Being university-based, HDI has a credibility with policymakers and elected officials that is needed. So often, much of the work done on behalf of those with disabilities is by non-profits, which unfairly are not given the same amount of respect. HDI’s gravitas helps ensure the significance of programs that include those with disabilities is understood and maintained with those in positions of influence. —Mark Leach, Bioethics Specialist, HDI National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources
I was absolutely blessed to have had the opportunity to work at HDI. I cannot imagine a better organizational mission than that of HDI for what I had hoped for my own career – to work with leaders in the field at both the state and national levels; to partner with families, self-advocates, teachers, and other professionals on the front lines of quality services; and to have had the chance to have taught a wonderful set of students here at UK. —Harold Kleinert, HDI Director Emeritus
HDI provided stability to me through several rough life transitions as a single parent and student. Exposure to mentors, exposure to diversity, and the development of long-term friendships have had a significant impact on my life. —Christy Leaver, LCSW, Former HDI Research Assistant and Certificate Student
How did you come to know HDI?
I was a research assistant at HDI throughout my graduate school experience at UK.
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To me, HDI is my place, my dream job. I hope to stay with HDI for the duration of my career. I feel so blessed and lucky to be a part of HDI, and to get to do work that I love, that I continue to learn from, and that can make a difference individually and systemically. —Christina Espinosa Bard, MRC, CRC, HDI Community Education Director
How did you come to know HDI?
Dr. Sheppard-Jones was adjunct faculty in my Master’s program, Rehabilitation Counseling. Continue reading
HDI has reached a notable milestone of 100 online courses, including 4 in development! HDI launched online learning initiative for early childhood in 2004 with the 6-hour ECOOL training for early childhood and education providers. HDI’s early education online courses began to grow rapidly in 2012 to include online courses about ways to provide safe and inclusive environments for all children. By 2014, online learning started to be utilized for health issues and for K12 education in 2015. Now, the courses cover an array of topics, including early childhood education (31), K12 Special Education (24), training for early care and education trainers (22), medical training (11), transition education (7), training for children’s libraries (3), health education initiatives (1), and departmental education (1). Check out all the courses in our Online Learning Center!
The HDI Learning Center has grown as our staff have seen the potential for reaching a wider audience. Our online courses use innovative and non-traditional assessment of learner knowledge, using active learning principles. In addition, we strive to provide the most accessible training, using universal design principles and ensuring content can be accessed across multiple devices and browsers. —Patti Singleton, Professional Learning Coordinator Continue reading