Author: HDITrex

Smiling Woman with short gray hair and glasses

HDI 50th Anniversary Spotlight on Beth Harrison

Posted on | by HDITrex

HDI was my work family for 28 years. It means a lot to me. I am proud to tell people that I work/worked with HDI. HDI means innovation; cutting edge; an umbrella of excellence for all aspects of disability; a “think outside the box” group of people working for the greater common good. —Beth Harrison, Retired Principal Investigator for SHEP and other transition projects

How did you come to know HDI? 

I was lucky to get a proposal funded that the Kentucky Department of Education wanted to partner with HDI on.

How long were you with HDI and what was your role? 

A long time! From 1990 through 2019, I’ve held various roles at HDI with the main focus being on transition of youth from school to community.
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Teresa Belluscio, Nicholas Breiner, and Candy Rollins

Anderson County High School students awarded trips to HDI Summer Leadership Camp

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Two Anderson County High School students have been awarded trips to the HDI Summer Leadership Camp at the University of Kentucky. The Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) recently received an HDI grant for (RITT’s) Regional Transition Teams to develop trainings or avenues for students with disabilities to transition beyond high school. CKEC Transition Specialists Tara Wells and Candy Rollins (pictured on the right) set up a student contest which awarded students a summer camp to Sullican or the HDI Summer Leadership Camp. Seen here are Candy and Teresa Belluscio, Camp Director (pictured on the left) awarding the two students with the certificate of participation for the summer camp and a UK camp tee-shirt! Continue reading →

Laura Lamminen, smiling woman with mid-length brown hair

HDI 50th Anniversary Spotlight on Laura Lamminen

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HDI is a very special place. I feel so fortunate to have worked in such a healthy environment of professionals. —Laura Lamminen, Former HDI Graduate Certificate Student and Research Assistant

How did you come to know HDI? 

As a student at UK, I learned about the center from Dr. Kleinert, who taught one of my classes in Special Education. 

How long were you with HDI and what was your role? 

I was with HDI for three years; first as a research assistant for the Mid-South Regional Resource Center, and in my last year, I served on the TNSIG grant working under Jocelyn Cooledge.  Continue reading →

Tony Lobianco pictured, white man with salt and pepper hair, short beard, and he uses a wheelchair

HDI 50th Anniversary Spotlight on Tony Lobianco

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My advice for current and future staff and students at HDI is that there are many ways to address issues that we come across in our work, and the diverse ways of considering approaches that our staff have is one of HDI’s most valuable resources. — Tony Lobianco, Principal Investigator/Project Director of the Kentucky Post School Outcomes Center

How did you come to know HDI? 
I heard about HDI when Claudia Earnharth told me about a research assistant position.

How long were you with HDI and what was your role? 
I’ve been at HDI almost 17 years, first as an RA, then a STEPS employee, then full-time member of Evaluation Unit, and now Project Director with KyPSO.
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Elizabeth Biggs, with light brown hair and a dress, holding the Claw Award

Elizabeth Biggs receives the Maurice A. Clay Award as outstanding graduate senior in the College of Social Work.

Posted on | by HDITrex

Elizabeth Biggs, who works as an HDI practicum student under the supervision of Bev Harp, received the Maurice A. Clay Award which recognized her as the outstanding graduate senior of the College of Social Work.

Below is a description of the award:

“The University of Kentucky Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, established the Maurice A. Clay Awards over twenty-five years ago to recognize the outstanding graduating senior in each academic college at UK, as selected by the Dean or the Dean’s representative.  The basic criterion is exceptional leadership, and service to the student’s college while maintaining a strong academic record.

ODK recognizes superior scholarship, leadership and exemplary character.  The Clay Awards are one way in which our national Leadership Society can bestow on graduating seniors a ‘Mark of High Distinction’.” Continue reading →