HDI Spotlight Profile – Page 4

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Maria Kemplin

Posted on November 13, 2019 | by Beth Potter

Individuals with disabilities are the experts. Constantly examining the way we do things and broadening our perspective is how we innovate, integrate, and improve our world.
Maria Kemplin, Project Director

How did you come to know HDI?
My son, who is an autistic self-advocate, spoke at an HDI conference several years ago and we got to know the people and the important work they do.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
Two years ago, we began serving on HDI efforts as a volunteer. We participated in several autistic self-advocacy conferences that were life-changing. Looking to the future, my son and I began serving on the KentuckyWorks Postsecondary Committee. This year, I accepted a position at HDI as the project director of the Transportation Initiative, an effort funded though a grant from the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
We are creating a Transportation Initiative web page to serve as a resource for individuals with disabilities to connect with transportation options across Kentucky. I am also very proud of everything that my son does as a advocate to ensure that autistic individuals are represented in decision making.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
Dancing with my son at the HDI 50th Anniversary Gala!
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
Under Dr. Sheppard-Jones’s leadership, HDI is developing so many of our young people to lead empowered, self-directed lives. They are our future.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Adam Potter

Posted on November 10, 2019 | by Beth Potter

HDI is less about the organization itself, and more about the people we serve. HDI means accessibility, inclusion, acceptance, understanding, ingenuity, communication, and technology – all combined in perfect unity.
Adam Potter – Digital Media Specialist

How did you come to know HDI?
I learned about HDI while searching for a job after college. I applied and worked as a STEPS Digital Media Assistant to Patti Singleton and the Digital Learning and Media Team.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I’ve been here for three years as a Digital Media Specialist and Video Project Coordinator.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
The Digital Learning and Media Initiatives team has accomplished a lot over the last three years. We’ve created videos, podcasts, online trainings, modules, websites, and so much more. In approximately 1,000 days, I have been able to impact a portion of many projects, and I’ve met so many incredible, hard-working people along the way.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
The 50th Anniversary Gala was awesome, and it reminded me of another fun moment we have about once a quarter. The office at Coldstream loves throwing cookouts, and Dave Flechler makes a mean brisket.
Do you have any advice you would like to share with current and future staff and students at HDI?
Never be afraid to ask others for help – everyone in our work community is so supportive, and it’s such a blessing to have a job in which every employee is appreciated for what they can contribute to the whole.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
We are already considered a top program in our field. I believe that we will continue to strive for equality and inclusion for all, and our organization will continue to exponentially improve and expand. This is a “get back what you put in” situation, and the HDI community gives like no other.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Corlia Logsdon

Posted on November 6, 2019 | by Beth Potter

HDI has always represented possibilities, and removal of barriers, to enable all children and adults with disabilities, and their families, to achieve the greatest level of independence and self-determination possible.
Corlia Logsdon, Regional Child Care Administrator

How did you come to know HDI?
I was an HDI School Psychology Training Grant Recipient in graduate school.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have been with Child Care Aware as a Regional Child Care Administrator since 2015.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
There have been many accomplishments in my past and present work with HDI, but I am most proud of my work with developing courses aimed at reducing suspension and expulsion in early care and education settings among children demonstrating challenging behavior.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
My fondest memories working with HDI were as a School Psychology Training Grant recipient while working with other students to develop a curriculum document that would be used with future trainees. It was exciting to be on the cutting edge of defining best practices in multi-disciplinary assessment.
Do you have any advice you would like to share with current and future staff and students at HDI?
I would say to focus on scaffolding, and not ceilings, when planning for your clients, and for your own work. You never know where today’s projects may take you.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
I see exciting partnerships being formed and expanding multidisciplinary teams across the university community to better serve our clients, improving life for them and their families.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on David Flechler

Posted on November 3, 2019 | by Beth Potter

The passion and experience of the HDI Program staff will take us forward, as leaders, for another 50 years.
David Flechler, Technical Support

How did you come to know HDI?
I started as a STEPS temporary employee in the Summer of 1998.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I will celebrate 21 years with HDI on January 4, 2020.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
I am proud of all the success of projects that I have supported over the years. I believe the most beneficial work for HDI would be the Coldstream Office expansion and new fiber optic network.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
One moment that caught me, was when I had my photo taken while riding bike with my 4 year old son in a tag-along trailer. We were checking campus buildings for accessibility for a project that was mapping the accessible paths of campus. I believe this was the first time that this had been done. It was published in the HDI newsletter and the campus newspaper, The Kernel. The look on my son’s face when he saw the picture was priceless. He is now 24 years old.
Do you have any advice you would like to share with current and future staff and students at HDI?
Keep an open mind, teamwork is never an option, it’s necessary. Also, remember how you got where you are.
What does HDI mean to you?
HDI has something special that everyone should learn.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Kate Dean

Posted on October 29, 2019 | by Beth Potter

The one piece of advice I would share is to take time to dig into the resources available through HDI to support your work. Regardless of the role you play or where you see your project fitting, there is more to learn. HDI is well connected within and outside of Kentucky and it’s exciting to see where we are woven into the fabric of multiple initiatives.
Kate Dean, Regional Child Care Administrator

How did you come to know HDI?
Prior to working for HDI, I had the opportunity to partner with HDI as a staff member of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. HDI’s early childhood program helped share the important message of child abuse prevention with child care providers in the field. I also had the pleasure of serving on the planning committee for the Infant Toddler Institute.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have worked as a staff member of HDI under the Child Care Aware of Kentucky contract as a Regional Child Care Administrator since 2015. For a number of years prior to that, I had the pleasure of partnering with HDI on opportunities previously described.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
I am most proud of seeing the variety of ways that HDI impacts families and the community specific to our littlest learners. HDI provides a plethora of resources and supports which help families and children thrive at all stages of development. Knowing that my role with Child Care Aware of KY supports inclusive environments from the beginning of life is a joy and an honor.

Will you share a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
I enjoy the family focused care and concern that HDI shows. Being a field staff, I’m not able to interact with the full HDI team in person on a daily basis, but yet any time we are together, I feel included as a member of the team. Taking on new projects and thinking outside the box are lots of fun and HDI supports such creativity.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
I think the future of HDI is bright. We are innovative and deeply rooted. The sky is the limit for our growth and contribution to, not only the field, but lives of the individuals and families we serve.
What does HDI mean to you?
To me, HDI means opportunity, inclusion, and honor. Being a member of the HDI team means dedication to ensuring the views, needs, and voice of individuals with disabilities are represented and met from the beginning to the end of life. HDI represents inclusion, innovation, vision, and practical application and that makes me proud to be a part of the team.