Johnny Collett

Johnny Collett joins a special episode of the State of HDI Podcast

Posted on December 13, 2023 | by Beth Potter

The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI) is pleased to announce a special episode of the State of HDI podcast series. Listeners have the opportunity to join Johnny Collett, Deputy Director at HDI, for Advancing Ideas for Improvement or Innovation in a System Where You are Not the Boss. Learn about five principles that apply in any setting that can be used regardless of where you are organizationally situated, that could increase your ability to lead.

Listen to this episode and download a summary document of the State of HDI podcast here.

Before joining HDI, Collett served as Assistant United States Education Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Prior to that, Collett served as program director for special education outcomes at the Council of Chief State School Officers. He has also served in senior leadership roles at the Kentucky Department of Education, and as a high school special education teacher.

From his role as a classroom teacher, to state special education director, to the United States’ highest-ranking official for special education and rehabilitative services, Collett has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to raising expectations and improving outcomes for people with disabilities. Added to that is his career-long commitment to meaningful and effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders – whether students, parents, educators, business leaders, disability advocates, governors, state legislators, or members of Congress.

Collett’s extensive portfolio of leadership experience, including implementation of state and Federal laws and policies and numerous systems change efforts, provide him with a unique perspective on matters related to improving educational, employment, and other life outcomes of people with disabilities.

Follow Johnny on Twitter @JohnnyWCollett or contact him at Johnny.Collett@uky.edu.

Funding Opportunity to Establish a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program

Posted on March 21, 2022 | by Beth Potter

The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI) is inviting applications from Kentucky institutions of higher education for 12-month planning funds to support them in developing a plan to establish and sustain a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program for students with intellectual disabilities.

To support the establishment of new CTP programs in Kentucky, HDI intends to fund up to seven applications with a one-time award of $20,000.

HDI plans to fund up to four applications from colleges within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and up to three applications from other Kentucky institutions of higher education. If fewer than the established number of applications in one of these categories are chosen for funding, HDI may fund additional applications in the other category. The application deadline is May 2, 2022.

Learn more, register for an informational webinar and apply at the Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership website.

Funding Opportunity to Establish a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program

Posted on August 5, 2021 | by Beth Potter

The Human Development Institute (HDI) is inviting applications from Kentucky Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) for a 12-month planning grant to support IHEs in developing a plan to establish and sustain a CTP program for students with intellectual disabilities (ID).

To support the establishment of new CTPs in Kentucky, HDI intends to fund five (5) applications with a one-time award of $20,000. HDI plans to fund up to 3 applications from colleges within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, and up to 2 applications from other Kentucky IHEs. If fewer than the established number of applications in one of these categories are chosen for funding, HDI may fund additional applications in the other category.

Learn more, register for an informational webinar, and apply at the KSHEP website. Contact Johnny.Collett@uky.edu with any questions.

KSHEP Website Launch in white text on a dark blue background

Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership Launches Website

Posted on July 14, 2021 | by Beth Potter

The University of Kentucky (UK) Human Development Institute (HDI) launches the Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership’s (KSHEP) website. KSHEP is a network of institutions of higher education (IHEs) committed to increasing higher education options, access, and success for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Kentucky.

The IHEs in this network offer inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs. CTP programs support students with intellectual disabilities who want to continue academic or career and technical instruction at a college or university to better prepare for competitive integrated employment and independent living. All IHEs in this network are partners in the effort to increase higher education options, access, and success for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

There are currently three Kentucky IHEs with approved CTP programs: Northern Kentucky University, Murray State University, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, and the University of Kentucky (application submitted). These are all part of the larger KSHEP network.

The KSHEP network is supported by the statewide technical assistance center (TAC), which is a project of HDI. KSHEP-TAC provides technical assistance and support to IHEs that have established, or may be interested in establishing inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, like CTP programs.

The KSHEP website provides resources for students and families, IHEs interested in starting a CTP program, and educators and community partners. Visit kshep.hdiuky.org to view information sheets, videos, and other resources about Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs in Kentucky. For more information about CTPs, KSHEP, or the TAC, please contact Johnny Collett at Johnny.Collett@uky.edu or Erin Fitzgerald at Erin.Fitzgerald@uky.edu.

Addressing Education and Postsecondary Inequities for Kentucky Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Posted on June 9, 2021 | by Beth Potter

On May 20, 2021, the University of Kentucky submitted application to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid to establish a Comprehensive Transition & Postsecondary (CTP) Program for students with intellectual disabilities (ID). Upon approval, this program – which will be known as UK-SHEP (University of Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership) – will begin accepting applications for admission.

CTPs were created by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (2008) and are higher education programs for students with ID who want to continue academic, career and technical, and independent living instruction in order to prepare for competitive integrated employment.

The underrepresentation of students with ID in higher education is a longstanding and pervasive problem in Kentucky, one that presents both an economic challenge and opportunity for our state. As an Employment First state, Kentucky is committed to ensuring that competitive integrated employment is the first and preferred option for citizens with disabilities, and we expect the UK-SHEP will contribute positively toward building a truly inclusive workforce in Kentucky.

As the state’s flagship University and home to the Human Development Institute (HDI) – our state’s University Center on Disability – UK is uniquely positioned to implement and sustain a CTP program. HDI is also the statewide technical assistance center supporting three current CTP programs (Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, and Bluegrass Community & Technical College), and a resource to other Kentucky institutions of higher education interested in establishing a program.

UK-SHEP will provide students with ID a fully inclusive college experience which will better prepare them for competitive integrated employment and independent living.

What will this mean for current students and instructors at UK?

The addition of a CTP program will not change any current courses or the way they are taught. Rather, the same courses that are currently offered will continue to be offered. The biggest change you may see is the inclusion of students with ID on campus – perhaps in one of your classes, or in other areas of student life. With chosen supports and person-centered planning, UK-SHEP students will engage in all areas of campus life, from classes to clubs to social events and activities.

Kathy Sheppard-Jones, Executive Director of HDI, said, “The UK-SHEP will advance our efforts to address the inequities that have disproportionately characterized the education and postsecondary life of Kentucky students with ID.”

If you would like to learn more about the proposed UK-SHEP program or about HDI’s role in supporting this work, please contact Erin Fitzgerald (Erin.Fitzgerald@uky.edu) or Johnny Collett (Johnny.Collett@uky.edu) for more information.