Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities Student Spotlight: Ruhiyyih Henderson

Meet Ruhiyyih Henderson: a student in the Human Development Institute’s Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities program! Ruhiyyih has worked with people with a wide range of disabilities of all ages. 

Ruhiyyih speaks of her time spent with her brother: “Little did I know that teaching him to cross the street to scam cookies and brownies from the bakery down the street would lead to a career helping people live their best lives and obtain the services that they need.”

She comes to the University of Kentucky with an undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Bloomington and a Master’s degree from the University of Louisville. Her primary interest is in individuals who are dually diagnosed with behavioral health concerns and intellectual disabilities. 

She has spent years working with people with a variety of disabilities including substance abuse, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, and is interested in how these disabilities affect one another. 

Working at the Comprehensive Care Center for 17 years, she provided services and case management in a number of programs including the crisis prevention and response program for clients’ birth through the lifespan and their families. 

Ruhiyyih is currently enrolled in the Human Development Institute’s Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities. This certificate prepares professionals from a broad range of disciplines to provide services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The coursework emphasizes the lifespan from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will conduct a research project, participate in a practicum, and work with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

To apply, you will need:

  • A scholarly writing sample
  • A 500-word personal statement indicating why you want to attain this certificate
  • Current resume/vita
  • If not currently attending UK: two letters of recommendation
  • Completed Graduate Certificate Application

You can download the certificate application here: Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities application.

Learn more about the certificate here: Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities Information Page

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