Universal Design & Assistive Technology

Universal design (UD) and assistive technology both enhance opportunity for people with disabilities. Universal design elements improve access for all in physical, learning and virtual environments. The Human Development Institute will be a national leader in UD by modeling the principles in all of our work, and by increasing the capacity of our partners and those we serve to ensure the maximum inclusion, engagement, independence, and opportunity possible for all people. Assistive technology provides solutions that maximize function for individuals. HDI offers several training and direct service efforts in this area. For more information, contact: Christina Espinosa or Patti Singleton.

Latest News

Thompson Earns Universal Design Certificate

Thompson Earns Universal Design Certificate

Elizabeth Thompson has been involved with HDI for a while, but she’s always ready for an opportunity to learn more …

Fowler named Rehabilitation Technologist of the Year

Fowler named Rehabilitation Technologist of the Year

Josiah Fowler, a Rehabilitation Technologist for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, thinks of his job like a puzzle. Luckily, he’s …

RETAIN Employer Seminar Series

RETAIN Employer Seminar Series

When asked about the RETAIN Employer First Seminar series, Kimberly Wickert figured she’d let a frequent attendee, Judiann Romeo, AVP …

Disability in the Arts Gallery Showcase (Dates Extended!)

Disability in the Arts Gallery Showcase (Dates Extended!)

The exhibit will be extended and will be open onTuesday April 2nd – Wednesday April 3rd from 9 am – 4:30 pm …

Staff Spotlight: Lakyn Hollandsworth

Staff Spotlight: Lakyn Hollandsworth

Lakyn Hollandsworth has always believed in helping people where she can. “I grew up in a family where if someone …

Staff Spotlight on Anthony Glenn

Staff Spotlight on Anthony Glenn

Anthony Glenn has had a wildly diverse career. Now, he’s a return-to-work coordinator on the RETAIN Kentucky project at HDI, …

Latest Products

Click “Watch on Youtube” to access links to the documents mentioned in this seminar. Inclusive Libraries Programming Guide PDF Inclusive …

Inviting autistic people to participate in meetings that will potentially affect the lives of autistic people might seem obvious, but …

Excerpt: This tool is designed for employers to cultivate a welcoming, safe, and inclusive professional environment where all staff can …

Presenters: Jordan Phemister, PLA, ASLA, Joe Howell, PLA, ASLA and Ryan Hargrove, PhD …

The Human Development Institute has developed and illustrated its version of the Universal Design Principles.  …

This manual was designed primarily for use by people with disabilities. We hope that it is also useful for families, …

Latest Projects

Universal design is about making places and resources useable by a world that is very diverse. We all learn and …

The Southeast ADA Center (SEADA Center) is engaging in research to examine financial inclusion across the Southeast region. Guiding its …

Rehabilitation Technologists work within the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to serve consumers across the Commonwealth. These services include assessment, …

The Certificate in Universal Design is designed to give students a foundation in the principles of universal design and its …

The Driver Rehabilitation program provides evaluation and training services to consumers of the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. This effort …

HDI Center for Assistive Technology Services (CATS) is the regional Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC) serving Lexington and the surrounding …