Sheppard-Jones receives 2021 APSE Award

The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute – HDI congratulates Executive Director, Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones, recipient of the Kentucky APSE Willie Byrd Legislative Award 2021. This award is given to a person who has supported & promoted the employment of people with significant disabilities through legislation and/or legislative & policy efforts.

Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones, PhD, CRC, has worked in the field of rehabilitation for the past 25 years, with an emphasis on systems change and community building through participant and data drivers. She leads 275 staff working on projects around inclusion with an emphasis of people with disabilities, is the Lead Administrator for Employment First in Kentucky, and collaborates with state agencies, employers, and communities. Dr. Sheppard-Jones also serves on the University of Kentucky Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Team and teaches in the UK College of Education.

Latest Updates

Jaz-Brown-LEND-Student

Jaz Brown, LEND trainee, attends AUCD

Jaz Brown has a background in activism rather than academia, and that gives them a unique perspective in Kentucky’s LEND …

Loneliness and Isolation: Unseen Barriers for People with Disabilities

Loneliness and Isolation: Unseen Barriers for People with Disabilities

Just like anyone else, people with disabilities experience mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as feelings of …

Dr. Nicholas Wright staff photo

Dr. Wright to serve in leadership role for ACPA

Dr. Nicholas Lamar Wright works to ensure HDI’s practices are fully inclusive of all people. His commitment to this work …