A new nonprofit organization that aims to assist the more than 70,000 Utahns with intellectual disabilities is holding an open house Nov. 10.

The Utah Association for Intellectual Disabilities was established this year to provide opportunities for skills training, social interaction, computer access and respite care for caregivers. It also hopes to help hundreds of residents through its Holiday Gift Box program.

The public is invited to UAID's temporary headquarters, 1328 South 2100 East, in Salt Lake City. The open house will run from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a formal welcome at 4:30 p.m. Utah Assistant Attorney General Steve Mikita will speak, and a donation from 1-800 CONTACTS will be announced.

The Holiday Gift Box program continues a tradition that began with Arc of Utah, now defunct. Ornaments with information about recipients can be picked up at the UAID office Monday through Friday, between 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment by calling 801-654-8449. The deadline for dropping off gift donations is December 14.

The intellectual disabilities community includes those with birth defects such as Down's syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, autism and traumatic brain injuries.