News
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“They think they can’t do it on their own, but they’re not on their own.”
Listen to Rebecca’s story and their passion for inclusive education. View the video
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Turner wins Gold!
Though everyone working at HDI is a champion of some sort, one of us has the medals to prove it. Morgan Turner, a program education assistant for HDI, won three games at the Kentucky Special Olympics Summer Games, which were held in Richmond from June 2 to 4. In total, Turner played and won three…
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Supported Employment Staff Earns Recognition
Supported employment has changed a lot over the years. Both Lori Norton and Margaret Lopresto can attest to that. Both have been involved in the field for a long time – Norton since 1992, and Lopresto since 1996. Both have also recently been recognized for their achievements in the field. Lopresto received the Excellence in…
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HDI Collaborates with UC Davis MIND Institute
Even dense and difficult information can be written so that everyone can read it. That’s why the MIND Institute at UC Davis reached out to HDI, to teach them more about plain language. “They came to us on the recommendation of Association of University Centers on Disability because they recognized they did not have the…
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Increase Accessibility with Plain Language
Opportunities to make life more inclusive are everywhere – even something as simple as the language we use can have huge implications for accessibility. One of the most powerful tools in creating accessible writing is plain language. And thanks to a recent request from the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD), HDI was able…
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A Semi-Brief Fascinating History of American Sign Language + Resources for Learning
There is a vast misconception among hearing Americans that American Sign Language is English on the hands, but in fact, it is a full language with its own unique syntax, grammar, idioms and modes of expression. Let’s take a dive into its fascinating history, and then we’ll explore some resources available to you right now…
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HDI’s Lisa Amstutz is Second in Kentucky to Earn Special Credential for Mental Health ASL Interpreting
Lisa Amstutz earned her Qualified Mental Health Interpreter Certification earlier this month, making her the second American Sign Language interpreter in Kentucky to do so. The credential is part of a crucial effort to bridge the gap between Deaf mental health care needs and barriers to access. The certification is typically held by experienced interpreters…
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Dr. Mykal Leslie joins the Human Development Institute
Dr. Mykal Leslie knows how to read the story that the numbers tell – and how to find the parts of the story they don’t tell. He will have plenty of opportunities to do both as the new Director of Evaluation for HDI. “We do internal and external evaluation,” Leslie said. “We make sure that…
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Michelle Graham-Smith receives the Dr. Morris Grubbs Outstanding Dedication to the Graduate Student Congress Award
Michelle Graham-Smith had a simple reason for working with the Graduate Student Congress – someone asked. A gap on the congress needed to be filled and as a grad student herself with a wealth of work experience, she was a good candidate for the spot. Now she’s found a lot about the congress she loves…
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Lifetime access pass to national parks and recreational land offers accessible options to Americans with disabilities
Spring sunshine continues to taunt summer loving Kentuckians with its promise of the radiant afternoon rays that fade into calm evening glow. It’s a great time to begin making summer plans, and for those with a permanent disability, you might consider applying for a free lifetime access pass to all U.S. national parks and recreational…