Author: Beth Potter

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Administration for Community Living funds Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities

Posted on | by Beth Potter

The Administration for Community Living has awarded the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities a $1.5 million grant to lead eight national partners, including the Human Development Institute (HDI) at the University of Kentucky, and other stakeholders in establishing a Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities (CDHPD). The CDHPD will develop and disseminate protocols to address and prevent healthcare discrimination that can impact Americans with disabilities across the lifespan.

ACL reports that “the Center will develop resources for medical professionals to address and prevent healthcare discrimination, including policies, protocols, and resources. They will also develop resources for reporting healthcare discrimination and advocacy in partnership with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.” The main areas of focus for the grant will be prenatal screening, organ transplants, mental health, ageing, and end-of-life issues for people with I/DD.

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50th Anniversary Spotlight on Bethany Davis

Posted on | by Beth Potter

HDI is a community that deeply cares about the growth, development, and well-being of all people by ensuring they have resources and supports for high quality of life.

Bethany Davis – Child Care Administrator

How did you come to know HDI?
I learned about HDI after being hired with Child Care Aware.

How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
4 years as a Child Care Administrator for The Lakes region

During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
Partnering with community leaders, workforce development, and area businesses to increase awareness of high quality child care in the region.

Do you have any advice for current and future staff and students at HDI?
HDI has a wide reach and many experts of which you can access.

What do you think the future holds for HDI?
Even more research and resources for families across the life span.

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50th Anniversary Spotlight on Rongxiu Wu

Posted on | by Beth Potter

HDI will embody higher and higher importance in the U.S., as well as in the world, in the future.

Rongxiu Wu – Research Assistant

How did you come to know HDI?
Self-exploration

How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have been working as a research assistant in HDI for more than three years.

During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
I had the chance to work with Dr. Rumrill, Dr. Adams, and Dr. Sheppard-Jones on a manuscript which focuses on the umployment reasons for people with multiple sclerosis and have it published.

Please share a fun or fond moment you had with HDI?
I still miss the time that several ladies in the floor at MIB come to Lindsey’s office during the noon break and had exercise together.

Do you have any advice for current and future staff and students at HDI?
Hopefully we could find ways to work on more research and spread our findings out.

What does HDI mean to you?
HDI is always a big warm inclusive family to me.

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50th Anniversary Spotlight on Becky Slone

Posted on | by Beth Potter

HDI assists Kentuckians, but is also influential nationwide in their research and development of early childhood resources. The people who work with the various projects within HDI are experts in their field.
Becky Slone – Quality TA Specialist

How did you come to know HDI?
I was hired by HDI in October 2005 when they were awarded the Quality Enhancement Initiative (QEI) Contract by the Division of Child Care (DCC).

How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I was hired in 2005 as a QEI Anchor serving Big Sandy, Kentucky River, Cumberland Valley, and the Lake Cumberland Area Development Districts. Since 2015, I have served as a Technical Assistance (TA) Specialist, working closely with the STAR Raters from DCC and the Child Care Aware Quality Coaches.

During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
During my time with HDI, I am most proud of the regional staff that I have worked with. These wonderful people take their responsibilities seriously, and thanks to their hard work and good leadership, we are a leader in QRIS participation. I am also thankful to UK for investing in my professional development with an educational benefit to earn a M.A. degree in Organizational Leadership, with a Certificate in Adult Education from WKU.

Please share a fun or fond moment you had with HDI?
The most fun moment with HDI was during an All Staff Meeting when we engaged in a team building scavenger hunt. This was fun and helped build a sense of connectedness among the team members involved!

Do you have any advice for current and future staff and students at HDI?
Remember that the field of early care and education is always evolving. Change is inevitable!

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Level Up: From Ally to Accomplice

Posted on | by Beth Potter

Level Up: From Ally to Accomplice
Every marginalized group needs allies. People with disabilities are no exception. Last year, Unpuzzling Disability hosted Allyship 101, a workshop for professionals and family members, to introduce the important components of allyship: listening, supporting marginalized group agendas, amplifying voices, and sharing information learned directly from people with disabilities with other non-disabled people. For 2020, we are taking it to the next level!
From Ally to Accomplice aims to expand understanding of allyship by focusing on the ways that individuals, agencies, and systems can unintentionally replicate and maintain barriers to inclusion, justice, and self-determination for people with disabilities. Participants will use this knowledge to create clear objectives and action plans for future advocacy work. All workshop presenters are people with disabilities.
People with disabilities are invited to attend at no cost, as your input is needed to make this event successful. All others will pay a $25 registration fee (lunch is included). Registrants will receive a plain language summary of Allyship 101 in advance of the 2020 workshop. Participants from the 2019 workshop are encouraged to participate as this event builds on lessons learned.
Level Up: From Ally to Accomplice will be held January 22, 2020 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Public Advocacy building at 5 Mill Creek Park, Frankfort, KY 40601. Access the registration form at this link: https://bit.ly/34hW3fB .
Project Contact: Beverly.Harp@uky.edu
Unpuzzling Disability, a collective of self-advocates whose goals include community education, is funded by the UK Human Development Institute Fund for Excellence.
12-8-19