HDI’s Stephanie Meredith and Harold Kleinert recently received the HDI Fund for Excellence award to expand our photo library of people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds for the entire Institute and also the National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources. These photos play a critical role in portraying diverse people with disabilities across the lifespan as active participants in an inclusive world. Continue reading
When parents first hear the news that their child has a genetic condition, they want support and accurate and up-to-date information right away. They fundamentally want to know what life is like for people living with those conditions. However, sometimes they may receive outdated information or resources that leave them frustrated and confused. Parents may also receive a list of medical conditions associated with a condition without information about life outcomes and social supports. Continue reading
On June 3-4, 2016, Stephanie Meredith, Medical Outreach Director of the Human Development Institute’s (HDI) Lettercase Program/National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources at the University of Kentucky, will be speaking at a seminar in Japan for the Yokohama Project—an advocacy group in Yokohama City led by community leaders and disability advocates. Ms. Meredith is being hosted by the Yokohama Project to speak about new and expectant parent support following a diagnosis of Down syndrome; outreach to medical professionals; and the value of community inclusion and cross-cultural communication to improve the diagnosis experience. The seminar was arranged by Hiroko Kondo, a parent advocate in Yokohama and Director of the Yokohama Project. Continue reading