Kentucky Sibling Leadership Network Conference: “Denial is NOT a River in Egypt”

Register for the Kentucky Sibling Leadership Network Conference on Saturday, March 19, 2016 to learn more about topics for siblings that are too often ignored or avoided, including the importance of planning for the future, services and informal supports, supported decision making and guardianship, supplemental and special needs trusts, and the Able Act. Continue reading

Joint Needs Assessment Report

In spring 2015, the Commonwealth Council for Developmental Disabilities, Kentucky Protection and Advocacy, and the Human Development Institute (HDI), (University of Kentucky) developed a needs assessment to identify areas of high need for people with disabilities in Kentucky in an effort to assist the above agencies in planning purposes. Continue reading

Spring Seminar: Toddlers and Technology

Join us in person or online for our Spring Seminar series on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 1:00 – 3:00p ET to learn more about Toddlers and Technology from Dr. Judith Page and Dr. Jane Kleinert at the William T. Young Library Alumni Gallery Room at the University of Kentucky. A link to the live video stream of the seminar will be sent to registrants.

Click here to register for the seminar. For help registering, contact walt.bower@uky.edu Continue reading

“Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome” Book Now Available in Spanish Thanks to the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation

The new parent guide, “Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome” by Nancy McCrea Iannone and HDI’s Stephanie Meredith, has just been released in Spanish thanks to a generous grant from the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. The newborn book published last year was specifically written for new parents during the first months after the birth of their baby with Down syndrome and includes topics like breastfeeding, adjusting to a diagnosis, preparing siblings, understanding medical issues, preparing for the future, and, most importantly, it shares diverse stories about the daily lives of families whose children have Down syndrome at different ages.

The Spanish version of “Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome” is available in print at http://downsyndromepregnancy.org/books/ and also free online through the National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute. This book was also reviewed by top professionals in the medical, education, and Down syndrome communities and includes beautiful photography. Continue reading