Stuart Rumrill, Field Researcher with RETAIN Kentucky, on his selection by the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) and the NCRE Leadership Team to receive the Rehabilitation Doctoral Student of the Year Award. This award is presented to a doctoral student who has demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, advocacy, and/or research contributions in rehabilitation and/or with individuals with disabilities.
Congratulations, Stuart!
Congratulations to Taylor Tucker, a Quality Coach for Child Care Aware of Kentucky in the Two Rivers region. Tucker was recently named a Hometown Hero for advocating for children, families, and childcare professionals in the area. Learn more in this story from Ana Medina at WKBO News in Bowling Green, Kentucky at https://www.wbko.com/2022/02/12/hughes-coleman-hometown-hero-taylor-tucker/.
Visit the Child Care Aware website to learn more about Kentucky’s childcare resource and referral network.
The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI) is pleased to announce the release of its 2022-2023 Strategic Plan.
As Kentucky’s University Center on Disability, HDI is committed to advancing efforts that build inclusive communities, address inequities, and improve the lives of all Kentuckians who experience disability across the lifespan.
Consistent with our Core Values, and in support of our Vision and Mission, HDI’s 2022-2023 Strategic Plan outlines goals, objectives, activities, and metrics within the following areas of focus: Leadership, Research & Scholarship, Universal Design, and Expanding Our Reach.
We look forward to engaging with community partners across Kentucky and the Nation as we implement this strategic plan, and to sharing our progress with you along the way.
During the 2021 fall semester , the UK Human Development Institute collaborated with Dr. Justin Huber, UK College of Medicine, and Dr. Babak Bazgari, from the UK College of Engineering working with 16 students in the Team-Based Design of Assistive Technology Devices. Each of four groups started with multiple project proposals identified from their summer shadowing experience at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital. They presented their projects and analyzed each idea with the Real Win Worth It framework analysis. The selected project for each group then went to data collection and development. Funds were made available through a National Institutes of Health grant and the HDI Student Scholarship Fund. Each group carried their selected project through prototyping and concept generation. Group one worked on a device to reduce the probability of pressure ulcers by alternating pressure, temperature, and or reducing friction on the buttocks. Group two developed an assistive device to allow for self-catheterization of female wheelchair users. Group three focused on creating a device, via electrical/mechanical or other stimulation, to remind post-stroke patients to maintain proper posture during activities. Similarly, group four developed a device to support posture correction in stroke patients with hemiparesis. All groups presented their prototypes to a group of professionals, users, and other stakeholders.
For more information about this project or HDI’s work as the University’s Center on Disability, contact Christina Bard at ctespinosa@uky.edu.
Kelley Salyers, Administrative Support Associate II for the University of Kentucky (UK) Human Development Institute has been awarded the 2021 Jacki Shouse Service Award. Kelley has served the University for over 35 years, full time at UK since 1984 and at HDI since 2018. This award is given to an HDI staff member who demonstrates excellent job performance through their contributions to increase efficiency, provision of high-quality customer service, increased cost savings, or enhanced daily operations. The recipient must be responsive, respectful, and work collaboratively with others.
Kelley is dedicated, knowledgeable, and strives to improve operations. Kelley, like Jackie, is a good person, a trusted coworker, and provides excellent business office customer service.
Kelley ‘s knowledge of the University’s business policies and procedures is extraordinary. She has taught me so much about business procedures and policy. I am not sure that our HDI staff realizes how lucky we are to have someone with her expertise. Her skills and ideas have impacted the department. Her love of Excel has provided accurate account balances on cost centers and grants. She responds to inquiries quickly, is respectful, and gathers all involved so we are on the same page and informed.
Jacki Shouse began working at UK in March of 1990. She accepted her first position with the Human Development Institute in February of 1998, where she spent the next 19 years until her retirement. Although we miss her greatly, giving this annual award gives us an opportunity to reflect on what she meant to HDI.
Congratulations, Kelley!