Month: July 2020

Caroline Gooden Staff Photo

HDI Program Administrator to serve as Co-Investigator for IMLS National Libraries Leadership Award

Posted on | by Beth Potter

Dr. Caroline Gooden, Disability Program Administrator at the UK Human Development Institute, will serve as a Co-Investigator for the “Services for Children of All Abilities in Libraries: An Exploration (SCALE) project”. She will collect and analyze state-wide child data to measure child progress; consult with and coach local, state, and national staff that serve young children with disabilities, and conduct focus groups to guide technical assistance.

Dr. Maria Cahill, Associate Professor at UK’s School of Information Sciences in the College of Communication and Information and the Department of Educational Leadership Studies in the College of Education, will serve as Principal Investigator for the project which will research the value of libraries as community resources for young children with disabilities and developmental delays.

The research team will consist of six researchers representing the University of Kentucky, University of Missouri and Emporia State University. They will partner with state education and library agencies in their respective states to investigate the effectiveness of library services, practices, and behaviors for serving children with disabilities and/or developmental delays from infancy to five years old. The team will also develop webinars and instructional materials that address program management, engagement strategies, and tools that enable librarians to tailor programs and services that better meet the needs of this community.

Anticipated outcomes include increased public library programming; improved public library outreach to preschools serving children with disabilities and developmental delays; and increased awareness among families, caregivers, and service providers of educational and social opportunities available through public libraries.

Contact Caroline.Gooden@uky.edu for more information.

A woman with brown hair and black glasses wearing a black dress and copper sweater seated at a brown desk with white papers on it. A silver laptop is on her desk next to office supplies and a telephone. There is a multi-colored chart behind her.

Emily Moseley Awarded HDI’s Paul Kevin Burberry Award

Posted on | by Beth Potter

The University of Kentucky (UK) Human Development Institute (HDI) has awarded the prestigious Paul Kevin Burberry Award to Emily Moseley. Emily began a research assistantship with HDI in 2019 and has worked on several projects related to people with disabilities and their experience with COVID-19 and information services. Emily is entering her second year of graduate studies to obtain a master’s degree in Social Work and the HDI graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities. This field of study will equip her to promote social justice and equity, while being of service to others.

Sara K. Green, Graduate Advisor from the UK College of Social Work says, “Emily is an exceptional student and a joy to work with. With her strong leadership capabilities, genuine care and concern for people, as well as an unbridled passion for the HDI and Developmental Disabilities, Emily truly exemplifies qualities of an outstanding Social Worker. As her Academic Advisor in the College of Social Work, I am so proud of her ongoing academic achievement as well as her many personal and professional accomplishments, the prestigious Paul Kevin Burberry award included. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient.”

The annual Paul Kevin Burberry Award honor is given to a student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to people with disabilities, academic excellence, and the leadership qualities exemplified by Burberry’s own life. It is named in memory of the Berea native who was the first student with significant physical disabilities to graduate from Berea Community High School. He went on to Berea College and UK, as a philosophy major. While a student at UK, Burberry worked with HDI to create training modules to train medical and allied health students on developmental disabilities. Though his life was cut short before graduation, he was posthumously awarded his UK degree with highest honors in 2004.

Beth Potter, HDI Director of Information Services says, “Emily’s work performance is evidence of her commitment to the HDI mission and vision which align with the extraordinary example set forth by Kevin Burberry”

Congratulations Emily Moseley!

July 2020

Do you want to tell your story?

Posted on | by Beth Potter

Hello. My name is Jake Parsons. I live in Lexington Kentucky and I am 27 years old. I work at Walgreens and Common Grounds Coffee House. I am a member of the Kentucky Star Wars Collectors Club, and I play in a band called the Great Danes. I also have a dog named Bert, and I love the ocean and going surfing.

I have autism and it makes my brain work a little differently. Sometimes things are harder for me, but I am used to it.

Do you have a disability? Do you want to tell your story? The Human Development Institute is collecting stories about people living with disabilities. If you have a disability and you would like to be interviewed, or, if you would like to interview someone you know who has a disability, then contact Patti Logsdon at patti.logsdon@uky.edu. You can also fill out this form.  

People exercising.

Wellness Edge awards grants to local communities!

Posted on | by Beth Potter

The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute’s Kentucky Inclusive Health Collaborative has awarded grants through Wellness Edge. This program aims to improve health outcomes for individuals with paralysis and their support networks. Wellness Edge also increases the capacity of local communities to enhance and facilitate access to inclusive recreational programs for people with paralysis and their support networks.

Wellness Edge provide grants of up to $25,000 to community organizations that provide organized recreational activities that are intentionally designed to benefit individuals, groups, or communities. This year’s grants have been awarded to the following organizations:

Adaptive Sport South Central Kentucky offers a variety of programs that tailor to the interests and needs of participants. The mission is to provide leisure and sport opportunities for people with physical disabilities, but also to educate the community. Offerings include competitive wheelchair basketball for youth and adults, adaptive water sports in partnership with Warren County Parks and Recreation, an inclusive archery program, and sled-hockey demonstrations.

The Derby City Curling Club is an inclusive organization that welcomes people of all ages and abilities. As the first curling club in Kentucky, Derby City Curling teaches, develops, promotes, and increases interest in the sport of curling. The goal of the Wellness Edge grant is to increase participation in the adaptive curling program that allows those with mobility issues and paralysis to participate in curling with their family and friends, foster new friendships and create opportunities to compete at their interest level.

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Share Your Story!

Posted on | by Beth Potter

The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute – HDI Digital Storytelling Initiative is collecting stories about the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Our team will help record the story in the format that you choose. These stories will help improve our work. Are you interested in learning more? Contact Patti Logsdon at patti.logsdon@uky.edu or 859-218-1338.

Share Your Story!