Rob Ence, Utah Commission on Aging | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

Listen in as Rob Ence, the executive director of the Utah Commission on Aging, explains the role of the commission and how it works to connect research, public policy, and community resources on behalf of older adults. He details the partners and programs available to every Utah resident whether a senior adult or a caregiver for a senior. The commission also has many resources that benefit people who are blind and disabled.
Rob Ence - GuestJeri Openshaw - HostJason Powers - Audio Recording Manager

Kat Potter, CCE Deputy Director | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

Join the Utah Libraries Have You Covered podcast as we welcome Kat Potter, deputy director of the Department of Culture and Community Engagement (CCE). Kat provides a comprehensive overview of the nine divisions within CCE, discusses upcoming special events, and details her role and aspirations for the Department's future.
Kat Potter - GuestJeri Openshaw - HostJason Powers - Audio Recording Manager

Donna Law, CCE Director | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

In this Utah Libraries Have You Covered Episode, Department of Culture and Community Engagement (CCE) Executive Director Donna Law details her journey to this position and her hopes for its future. Law talks about having worked with CCE Divisions in her previous role as communications and marketing director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival and at Southern Utah University. The conversation details each CCE Division and plans for the department’s statewide America 250 celebrations to touch every county in Utah. You are sure to enjoy this lively conversation with Executive Director Law.
Donna Law - GuestJeri Openshaw - HostJason Powers - Audio Recording Manager

James Toledo, Deputy Director at the Utah Division of Indian Affairs | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

James Toledo is the deputy director for the Utah Division of Indian Affairs/Cultural and Community Engagement. Toledo also served as a program manager for the division where he has been instrumental in fostering relationships between the state government and Utah’s eight sovereign Tribal nations.
Toledo oversees division programs aimed at improving communication, cooperation, and collaboration between the state and Tribal governments. He also continues to work closely with Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson, who leads the state's Indian affairs programs. In this podcast James talks about available program and resources for Utah's eight sovereign Tribal nations and outlook for the future of Indian Affairs.
James Toledo - GuestJeri Openshaw - HostJason Powers - Audio Recording Manager

Ray Wright, Woodshop Instructor at the DSBVI | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

If you or someone you know is blind or disabled the last thing you may think of tackling is woodworking. Think again—a woodshop for the blind and disabled can be a valuable resource for individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities, providing a space for woodworking and other creative endeavors. These workshops can offer adapted tools, techniques, and guidance to make woodworking accessible and enjoyable. Additionally, they can provide a sense of community and social interaction for those with disabilities. At the Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Woodshop instructor Ray Wright says there are so many benefits to woodworking. In this podcast Ray explains how adaptive tools, techniques, and training can make woodworking possible for  individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities. It is a great way to empower blind or disabled people to see what the are capable of and lead to personal and other vocational opportunities.
In this Utah Libraries Have You Covered episode, Ray talks about his journey to becoming the Woodshop Instructor.
Ray Wright - GuestJeri Openshaw - HostJason Powers - Audio Recording Manager

David Wicai & CCE | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

In this episode we chat with David Wicai, the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement (CCE). CCE and its divisions are the heart and soul of Utah government. David talks about his role in CCE, CCE's nine divisions, and how we serve Utah residents.
Utah Arts & Museums
Utah State Library Division
UServeUtah: Utah Commission on Service and Volunteerism
Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs
Utah Division of Indian Affairs
Utah Historical Society
Utah STEM Action Center
Utah State Historic Preservation Office
Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission
Originally Recorded: December 2024.
David Wicai - GuestJeri Openshaw - HostJason Powers - Audio Recording Manager

State Librarian Cara Rothman | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

In this episode we chat with Cara Rothman, the Utah State Librarian and Division Director at the Utah State Library. Cara talks about the Utah State Library and Utah's public libraries.
Originally Recorded: December 2024.
Cara Rothman - Guest Jeri Openshaw - HostJason Powers - Audio Recording Manager

Lisa Nelson & the Utah State Library for the Blind | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

In this episode we chat with Lisa Nelson, Program Manager with the Utah State Library Program for the Blind and Disabled and the library services provided to the blind and visually impaired. The Library houses the world's largest braille collection and the largest audiobook collection for the blind. 
Individuals who cannot read or use conventional printed materials as a result of visual or physical limitations, i.e. blind, visual disability, physical disability, and/or reading/learning disability are by law eligible. This also includes persons in private homes, nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other institutions.
Large Print Collection
iBill Currency Reader
Utah Regional Library for the Blind (Serves People)
Multistate Center West (Serves Libraries)
Braille and the Braille E-Reader: Serves 19 States
BARD and the National Library Service
Audiobooks and Audiobook Cartridges: Serves Utah, Wyoming, Alaska, and Montana
Braille Transcribing
Recording Studio, Locally Recorded Books, and Volunteer Readers
Reading Materials for All Age Groups and All Interests
Originally Recorded: November 2024.
Lisa Nelson – GuestJeri Openshaw – HostJason Powers – Audio Recording Manager

Merrily Cannon & Hygge | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

In this episode we chat with Merrily Cannon, Library Development Program Manager with the Utah State Library (USL). Merrily chats about what the Library Development Program provides to Utah’s libraries and hygge, the Danish art of coziness.
Originally Recorded: November 2024.
Merrily Cannon – Guest Jeri Openshaw – HostJason Powers – Audio Recording Manager

Adam Rushforth & the DSBVI | Utah Libraries Have You Covered

In this episode we chat with Adam Rushforth, Training & Adjustment Services Coordinator with the Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the services provided to the blind and visually impaired.
Originally Recorded: October 2024.
Adam Rushforth – Guest Jeri Openshaw – HostJason Powers – Audio Recording Manager