Educational and opportunities for adults with special needs
Aspen Center for Learning is building an educational facility in Heber Valley that offers a new kind of experience for individuals with disabilities. We focus on helping students build essential social and life skills, foster growth in every aspect of their lives, and seize opportunities they may not otherwise have.
Supporting self‑reliance through extended primary education
Individuals with special needs are incredibly smart and capable of more than we often think. But their learning is typically delayed, and takes longer than the traditional timing of mainstream middle and high school. In fact, many students are at their peak learning capability just when their formal education opportunities in public school come to an end. The Aspen Center for Learning will provide these students a space to continue to expand their knowledge, develop life skills, and grow personally in a supportive and active community.
Serving a frequently underserved community
Often, special needs individuals spend significant time at home engaged in less productive activities. The Aspen Center for Learning will support up to 100 adult students per day through structured classes, frequent events, and activity programming. We will target individuals who desire to learn, further their education, and benefit from increased social interaction.
The
Big Idea
The Big Idea
Special needs education requires unique resources
There isn't currently a common solution in Utah providing post-high school education for individuals with special needs. Typically, after high school, individuals with special needs are encouraged to find a job. While entry-level positions such as cleaning fast food tables or bagging groceries can be fulfilling, progressing to more skilled employment opportunities will require further education. In many cases, parents and guardians also hire care providers to assist their loved ones with special needs a few times a week, often taking them to do fun activities such as bowling, visiting the zoo, or going to lunch.
We believe that a healthy amount of education should be included in the care providers' plans and that individuals with special needs would be better fit for both employment and interactions with others if they were able to continue their education. Aspen Center for Learning can provide the opportunities to do just that.
Cost of Special Needs Care
Parents can pay care providers $120 per day to spend time with their children. Usually, this time is spent shadowing and entertaining. We believe a part of this time should be spent on education.
Cost of Special Needs Housing
Adults with special needs often want the independence of their own place to live, yet they lack the skills and responsibility to truly live on their own. Not only are group homes and assisted living situations for people with disabilities limited in availability, they can also be costly.
The
Need
The Need
Special Needs and Homelessness
Individuals with special needs experience homelessness more frequently than you may think. They often have very few family members to take care of them after their parents or guardians pass away, which results in a lack of care and housing. We are including housing in our project to help address this need.
Aspen Center for Learning hopes to provide a blend of opportunities and cost structures to be able to cater to a large range of needs & students.
Many parents and individuals cannot afford the cost of care and housing on their own, and many struggle to get governmental assistance.
Tate Davies
The idea for Aspen Center for Learning began with our own son, Tate. Tate is 23, but he’s mentally closer to 12. While his learning capacity is higher than it’s ever been, he doesn’t have a school to further his education. We wanted to provide a place where Tate could continue to extend his education and build a community with other students, instead of being stuck at home or on his own. Tate isn’t the only kid who could use a place like this.
Kollyn Heffernan
Kollyn was born with a rare syndrome called 2qdel37. He attended integrated high school at Wasatch, continued at Wasatch Transition College, and just recently competed in the Special Olympics with Team Utah in Orlando Florida. Sadly, his family has been fighting to qualify for governmental financial assistance for years, but they are still unable to get the help they need. In an effort to make the money they need for care, Kollyn's mother works part-time, while Kollyn works at Chubby's, so he doesn't have to stay at home alone. And while his sister has always been a huge help, she is preparing to leave for college, and their family is even more worried about how they will provide the care he needs.
Jordan Warrick
Jordan is 23 years old, has an intellectual disability, and is not able to live independently. He lives in Heber City, Utah, where he attended and graduated from Wasatch Transition College. Jordan is a great athlete and loves participating in track and field events. His father was his biggest fan. Sadly, Jordan's father unexpectedly passed away in March 2023 at a relatively young age. Jordan has no other family to take care of him and is now homeless. His teacher has been kind enough to let him live with her temporarily, but this can't last forever. He is a prime example of one who could benefit from special needs housing.The
EcosystemOthers are recognizing the need
The
Inspiration
The Inspiration
Utah's system of support for special needs individuals
The Aspen Center for Learning isn't the first organization to help individuals with special needs. In fact, Wasatch County and the state of Utah have numerous resources available. However, current resources are not sufficient to keep up with the demand. Additionally, there are growing opportunities to help unite efforts and bring more of the community together.
Wasatch County Transitional College
The Wasatch County School District provides a transitional college for special needs individuals to continue learning for an additional four years after high school. The teachers and program are amazing. But, it's not enough. Continued learning opportunities for these individuals remains important to their progression beyond age 22, when they must leave the transitional college.
Innovative Harbor Special Needs Housing
In Wasatch County, Innovative Harbor runs a special needs group home for four individuals, but they currently have significantly more demand for special needs independent living than they have housing resources.
Wolverines Elevated
Wolverines Elevated is a three-year certificate program at Utah Valley University that supports students with intellectual disabilities. Students pursue a certificate in Integrated College and Community Studies and may also choose to pursue an industry-recognized certificate in their area of career interest.
Aggies Elevated
Aggies Elevated is an inclusive college program at Utah State University for young adults with intellectual disabilities. The program's goal for graduates is competitive integrated employment, full community inclusion, and independent living to their highest ability.
the
ecosystem
The Ecosystem
2.2 Acres in Blue Sage Ranch
Located at 6000 E 1200 S in the Heber Valley, our site is next to the trailhead of Blue Sage Ranch Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail. It has tall oak brush, cottonwood trees, and plenty of wildlife, including elk, moose, deer, coyotes and more.
Nine classrooms
Totaling 13,600 ft², our facility will teach traditional subjects like math, science, reading, computer skills and speech, as well as non-traditional subjects, such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, gardening, yard work, and other life skills.
Full-size gymnasium
The Center will also include a full-sized gymnasium to provide a home for Special Olympics teams in the Heber Valley, a movie theater for fifteen people, a golf simulator, a bike shop and bike storage room and workout gym.
Nature Park
Teaching students about local plants and animals.
Nature Walk
Outdoor experiences like hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Connected to Blue Sage Ranch Trails.
Outdoor Garden
Help teach hands-on skills for growing plants.
Outdoor Sports Field
Encourage team play and a venue to host events.
Recreation Barn
8,200 ft² for basketball, dances, and other community activities.
The
center
The Center
Progress towards a shared vision
Our ultimate goal is a big one, and it takes a team to make it possible. We have already made major strides towards realizing our vision for Aspen Center for Learning, which will include educational and experiential facilities.
Plan and design
Finalized plans and put them out to bid
Choose contractors and suppliers to build the Center
Finish raising capital funds to construct the Center
Begin Construction
Estimated completion
The
Plan
The Plan
Interested in getting involved?
We are currently looking for donors and partners to help bring the Aspen Center for Learning to life. We firmly believe that this center will offer life changing opportunities for countless individuals with special needs, just like our son, Tate. We look forward to hearing from all who want to help us bring this incredible vision to life.
J.W. & Jennifer Davies
Funding Progress
Thanks to our generous donors, we've already raised $5.1 Million toward building the Aspen Center for Learning! It's an incredible start, but we still need your support to reach our goal. Donate today using the link above or contact us to explore larger involvement opportunities.
