Fund for Excellence

The Human Development Institute (HDI) established the Fund for Excellence for the development of innovative programs, services or products to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families, for which funding is not currently available. Fund for Excellence Projects are led by HDI staff.

List of funded projects

The Human Development Institute (HDI) established the Fund for Excellence for the development of innovative programs, services or products to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families, for which funding is not currently available. Fund for Excellence Projects are led by HDI staff. List of funded projects Project Director: Kathy Sheppard-Jones Project Website:  

Latest Updates

Play It by Ear: Allison Fradkin’s 'Heard Mentality' Tunes into Disability with Wordplay and Wit

Play It by Ear: Allison Fradkin’s ‘Heard Mentality’ Tunes into Disability with Wordplay and Wit

Allison Fradkin wants people to laugh when they see her play Heard Mentality, but she also wants people to understand …

Rooted & Rising: Supporting Mental Health in Rural Kentucky

Rooted & Rising: Supporting Mental Health in Rural Kentucky

Mental wellness is an important part of living a healthy, meaningful life. Experiencing good mental health helps people handle stress, …

Speaking Through Felt: Katie Peña-Van Zile’s Autistic Voice on Stage

Speaking Through Felt: Katie Peña-Van Zile’s Autistic Voice on Stage

Katie Peña-Van Zile remembers the job that inspired her play, Felt, well. “I was diagnosed with autism in 2021, much …