Beth Potter – Page 28

HDI participates in the 2019 AUCD Conference

Posted on November 19, 2019 | by Beth Potter

The UK Human Development Institute is well represented at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference 2019, “Leading Change Together”. This year’s theme reflects the work being done across the AUCD network on research, policy, practice, and advocacy that impacts the broad spectrum of disability. With more than 1,000 attendees from across the US and Territories, this event attracts a diverse national audience of leaders from multiple disciplines, researchers, scientists, advocates, and policy experts. The AUCD Conference serves as a place to exchange ideas and celebrate accomplishments.
Learn more about the AUCD Conference and future dates and themes at www.aucd.org/conference/.
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Human Development Institute expands capacity with StoryCorps Facilitation Training

Posted on November 14, 2019 | by Beth Potter

Staff representing the UK Human Development Institute (HDI) recently completed training to expand their capacity to capture and deliver digital stories. Staff from HDI along with partners at Utah State University participated in a six-hour D.I.Y. facilitator training with StoryCorps. Through this training, staff gained an understanding of the facilitation method, interview best practices, and an understanding of the archival process. The model will be replicated in the story collection efforts of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center. This center is an HDI project and partnership between the University of Kentucky, Utah State University, and the University of Alaska – Anchorage.
HDI has a long history of sharing the lived experiences of people with disabilities. The information gained in the training will be used across HDI projects. Using the StoryCorps facilitation model, project staff formalize these efforts to collect, archive, and centralize stories for use by staff, partners, and the public. A unique angle of this the digital story collection efforts at HDI is the use of self-advocates to conduct interviews. Patti Singleton, Professional Learning Coordinator, explains that HDI is currently exploring and refining this process, which will allow for collaboration with partners, and other UK colleges and departments.
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50th Anniversary Spotlight on Maria Kemplin

Posted on November 13, 2019 | by Beth Potter

Individuals with disabilities are the experts. Constantly examining the way we do things and broadening our perspective is how we innovate, integrate, and improve our world.
Maria Kemplin, Project Director

How did you come to know HDI?
My son, who is an autistic self-advocate, spoke at an HDI conference several years ago and we got to know the people and the important work they do.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
Two years ago, we began serving on HDI efforts as a volunteer. We participated in several autistic self-advocacy conferences that were life-changing. Looking to the future, my son and I began serving on the KentuckyWorks Postsecondary Committee. This year, I accepted a position at HDI as the project director of the Transportation Initiative, an effort funded though a grant from the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
We are creating a Transportation Initiative web page to serve as a resource for individuals with disabilities to connect with transportation options across Kentucky. I am also very proud of everything that my son does as a advocate to ensure that autistic individuals are represented in decision making.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
Dancing with my son at the HDI 50th Anniversary Gala!
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
Under Dr. Sheppard-Jones’s leadership, HDI is developing so many of our young people to lead empowered, self-directed lives. They are our future.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Adam Potter

Posted on November 10, 2019 | by Beth Potter

HDI is less about the organization itself, and more about the people we serve. HDI means accessibility, inclusion, acceptance, understanding, ingenuity, communication, and technology – all combined in perfect unity.
Adam Potter – Digital Media Specialist

How did you come to know HDI?
I learned about HDI while searching for a job after college. I applied and worked as a STEPS Digital Media Assistant to Patti Singleton and the Digital Learning and Media Team.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I’ve been here for three years as a Digital Media Specialist and Video Project Coordinator.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
The Digital Learning and Media Initiatives team has accomplished a lot over the last three years. We’ve created videos, podcasts, online trainings, modules, websites, and so much more. In approximately 1,000 days, I have been able to impact a portion of many projects, and I’ve met so many incredible, hard-working people along the way.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
The 50th Anniversary Gala was awesome, and it reminded me of another fun moment we have about once a quarter. The office at Coldstream loves throwing cookouts, and Dave Flechler makes a mean brisket.
Do you have any advice you would like to share with current and future staff and students at HDI?
Never be afraid to ask others for help – everyone in our work community is so supportive, and it’s such a blessing to have a job in which every employee is appreciated for what they can contribute to the whole.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
We are already considered a top program in our field. I believe that we will continue to strive for equality and inclusion for all, and our organization will continue to exponentially improve and expand. This is a “get back what you put in” situation, and the HDI community gives like no other.

Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers: Expanding Employment Opportunities

Posted on November 7, 2019 | by Beth Potter

Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers (ISAW) began as a project to educate and support Kentucky Career Centers’ Business Service Teams in their understanding of issues relevant to autism and employment. In 2017, ISAW made its services available to all human resource professionals in the state. Through consultation, face-to-face training sessions, web-based modules, and ongoing services and supports, employers will be able to increase their competence and confidence in hiring and supervising workers on the autism spectrum.
Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers trainings are provided at no cost and can be delivered at a convenient location or by webinar. Participants will increase their skills and knowledge about interview techniques, problem solving, accommodations, and many other topics.
These trainings were developed by Bev Harp, whose understanding of autism comes from personal experience, peer-reviewed literature, and experience working with other autistic adults. Bev explains,

Unemployment is a huge problem for autistic adults nationwide. In Kentucky, unemployment rates hover around 85%, higher than any other disability. With this project, we want to address the reservations that employers may have, as well as preconceived ideas about autism and what autistic workers are able to do. There is a level of discomfort, even for some diversity-minded employers, with unfamiliar body language, or unusual ways of communication. With ISAW, we talk about some of the reasons behind autistic differences and provide opportunities for employers to ask questions. For some employers we’ve worked with, this is the first time they have ever (knowingly) engaged with autistic adults in the workplace. This is such an important step, getting to know us, recognizing that our skills and interests are as diverse as those of any other group. Autistic workers can bring unique perspectives and talents that businesses need. ISAW is here to help make those connections. Continue reading →