HDI Announces Applications Open for Developmental Disabilities Graduate Certificate

Applications are now open for the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities. The purpose of this Graduate Certificate is to prepare students from a broad range of disciplines to play a leadership role in providing services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families. In addition to classroom learning, students will also have the opportunity to participate in a practicum and learn directly from individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Continue reading

Photo of military exercise.

Spring Seminar: “Serving Those Who Served Us: Understanding Military Culture and Disability Awareness in College”

Student veteran success within higher education is dependent in large part on higher education’s understanding of military culture. Since the gap appears to be at its largest on campuses nation-wide, it is imperative that we make the effort to better inform those who are involved in student success. While military experiences vary widely, all veterans regardless of their experience come back to a culture that views them differently simply because of that service. – Tony Dotson

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Photo of iPhone with accessibility features open.

UK HDI announces new Universal Design class and certificate program

The University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute is offering a new undergraduate universal design class in fall 2017, HDI 350: Universal Design. Students from any discipline can take the HDI 350: Universal Design course. This interdisciplinary course provides students with an opportunity to learn about the foundations and principles of universal design. Additionally, after taking HDI 350, students who want to continue learning about universal design have the opportunity to enroll in the new universal design certificate program.

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Photo of people at the Kentucky Transition Summit

Kentucky Transition Summit Brings Community Together to Shares Ideas About Employment for Youth with Disabilities

“The author Zig Ziglar was often quoted as saying, ‘the first step in solving a problem is to recognize that it exists.’  At the Kentucky Transition Summit we were joined by nearly one hundred-fifty concerned students, advocates, educators, administrators, and family members who took the first step by recognizing that we simply do not do enough to help our students with the most significant disabilities take their role in the workplace or in continuing education. They then took the next step by helping us identify four to five hundred ideas that could move us toward solving the problem.” Jeff White, KentuckyWorks Project Director

The Inaugural KentuckyWorks Transition Summit and Community Conversation took place on February 28 in Frankfort. Representatives from across the state packed into the large conference room at the Administrative Office of the Courts Building to begin a dialogue as to how to improve job outcomes for students with disabilities transitioning from school to the workforce. More than 150 participants, made up of educators, service providers, agency liaisons, parents and students, attended.  Continue reading

Andy Meredith with camera.

HDI Fund for Excellence Awarded for Expanded Photo Library to Improve Representation of Diversity, Employment, and the Lifespan

HDI’s Stephanie Meredith and Harold Kleinert recently received the HDI Fund for Excellence award to expand our photo library of people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds for the entire Institute and also the National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources. These photos play a critical role in portraying diverse people with disabilities across the lifespan as active participants in an inclusive world. Continue reading