Human Development Institute

Seminar Series

Our Seminar Series provides interactive seminars on current topics relevant to people with disabilities, families, and professionals. Seminars are broadcast live via the Zoom webinar platform , enabling participants to join online through the live video stream. Continuing education units (CEUs) are often available for various disciplines. We also record the seminars and make them available on this page.

Upcoming Events

Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities : HDI Seminar Series

Presenters: Dylan Kissack, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Kentucky Career Center, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; Kara Ayers, PhD, Associate Professor and Associate …
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September 24, 2025

Relationships and Dating for People with Disabilities: HDI Seminar Series

This session explores how people with disabilities navigate dating, love, and long-term relationships, breaking stereotypes and highlighting real experiences. Presenters …
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October 22, 2025

Self-Advocate LEND Trainee Panel: HDI Seminar Series

The Kentucky LEND program, or Leadership Education in Neurodevelopment Disabilities, is a federally funded program committed to developing leaders among …
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November 19, 2025

Disability and Physical Activity: HDI Seminar Series

Physical activity and exercise can greatly improve health and quality of life for people with disabilities. This seminar will provide …
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February 18, 2026

Individualized Education Programs: HDI Seminar Series

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is one of the most important parts of a quality education for students with a …
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March 11, 2026

Demystifying Autism Diagnosis: HDI Seminar Series

This presentation will focus on providing clarity around the autism screening and diagnostic processes for providers, family members, and adults …
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April 15, 2026

Past Seminar Recordings

Seminar Series: Enhancing Employment Success
There are hundreds of thousands of individuals with significant disabilities who remain unemployed in this country. This is a massive waste of a valuable human resource. Businesses of all sizes and industries have indicated their interest in hiring persons with disabilities, but they want to know more about how to find qualified workers, how to support them in productive jobs and how to best retain them. The key to both of these critical issues is to help community rehabilitation programs, rehabilitation counselors, and transition specialists to reach out to business to establish long term partnerships.
Seminar Series: Employment and Technology for Aging Workers
The speakers for this interactive seminar are rehabilitation counselors discussing their experiences of working with individuals having a disability and aging. They will discuss how disability, including age related disabilities, may be accommodated as individuals continue to work past the traditional age of retirement. The presenters will review resources available, including assistive technology, in the workplace.
Seminar Series: Ableism in Healthcare
Presenter: Kara Ayers, PhD. Director of the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities
An overview of medical discrimination and healthcare inequities experienced by people with disabilities. Goals and objectives for the newly established Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities will be presented along with the Center’s five areas of focus: Prenatal diagnosis of disability, suicidality among people with disabilities, aging and end-of life care with a disability, discrimination in organ transplantation, and COVID-19 response related to the disability community. Seemingly diverse, these areas of focus share the same emphasis on addressing the bias and stigma about disability that results in poor health outcomes for the disabled community.
Seminar Series: Accessible Transportation
Presenters: Arthur Campbell Jr, Frank Huffman, Maria Kemplin
Accessible, affordable transportation is an essential part of inclusive community life. Arthur Campbell, a disability rights advocate who has dedicated his life to transportation equity, will share a history of the movement for accessible transportation. Frank Huffman, an emerging leader for accessible transportation, will share insight on the ongoing efforts for transportation services in rural areas. Transportation Initiative project director Maria Kemplin will provide an overview of transportation options available.
Seminar Series: Justice for the Whole Self
Seminar Series: Supporting Students with Significant Disabilities in Finding Competitive Employment
Seminar Series: Parenting with a Disability
Seminar Series: How to Navigate the Muddy Road to the Diagnosis of Specific Learning Disabilities
Seminar Series: Emerging Disabilities
Disability is an abstract concept, and the landscape is changing, both in terms of disabilities and in societal response to emerging disabilities. This has implications across systems, including early childhood, education, workforce, health care and aging. Kathy Sheppard-Jones, Andy Imparato, and Phil Rumrill will provide an overview of several emerging disabilities (e.g. autoimmune disorders, mental health, opioid use disorders) and will also explore the notion of emerging disabilities from a state and national workforce context.
Seminar Series: Disability and the Arts in Health and Wellness
Panelists: Sky Cubacub, Elizabeth Daniel, Reggie Weaver, and Emily Miller
Moderator: Jason Akhtarekhavari