Actual Values: This measure assumes a disability prevalence rate of 2.71% across the entire population of the state. Prevalence is calculated by multiplying the entire Utah population by 2.71% to get the estimated number of eligible individuals. Then the total number of individuals receiving DSPD services is divided by the estimated number of eligible individuals to get a percentage. This calculation does not take into account the participation rate. 

E.g. In 2024, the Utah population is estimated to by 3,515,242.

3,504,000* 2.71%=94,958 eligible individuals for DSPD services

7,157 individuals in services / 94,958 eligible individuals = 0.0754 (or 7.54%)

Target Values: The percentage of eligible individuals served by DSPD if the waiting list were fully funded.

E.g. 7,157 individuals in services + 5,345 on the waiting list = 12,502 individuals known to DSPD

12,502 / 94,958 eligible individuals for DSPD services = 0.1317 (or 13.17%) 

The number of individuals that the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) has been able to serve in recent years has struggled to keep pace with Utah’s rapidly growing population. As the state’s population expands, so too does the number of individuals eligible for services. While a recent uptick in the percentage of people served reflects significant legislative appropriations, long-term challenges remain. These appropriations have enabled DSPD to bring more individuals off the waiting list and into services. However, while recent rate increases were necessary to support service providers and ensure sustainability, they have also inadvertently limited the number of new individuals DSPD can serve. The same level of appropriations today provides services to fewer individuals than it did five years ago due to rising service costs. DSPD continues to work diligently to balance these competing needs—expanding access to services while maintaining rates that promote sustainability among high-quality service providers.