Category: HDI Spotlight Profile

Katie Wolf Whaley Photo. she is wearing a grey dress and speaking using a microphone in front of a black background

HDI 50th Anniversary Spotlight on Katie Wolf Whaley

Posted on | by HDITrex

HDI is a place where people are given the opportunity to learn new ideas, study new research and implement new ways of understanding and supporting people with disabilities to live their best life. It is a place for families, the University community and all Kentuckians to better understand the complex issues in society around people with disabilities that do not get near the attention they deserve. It is a place that makes connections and shows possibilities.
—Katie Wolf Whaley, Project Director of the Supported Employment Training Project

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Bev Harp

HDI 50th Anniversary Spotlight on Bev Harp

Posted on | by HDITrex

There are many things I value about HDI, but two stand out to me as most important. The first is the way students are supported, nurtured, and respected as partners in our work. Research Assistants work on grant proposals, travel to present at conferences, and enjoy opportunities to contribute to the literature in our field. Practicum students have developed learning and evaluation tools that continue to benefit us long after they have moved on. The ways students are valued and embraced by the institute says a lot about our cultural character. Another vitally important aspect is our interdisciplinary focus, which provides access to a wide array of viewpoints, theories, and methods to use in our work. Having multiple ways to think about problems allows us to develop solutions that are truly innovative, and to continue growing our own understandings of disability in society.
—Bev Harp, Principal Investigator on Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers

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Smiling woman with black hair and glasses looking at the camera.

HDI Spotlight on Chithra Adams

Posted on | by HDITrex

My entire career has been with HDI. Career journeys involve growth and are filled with highs, lows, and doubts. The one thing constant in my career journey is what HDI stands for and its impact on our communities. It is an incredible privilege to be working with people who push boundaries, advocate, and work towards creating an inclusive community for all. It is a privilege and something that I don’t take for granted.

—Chithra Adams, Ph.D., HDI Director of Evaluation

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Man with glasses and tie looking at the camera with a half smile

HDI Spotlight on Malachy Bishop

Posted on | by HDITrex

HDI means very much to me. I am honored to have been a part of HDI. It is a place of opportunity, where very committed and hard-working people are supported in pursuing creative and effective approaches to fulfilling a challenging and very important mission.

—Malachy Bishop, Ph.D., CRC, Norman L. and Barbara M. Berven Professor of Rehabilitation Psychology in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education at UW Madison & Past HDI Director of Research and Development

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Mary Howard, woman with curly brown hair smiling at the camera

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Mary Howard

Posted on | by HDITrex

I love that we have such strong early childhood services at HDI. HDI emphasizes the importance of supporting all young children to help them grow into healthy, happy adults that lead productive lives. To me the cradle to grave services at HDI exemplify the idea that people are more alike than different and that we all are working to be the best version of ourselves. —Mary Howard, Research and Development Associate; Director Child Care Aware

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