News
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Episode 4 of The State of HDI Podcast explores Alternate Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Jacqui Kearns is in the studio to discuss what communication and AAC – alternate and augmentative communication are – and how she collaborates to ensure all students in school can communicate. State of HDI Episode IV, Alternate Augmentative Communication Transcript State of HDI Episode 4 Communication Patti Singleton Hello and thank you for joining us…
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UK HDI researchers lay groundwork for national air travel accessibility research with focus on individuals who use wheelchairs
In July 2021, Engracia Figueroa’s power wheelchair–a $30,000 custom device—was critically damaged in the belly of a commercial plane. After the flight, Figueroa was left to wait in a standard transport wheelchair at the airport for nearly five hours, noting her hunger and pain in live videos she posted to Facebook. Figueroa, who was disabled…
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New HDI project to use Universal Design to create inclusive student environments
Over the past several years, the mental health of students has declined. According to the CDC, the pandemic saw mental health concerns reach a crisis level. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in youth aged 10–24. Mental health emergency visits increased 31% in youth aged 12–15 from 2019–2020. Anxiety and depression rates in youth…
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The inclusive dojo: HDI training supports martial arts instructors in transforming training spaces
The first thing you do when you enter the dojo is take off your shoes. You’ll see a rainbow of colored belts around the waists of students in matching cotton garb, called gi in karate classes. The puzzle piece edges of thick foam mats fit together to form a training area. You might see a…
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HDI is Seeking Your Input for Our Five Year Plan
The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute wants your feedback to improve our work. Every five years we write a new plan that guides what we do in our role as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. We’ve put together a survey for you to tell us what we need to work on…
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HDI is Seeking Applicants for 2023 LEND Program
The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute seeks qualified applicants for the third year of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program, in partnership with the University of Louisville and Eastern Kentucky University. LEND programs share the overall mission of improving the health of infants, children and adolescents with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.…
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Episode 3 of The State of HDI Podcast explores “Plain Language”
Join Patti Singleton, Division Director for Professional Learning, as she discusses plain language with HDI staff, Bev Harp and Morgan Turner. Learn what Plain Language is, why it is important, and how you can get started with using Plain Language. You can also learn more at plainlanguage.gov State of HDI Episode III, Plain Language Transcript…
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Kentucky Employment First welcomes Katie Wolf Whaley as new Council Chair
On December 2nd, 2022, Kentucky welcomed Katie Wolf Whaley as the new chair of Kentucky’s Employment First Council. Employment First practices the idea that competitive integrated employment should be considered the first and primary option for people with disabilities who are eligible and desire to be employed. Simply put, it is the idea that…
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A look into the Undergraduate Certificate in Universal Design
Universal Design affects everyone—students of all disciplines, people with disabilities, and any other community members. Universal design creates spaces and products that are as usable as possible by as many people as possible. The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Universal Design. In this program, students learn about and benefit…
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HDI’s new project aims to enhance photography of people with disabilities
Stock photography is a common tool used by almost all businesses and organizations; however, stock photos featuring people with disabilities are often staged using models without disabilities, resulting in misrepresentation, unnatural scenes, and offensive images. For example, models using wheelchairs often only use manual and/or ill-fitting wheelchairs. Images showing American Sign Language often use nonexistent…