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A Word from Executive Director Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones
It’s hard to believe that we are midway through the fall semester already. Maybe it’s been the great weather, but is it really almost November already? The Mineral Industries Building continues to undergo a “facelift” that is making us more welcoming to all campus visitors. In fact, we have over 20 student trainees this semester. HDIers have also settled into great new work space at Coldstream. The training and meeting areas are bustling with activity, and we have expanded our technology capacity by launching our fall seminars with smart UK videoconferencing that brings presentations direct to your laptop or smartphone. Make sure to check out our next seminar, Establishing Trust: Developing Community Engaged Networks to Reach Underserved Rural Populations, on December 2nd from 1- 3 pm.
We’ve got several new grants and contracts launching in areas of need for Kentucky, particularly in the areas of health and wellness and transition to employment and higher education. You’ll be hearing more about all of these projects in future HDI articles and press releases. We are excited to work with staff, students, and partners with a shared vision of inclusive communities for all Kentuckians. We will continue to strive toward this, despite challenging budgetary environments.
HDI Helping Students With Disabilities Transition From School to Career
HDI, along with valuable partners, has received a five-year Partnership in Employment Systems Change grant from the Administration for Community Living. The grant will help students with the most significant disabilities, specifically students age 18-21, transition from school to meaningful employment or postsecondary education in their communities. Read More…
HDI Part of New Health Promotion Program for Individuals With Disabilities
HDI will participate with partners across the Commonwealth in a new health promotion program in concert with the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Development and Intellectual Disabilities. The initiative, called Project CHEER, will aim to positively impact the health and well-being of Kentuckians with physical and intellectual disabilities. Read More…
HDI and Southeast ADA Center Renew Partnership to Provide ADA Guidance
HDI and the Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, have renewed their partnership to provide information and guidance on Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act to employers, people with disabilities, federal contractors, families, and service providers throughout the southeast United States. Read More…
HDI Contributes to Southeast ADA Center Moneywise Conference in Atlanta
HDI’s Barry Whaley worked alongside colleagues from the Southeast ADA Center of Friday, September 23 to host a full day conference: “The Moneywise: Financial Opportunities for People with Disabilities” at The Frazer Center in Atlanta. About 60 people attended the conference to learn about pursuing their financial and career aspirations; accessing financial, small business, educational, medical, and housing opportunities; and maximizing government benefits and establishing ABLE accounts. Read More…
Dr. J. Michael Clyburn named as Director of the Kentucky Partnership for Early Childhood Services at HDI
We are pleased that Dr. J. Michael Clyburn recently accepted the position of Director of the Kentucky Partnership for Early Childhood Services at HDI.
Dr. Clyburn shares, “It is a privilege to work with dedicated Partnership staff who diligently serve across the Commonwealth to assure the quality and positive impact of Kentucky early childhood services. I am also thankful for the work of Dr. Beth Rous, faculty member in the University of Kentucky’s College of Education, who has given stellar leadership to the development of Partnership programs and services. The Partnership has a bright future as it serves under the quality expansive umbrella of the Human Development Institute and works closely as a strong partner of the Kentucky Division of Child Care. The mission of the Partnership is a high calling as it continues to serve Kentucky and the wonderful children of the Commonwealth.” Read More…
Fall Seminar: Connect the Dots—Addressing Challenging Behaviors while Promoting Social and Emotional Development
Our Fall seminar series launched on Friday, September 30, 2016 with a seminar, “Connect the Dots: Addressing Challenging Behaviors while Promoting Social and Emotional Development,” from Brooke Gill, MPA, CDA, the Social and Emotional Consultant for the Department for Public Health, Division of Maternal and Child Health, and Caroline Gooden, MS, Associate Director of Early Childhood for the Human Development Institute at the University of KY. Read More…
Research Assistant Spotlight: Stephen Craker
HDI Research Assistant, Stephen Craker, was born in Indiana where he graduated with a degree in Psychology. He is specializing in school Psychology. Currently, he is working with Christina Espinosa. He helps Ms. Espinosa with capturing and transcribing presentations. He also assists her with rehab data entry. Along with Ms. Espinosa, Mr. Craker also works with Walt Bower with marketing at seminars. Mr. Craker’s favorite flavor of ice cream is coffee, and his favorite book
is The Great Divorce.
Read More…
Fall Seminar: Beyond Curb Cuts: Universal Design for Learning
The second Fall Seminar was held on October 14, 2016 to learn more about “Beyond Curb Cuts: Universal Design for Learning” featuring experts Deb Castiglione, EdD, ATP, and Melinda Jones Ault, Ph.D.
“With the diversity in the world today, it is more crucial than ever that we incorporate universal design into our environments. Through the implementation of universal design for learning we can benefit all learners for their entire educational experience, including individuals with disabilities." Read More…
New Agreement Opens Up Dual Enrollment for High School Students with Disabilities
HDI and the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation have entered into a new agreement to pilot a dual/concurrent enrollment project for students receiving free and appropriate education under IDEA. The Dual Enrollment Pilot Project (DEPP) will develop dual enrollment projects for students on five college campuses in Kentucky. These projects will represent, to the greatest extent possible, both geographic and institutional diversity. Read More…
HDI Fund for Excellence Awarded for Innovative Techniques to Assess KY Healthcare Program Effectiveness
HDI’s Tony LoBianco and Chithra Adams, as well as Pat Kitzman with the college of Health Sciences, recently received the HDI Fund for Excellence award to examine “Using Propensity Score Matching to assess effectiveness of health navigators on outcomes for stroke patients.”
Tony LoBianco shares, “We are excited about the opportunity to provide empirical evidence that can speak to the effectiveness of an innovative program which could be a great benefit to our state.” Read More…
Fund for Excellence Recipient: Kentucky Volunteer Advocacy Project
Walking into an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting can be overwhelming for some parents who are anxious to make sure they set up the best educational experience for their child with a disability and understand their child’s rights. They often need someone who can be the coach in their corner and the advocate who helps them get the services and supports their child needs. Our new Kentucky Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP) offers a solution by training families, caregivers, educators and community members to advocate for students with disabilities and make sure their educational needs are being met. Read more ..
Help HDI Continue to Thrive
HDI relies on grants and also donations from friends like you to continue offering wonderful programs across the lifespan to build a more inclusive world. When you make a donation to HDI, we can use those funds to contribute to additional services and supports to help families. A new online giving system from the UK Office of Development makes donating to HDI easier than ever! Please consider donating today to support our ongoing work.