Beth Potter – Page 27

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Dana Manning

Posted on November 26, 2019 | by Beth Potter

There are many different programs and talents under the HDI umbrella. Talk to people.
Dana Manning – Research Coordinator

How did you come to know HDI?
I started as a STEPS employee.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
9 years as a Research Coordinator and 10 1/2 years as a Data Analyst
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
More accurate and efficient data analyses, and improved feedback to the programs that provide our data.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
Many open and interesting conversations with coworkers about anything!
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
There are so many outside influences that I could not predict. Flexibility is important – the future is never what you think it’s going to be.
What does HDI mean to you?
I appreciate the trust in my professional judgement, and the space to pursue interests and possibilities.

HDI partnership receives AUCD grant to support Kentucky families

Posted on November 24, 2019 | by Beth Potter

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) has awarded the UK Human Development Institute (HDI) the Innovative Community of Practice (CoP) on Parenting, Behavioral Concerns & Strategy grant. HDI will partner with the KY-Statewide Parent Information & Training Network (KY-SPIN) and the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities (CCDD) to utilize Centers for Disease Control (CDC) resources for families with children who have behavioral issues. Kentucky is one of three states to receive this funding that will support early care and education (ECE) providers with evidence-based training and resources to promote quality in the family engagement domain of the statewide ECE quality rating and improvement system.
HDI, KY-SPIN, and CCDD have a long-standing history of providing services and advocacy on behalf of children in the Commonwealth. These partners will work together to develop a state-level CoP to support parents with young children (birth to age 8) who have been identified or are at risk of having behavioral concerns by increasing workforce capacity through training. Joanne Rojas, PhD, Associate Director of Child Care Aware, is the principal investigator for this effort.
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50th Anniversary Spotlight on Tammy Greene

Posted on November 22, 2019 | by Beth Potter

The Institute will continue to grow and affect positive change in the lives of individuals with disabilities and impact the quality of early childhood education for all children in Kentucky.
Tammy Greene – Early Childhood Specialist

How did you come to know HDI?
I learned about HDI through becoming a credentialed trainer.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
10 1/2 years, Trainer’s Credential, Trainer, Trainers Institute, Professional Development Liaison
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
Being part of going paperless, equipping trainers to enhance their skills to support the development of quality trainings for early care and education professionals; building relationships with trainers throughout the state.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
My fondest memories revolve around meeting and working with a variety of individuals that have helped me grow in positive ways.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
The advice that I would give is said best by Fred Rogers, “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” Find ways to do this for yourself, your co-workers, and throughout all areas of your work.

Phillip Rumrill, PhD, CRC, appointed Director of Research and Training for the UK Human Development Institute

Posted on November 21, 2019 | by Beth Potter

The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute announces the appointment of Phillip Rumrill, PhD, CRC as the Director of Research and Training with a faculty appointment in the area of Rehabilitation Counseling. Dr. Rumrill received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Keene State College in New Hampshire and his doctorate from the University of Arkansas. He is a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and most recently served as the Founding Director of the Center for Disability Studies at Kent State University and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Employment Assistance Services.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Rumrill has authored or co-authored 251 professional journal articles; 42 book chapters, monographs, measurement instruments, and training manuals; and 15 books. He is a highly sought out speaker at national and international conferences in health care, social sciences, rehabilitation, and education and has delivered addresses to consumer, professional, academic, and policymaking audiences in 43 states and U.S. territories and 18 countries since 1992.
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50th Anniversary Spotlight on Maria E. Delgado

Posted on November 20, 2019 | by Beth Potter

“Don’t ever stop trying to make a difference.”
Maria E. Delgado – Accessibility Consultant and Consumer Advisory Council Member

How did you come to know HDI?
Several years ago, I was invited by Dr. Harold Kleinert to do a web accessibility presentation for HDI. After the presentation, I was approached to help review the HDI website for accessibility, as well as to translate many of the available materials into Spanish. Through my work with HDI, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and respect for its mission, so I was honored to receive an invitation to become part of the Consumer Advisory Council.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have been involved with HDI since 2014 as an accessibility consultant, a Spanish translator, and a member of the CAC.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
Assisting HDI in making materials and information available to underserved populations.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
Every interaction with HDI is meaningful. We share a common goal that truly matters to real people.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
I believe HDI is paving the way to a more inclusive society, and I already see change compared to previous years. I see a lot of good work for us in the future.