishment stood as a milestone not only for himself but for his school and community. Representing American Fork on a national platform, he joins a select group of young musicians demonstrating what is possible through dedication, talent and a passion for music.

April Slaughter | Lehi Free Press

For Gina Halladay, community service is rooted in a simple idea: small acts of care can make a meaningful difference for someone facing a difficult moment.

The Lehi resident leads Wrap the World with Quilts, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that collects and distributes handmade quilts and blankets to individuals and families affected by crisis. Through partnerships with local schools, businesses and community groups, the effort connects volunteers in Lehi with people in need around the world.

For her leadership and ongoing commitment to humanitarian service, Halladay has been named the Chick-fil-A Citizen of the Month.

Since its founding, the organization has grown into a broad network of volunteers and donors. Local support has played a key role in that growth, including contributions from residents, students and businesses, as well as funding assistance through Lehi City’s PARC program.

Halladay said the recognition reflects the collective effort behind the work.

“Being named Chick-fil-A Citizen of the Month is an unexpected honor, and I share that recognition with all of the talented souls, makers, givers and volunteers that support Wrap the World With Quilts,” she said. “I am honored, but know it is the work of many that has enabled our charity to comfort others.”

Quilts and blankets collected through the program have been distributed to people affected by a wide range of disasters and emergencies, including Ukrainian refugees and victims of wildfires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.

For Halladay, the motivation comes from the work’s purpose.

“Our purpose to bring comfort, love, warmth, healing and human connection to those suffering brings me joy and motivation,” she said.

She said the project’s impact is best understood through individual stories. Recently, the organization received a message from a woman injured in a church shooting who wrote that the handmade blanket she received would bring her comfort for years to come.

Halladay said moments like that reinforce the importance of even small efforts.

“One quilt made by a volunteer, wrapped around one person, does make a difference to someone who is displaced, discouraged or distressed,” she said. “The gift of a handmade quilt shows that someone cares about them.”

Halladay was recognized by the local Chick-fil-A restaurant as Citizen of the Month, a program that honors individuals whose leadership and service strengthen the community.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

Before sunrise, on a cold winter morning, a group of men gathered at the Lehi Sports Park to do something intentionally hard. They lift cinder blocks, run in the dark, shout encouragement, and end every workout standing shoulder to shoulder in a circle of trust.

The group is F3, short for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith, a free, peer-led men’s workout organization that has been growing in the area. Founded in 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina, F3 is a national movement with workouts in more than 46 states and over 3,400 scheduled each week.

Lehi officially became an independent F3 region on January 1st, a milestone, local leader Ted Arnoldus said, reflecting steady, word-of-mouth growth. Typical workouts draw between seven and 15 men, intentionally small to foster connection.

The group meets at Wines Park on Monday and Wednesday mornings, Holbrook Farms Park on Thursdays, and the Lehi Sports Complex on Saturdays. Weekday workouts start at 5:30 a.m., while Saturdays begin at 7 a.m. The early hours are intentional, ensuring the workout is over before most participants head to work.

“The workout gets men here, but the brotherhood is what keeps them coming back,” said Arnoldus, known within the F3 organization as the Naantan. “Our goal isn’t just fitness. It’s helping men become better leaders in their families, workplaces, and communities.”

F3 operates on five core principles: it is always free, open to all men, held outdoors rain or shine, led by peers on a rotating basis, and always ends in a circle of trust. No two workouts are the same, and leadership rotates weekly. Participants use only what they bring, most often a single cinder block, gloves, a headlamp, and a willingness to show up.

Arnoldus said F3 is not only a way for men to attend to their physical health but also their mental health. “A lot of men don’t realize how isolated they are until they experience real brotherhood. F3 gives them that,” he said.

“It’s about brotherhood,” said Chris “E-Boy” Adams, who has been attending F3 workouts for nearly four years. “We do what we call ‘pick up the six.’ If someone’s behind, we stop and wait. Leave no man behind.”

For some, F3 arrives at a critical moment. John Baker, known in the group as “Jugs,” said he first showed up after months of unemployment.

“I came for fitness, but what hooked me was the circle of trust,” Baker said. “Men carry a lot, and this gives us a place to put it down.”

Kevin Gulledge nicknamed “Ginger Beard,” said most men don’t make friends easily as adults, but doing hard things together can forge that bond. “This isn’t just about fitness. It’s about realizing the people around you are carrying a lot and choosing to carry it together,” he said. “Men tend to suffer in silence, but when we suffer together, we open up. F3 gives us a place to do that.”

Men of all ages participate, from high school students to men in their 50s and beyond.

Gulledge’s son, high school senior Dallin Gulledge, said he began attending with his father and now leads similar workouts for students as part of a school capstone project. “Doing hard things together builds confidence,” he said.

For those attending for the first time, the experience can be intimidating, but welcoming. Justin Hanson, who recently participated in his first F3 workout, said the group quickly put him at ease.
“It was tough, and the early morning isn’t my favorite,” Hanson said with a laugh, “but everyone was encouraging. I could see myself coming back.”

For many, F3 has become more than a workout. It’s a place to belong, before the sun comes up, in the cold, doing hard things together.

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

Service and emotional support animals are now a common sight in Utah County, from grocery stores to waiting rooms. This increased presence sparks important conversations about disability and mental health, but it has also caused significant confusion about the actual legal rights and limits for these animals.

That confusion has real consequences. People who rely on service animals can be stopped at the door, questioned, or slowed down in places where they’re fully entitled to be. Business owners are left trying to enforce rules without crossing a legal line. When an untrained pet disrupts, it makes life harder for the people who depend on well-trained service animals to get through their day.

The key point: Service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) have different rights and responsibilities under the law.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog (or, in some cases, a miniature horse) that has been individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Under the ADA, disability means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The tasks performed by the animal must directly relate to the person’s disability. This can include, for example, guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone who is deaf, picking up dropped items, helping with balance, or responding to medical conditions such as seizures or changes in blood sugar levels. Animals that solely provide comfort or emotional support, without task-specific training, are not considered service animals under the ADA.

The ADA also specifies where service animals are permitted. Restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops, government buildings and many medical offices fall under those rules. ESAs do not have the same public access rights as service animals.

Much of the public confusion stems from the idea that service animals must be “certified.” There is no federal certification, no official paperwork, no required vest. Handlers may use gear to avoid repeated questions, but the law doesn’t require them to do so.

Businesses have legal limits on what questions they can ask about a service animal. If it is not obvious that an animal is a service animal, employees may only ask two questions: (1) Is the animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the animal been trained to perform? Under ADA regulations, employees may not ask for details about a person’s disability, request medical documentation, require proof of training or request a demonstration of the animal’s tasks.

Service animals must still follow basic rules. They must be under control and housebroken. If an animal is disruptive and the handler doesn’t correct the behavior, a business can ask that the animal be removed. Even then, staff must continue to provide service to the person without the animal.

ESAs may qualify for housing accommodations under housing law, even in no-pet buildings, but they do not have a general right to enter businesses.

Utah law specifically addresses misrepresentation. It is a criminal offense to knowingly misrepresent an animal as a service animal or ESA, meaning falsely claiming that an animal is legally recognized when it is not. While enforcement varies, the intent of the statute is to protect people with disabilities from having their access undermined by fraudulent or misleading claims.

Public behavior matters, too. Service animals are not pets. They’re trained to stay focused on their handler. Touching, calling to, photographing or distracting a working animal can interfere with tasks or delay medical alerts. Additionally, no one is entitled to personal details about someone’s disability. Questions should be limited and respectful. Treating handlers as curiosities or confronting them in public only creates barriers that the law is meant to remove.

As Utah County grows, understanding and respecting the legal differences between service animals and ESAs is key to keeping public spaces welcoming for everyone. Service animals are essential tools for independence and are protected by law. ESAs have their own legal protections, but they do not include public access rights. Knowing these distinctions and responding with respect enables everyone to navigate daily life with greater dignity and ease.

For more information about the rights of service animals and their handlers, visit ada.gov/topics/service-animals.

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

Christmas was especially meaningful for one local family this year as their son and brother, Colton Pace, returned home after months of medical care following a bike accident in October. After stabilization at American Fork Hospital, he was life-flighted to Primary Children’s Hospital and stayed until his release the weekend before Christmas.

Colton suffered facial, rib, and pelvic fractures, with his most serious injuries affecting his brain and the nerves to his left arm. He spent ten weeks at PCH, including time in the Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuro Trauma Units. During his stay, he had several surgeries and relearned to eat, speak, and move.

“Through it all, Colton has maintained such a positive attitude and shares his smiles liberally with everyone he encounters. His recovery has been truly miraculous!” shared Colton’s mother, Laurel Pace.

Included in Colton’s miraculous healing are hundreds of neighbors uniting to serve the Pace family. Two close neighbors organized a huge community fundraiser involving numerous donations for sale.

Laurel was overwhelmed when neighbors offered to host the event. “This was a huge undertaking with many volunteers and hours of work. I am so grateful for their gift of love and our supportive community. I knew we had great neighbors, but I could not believe how much they were willing to help us.”

Natalie Wood and Kristen Clayton led the fundraiser. “The community deeply cared about Colton and his family. We found an opportunity to sell items and raise funds for Colton’s needs,” said Wood. Though short on time, neighbors contributed significant hours, and Stone Gate Wedding and Events in Pleasant Grove donated their venue.

“In the midst of something so difficult and hard, it is amazing to see the light that can shine in. Everyone who helped, donated, or participated in this event was a little bit of light. It helped us realize that we all really do need each other,” shared Wood.

People donated baked goods for the event, while other individuals and local businesses contributed many items for the silent auction. Crumble, Smoked Taco, Chick-fil-A, Lehi Bakery, Provo Beach, Pei Wei, P.F. Changs, Roxberry, Slackwater, Kneaders, Kangaroo Zoo, and Citrus Pear supplied gift cards or gift bags. Twinkle Mattress donated a mattress, and Solitude gave out two ski passes. Bucked Up, G2G Bars, Echo H2O and Flowers by Mandy donated product, Artisanal Events gifted their services, and Danielle Kemp Nelson provided a photography package for the fundraiser.

Customers often paid more than they needed to, so they could donate extra to the family. “We were overjoyed with the response we got from the community and how much support the Pace family received,” added Wood.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community! We have felt so much love. Our neighbors have been just incredible!” Laurel also shared.

Friends and neighbors supplied meals to the Pace family for two months during Colton’s hospitalization. “It was a relief knowing my family was cared for while I was away,” wrote Laurel. School and church friends sent cards, posters, and gifts, and Colton especially loved visits from friends and teachers.

“Many friends, acquaintances, and strangers have approached me to share their care, hugs, and prayers for Colton. These moments mean so much. I believe God has honored these prayers and blessed Colton with healing,” added Laurel.

A generous neighbor, anonymously, arranged to have one of the Paces’ front-yard trees lit in “Temple Square style” to welcome Colton home.

“The tree is breathtaking, with all-white lights. Colton calls it the ‘Tree of Life,’ and every time he sees it, he remembers surviving his accident. I get emotional when I see the illuminated tree and think of our gifts this year. I will be forever grateful,” shared Laurel.

“It was so special to be together at Christmas,” wrote Laurel. Colton’s cognitive and physical abilities have improved since coming home. “He is much happier at home and more motivated to play and interact with his older siblings.”

With a traumatic brain injury, Colton still has a long way to go, but he is putting in hard work to get there. He will be doing intensive speech, physical, and occupational therapy from home for the next few months. His mother is hoping to help him transition back to school during that time.

“I have learned a lot from the Pace family. They have held tightly to their faith and shown gratitude despite challenges. Their patience, strength, and resilience have inspired me,” concluded Wood.

If you would like to donate on Colton’s behalf, you may Venmo @caringforcolton or contribute through the Build for Hope Foundation by emailing Wood [email protected].

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

On a recent afternoon in Utah County, Jordyn and Johan talked the way many newly engaged couples do — about a wedding date, the life they want to build and what comes next. They were engaged on Jordyn’s birthday, Dec. 19, 2025, and plan to marry in October 2026. Both are on the autism spectrum, and Jordyn also lives with epilepsy. The couple met as students at American Fork’s Alpine Transition Education Center (ATEC).

Their story is a reminder that for many disabled young adults, the years after high school can be full of promise–if the community continues to provide meaningful pathways and support going forward. Their relationship was built over years of shared time at ATEC. They participated in job training and community activities and spent time with other students. Their story reflects the stability and confidence that dedicated support systems can nurture.

That promise often falters once school-based services end. Families frequently describe adulthood as a “cliff rather than a bridge,” marked by long waitlists, unfamiliar systems and a sudden loss of structure. The routines that anchored students through their teens — predictable schedules, teachers who know their needs, built-in social circles — disappear almost overnight. Parents often become de facto case managers, navigating a maze of agencies and eligibility rules while trying to help their adult children maintain the momentum they built in school.

Utah County has a growing network of programs built on a simple premise: Focus on capability rather than limitation. Disabled adults can and do thrive as workers, students and community members.

Employment remains the most potent and complex factor in adult independence. Utah’s Division of Services for People with Disabilities has adopted an Employment First approach, emphasizing that competitive, integrated work should be the preferred outcome for adults with disabilities who want to work. The philosophy is straightforward: people learn, grow and contribute most when they are part of the broader workforce, not segregated from it. In practice, that means helping individuals secure real jobs in the community with support tailored to their needs, whether that’s preparing a résumé, practicing interview skills, or learning the expectations of a new workplace.

Vocational Rehabilitation, administered through the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, is often the first stop. Counselors help adults explore careers, access training, develop job skills and connect with employers. For some, that might mean short-term assistance to secure a first job; for others, it may involve longer-term planning, such as identifying a career path that aligns with strengths and interests. For those who need it, supported employment can include job coaching and on-the-job assistance designed to fade as confidence grows. Coaches may help break down tasks, model communication strategies, or troubleshoot challenges that arise during the transition into a new role.

One of the most persistent barriers, however, isn’t paperwork — it’s employer hesitation. Many businesses remain reluctant to hire disabled adults, not out of malice but uncertainty. Concerns about liability, accommodation, or productivity often lead smaller employers, in particular, to assume that hiring carries elevated risk. Some worry they lack the expertise to support a disabled employee or fear making a costly mistake. These concerns, while common, often stem from unfamiliarity and lack of knowledge rather than evidence-based outcomes.

Advocates say those fears rarely match reality. Most accommodations cost little or nothing, and many disabled employees require none beyond clear expectations and consistent communication. Supported employment providers help reduce risk by assisting with onboarding, training, and problem-solving during the adjustment period. They act as a bridge between employer and employee, ensuring both sides understand expectations and have the tools to succeed. When challenges arise, job coaches can intervene early, preventing minor misunderstandings from escalating into larger issues.

Local organizations such as RISE Services and EnableUtah work directly with job seekers and employers, matching individuals to positions based on strengths and interests. Job coaches help ensure expectations are clear on both sides, easing concerns while building long-term success. These organizations often serve as connectors, assisting employers to see the potential in candidates they might otherwise overlook and helping job seekers find workplaces where they can grow.

Stigma, however, can be more challenging to dismantle than. Adults with disabilities are often underestimated or filtered out before an interview begins. For individuals on the autism spectrum, differences in communication style are sometimes mistaken for a lack of competence. Employment specialists stress that inclusive hiring is not charity — it’s workforce development. In a tight labor market, expanding the talent pool is not only equitable but practical.

Businesses that take this step often report unexpected benefits, including lower turnover, strong attention to detail and improved workplace culture. Employees who have struggled to find opportunities elsewhere usually bring loyalty and consistency that employers value. In a county where employers frequently cite labor shortages, overlooking capable workers comes at a cost.

Employment stability is closely tied to continued education and community support. Utah Valley University’s Accessibility Services office helps students with disabilities access coursework, campus resources and career preparation. UVU Continuing Education offers non-credit classes and training options that build skills without the pressure of a traditional degree track, giving adults room to explore interests or strengthen competencies at their own pace.

Transportation remains another critical factor. Even the right job or class is inaccessible without reliable transit. The Utah Transit Authority’s ADA paratransit service helps eligible individuals who cannot consistently use fixed‑route buses reach work, school and appointments, though the application process requires planning. Families often describe transportation as the hinge on which opportunity swings — without it, even the best programs remain out of reach.

For families unsure where to begin, Utah 211 offers a centralized starting point. By dialing 211 or texting a ZIP code, residents can connect with specialists who help identify local resources for employment, education, transportation and community services. This service can be especially valuable for families new to the adult services landscape, offering guidance at a time when the path forward can feel overwhelming.

Community support extends beyond programs and agencies. Faith groups, civic organizations, neighbors and employers all play a role — mentoring, offering rides, helping with interview practice, or rethinking hiring practices to focus on strengths rather than assumptions. These small acts of inclusion often shape daily life more than any formal program.

Jordyn and Johan’s story is hopeful, but it is not exceptional. It is ordinary in the best sense: two young adults planning a future. Our community’s and Utah County’s responsibility is to ensure that the future includes access to meaningful work, continued learning and genuine belonging — not as acts of goodwill, but as recognition of capability already present.

Utah County Resources:

• Utah 211 (United Way of Utah County)

https://www.utah211.org

• Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (Vocational Rehabilitation)

https://jobs.utah.gov/usor

• Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD)

• RISE Services

• EnableUtah

https://www.enableutah.org

• Wasatch Behavioral Health

• Utah Valley University – Accessibility Services

https://www.uvu.edu/accessibility-services

• Alpine Transition Education Center (ATEC)

https://atec.alpineschools.org

• Utah Transit Authority – ADA Paratransit

https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Accessibility/Paratransit