Strengthening care pathways across Utah

Families don’t experience care in silos—and neither do the systems they rely on.

Our work focuses on alignment: connecting people, organizations, and systems so care becomes easier to access, understand, and trust.

Utah Advocacy Coalitions is not a service provider – we are the architects of connection, ensuring providers, funders, and leaders are aligned so care works better for everyone.

We break down silos by connecting people, organizations, and systems across Utah. Our work focuses on early alignment—bringing nonprofits, businesses, and policymakers together so care is easier to access, understand, and trust before crisis hits.

Each initiative addresses a system gap where early alignment creates impact that improves the trajectory of lives.

LITERACY

ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION

COLLABORATIVE EVENTS

Dyslexia Initiatives 2026 - BRIDGES: Unlocking Utah’s 1 in 5

Because reading isn’t just a school skill — it’s a communication need.

"My child struggled for years before we found the right support. BRIDGES gave us a roadmap and hope for the future."

“It’s about helping existing systems work better together—by inviting collaboration and keeping families at the center”

Utah’s Big Picture Thinkers

Utah is home to a wealth of “Big Picture” thinkers. For the 1 in 5 students with dyslexia, success requires a specific roadmap.

BRIDGES is our commitment to building the routes that connect a child’s unique potential to the specialized instruction they need to thrive. With a historic $80M investment in literacy proposed by Governor Spencer Cox, Utah has an unprecedented opportunity to ensure every child has a clear path to success.

Why It Matters: Literacy is Opportunity

Every child deserves a clear path to literacy. Currently, the system faces significant friction:

The 50% Gap

Only half of Utah 3rd graders are reading at grade level.

The The 1 in 5

Dyslexic thinking brings essential creativity and problem-solving to our workforce.

The “Wait-Tax”

Families face waitlists of 6–24 months for help, delaying critical early intervention.

The Bridge: Licensed Dyslexia Specialists (LDS)

Strong systems don’t rely on guesswork; they rely on precision. We are advocating for the Licensed Dyslexia Specialist (LDS)—an expert who acts as a specialized partner for our local teachers and a clear roadmap for our families.

  • A Specialized Partner: Supporting teachers with the most complex literacy needs.
  • A Reliable Roadmap: Providing families with a clinical standard of care they can trust.
  • A Systems Solution: Filling the professional gap between identification and intervention.

Your Story is Strength

Whether you’ve faced barriers or discovered pathways to success, your voice shapes policy.

Our Path Forward

Systems change through thoughtful design and shared responsibility. Join us in building a Utah where every brain is wired to win.

References & Transparency

  • Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute (Jan 2026): Utah Early Literacy Landscape
  • Utah Governor’s Office (Jan 2026): Literacy & Reading Initiative
  • International Dyslexia Association (2023): Knowledge & Practice Standards
  • Utah FY2027 Budget: Literacy & Education Investment

Autism Initiatives

Autism Leadership Roundtable

The Autism Leadership Roundtable brings together business leaders, policymakers with personal understanding, and community leaders committed to improving how autism support systems connect. Guided by an Autism Systems Navigator, this group focuses on alignment—not duplication—helping families find clearer pathways while amplifying the work of trusted organizations already serving the autism community.

Autism Systems Navigation and Support Pathways in Utah

Every individual brings value to their community. Our autism initiatives help families and providers navigate access points with clarity, ensuring systems respond to people—not just diagnoses—and support inclusion across education and care environments.

Advocacy & Education

The Power of Shared Knowledge

Through keynotes, workshops, and community learning, we break down silos that keep systems fragmented. Our educational work equips leaders, professionals, and families to navigate care pathways more effectively—turning complexity into shared understanding.

Collaborative Events

Better Together

Systems change is a collective movement of shared stewardship. From movie events like Uncharitable or  #SheBelongs, dots are connecting across Utah. So no one works or cares alone. 

This is the ultimate team-up: collaborative, impactful, and a true community of belonging.