Spotlight – Page 4

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Tammy Greene

Posted on November 22, 2019 | by Beth Potter

The Institute will continue to grow and affect positive change in the lives of individuals with disabilities and impact the quality of early childhood education for all children in Kentucky.
Tammy Greene – Early Childhood Specialist

How did you come to know HDI?
I learned about HDI through becoming a credentialed trainer.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
10 1/2 years, Trainer’s Credential, Trainer, Trainers Institute, Professional Development Liaison
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
Being part of going paperless, equipping trainers to enhance their skills to support the development of quality trainings for early care and education professionals; building relationships with trainers throughout the state.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
My fondest memories revolve around meeting and working with a variety of individuals that have helped me grow in positive ways.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
The advice that I would give is said best by Fred Rogers, “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” Find ways to do this for yourself, your co-workers, and throughout all areas of your work.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Maria E. Delgado

Posted on November 20, 2019 | by Beth Potter

“Don’t ever stop trying to make a difference.”
Maria E. Delgado – Accessibility Consultant and Consumer Advisory Council Member

How did you come to know HDI?
Several years ago, I was invited by Dr. Harold Kleinert to do a web accessibility presentation for HDI. After the presentation, I was approached to help review the HDI website for accessibility, as well as to translate many of the available materials into Spanish. Through my work with HDI, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and respect for its mission, so I was honored to receive an invitation to become part of the Consumer Advisory Council.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have been involved with HDI since 2014 as an accessibility consultant, a Spanish translator, and a member of the CAC.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
Assisting HDI in making materials and information available to underserved populations.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
Every interaction with HDI is meaningful. We share a common goal that truly matters to real people.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
I believe HDI is paving the way to a more inclusive society, and I already see change compared to previous years. I see a lot of good work for us in the future.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Maria Kemplin

Posted on November 13, 2019 | by Beth Potter

Individuals with disabilities are the experts. Constantly examining the way we do things and broadening our perspective is how we innovate, integrate, and improve our world.
Maria Kemplin, Project Director

How did you come to know HDI?
My son, who is an autistic self-advocate, spoke at an HDI conference several years ago and we got to know the people and the important work they do.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
Two years ago, we began serving on HDI efforts as a volunteer. We participated in several autistic self-advocacy conferences that were life-changing. Looking to the future, my son and I began serving on the KentuckyWorks Postsecondary Committee. This year, I accepted a position at HDI as the project director of the Transportation Initiative, an effort funded though a grant from the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
We are creating a Transportation Initiative web page to serve as a resource for individuals with disabilities to connect with transportation options across Kentucky. I am also very proud of everything that my son does as a advocate to ensure that autistic individuals are represented in decision making.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
Dancing with my son at the HDI 50th Anniversary Gala!
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
Under Dr. Sheppard-Jones’s leadership, HDI is developing so many of our young people to lead empowered, self-directed lives. They are our future.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Adam Potter

Posted on November 10, 2019 | by Beth Potter

HDI is less about the organization itself, and more about the people we serve. HDI means accessibility, inclusion, acceptance, understanding, ingenuity, communication, and technology – all combined in perfect unity.
Adam Potter – Digital Media Specialist

How did you come to know HDI?
I learned about HDI while searching for a job after college. I applied and worked as a STEPS Digital Media Assistant to Patti Singleton and the Digital Learning and Media Team.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I’ve been here for three years as a Digital Media Specialist and Video Project Coordinator.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
The Digital Learning and Media Initiatives team has accomplished a lot over the last three years. We’ve created videos, podcasts, online trainings, modules, websites, and so much more. In approximately 1,000 days, I have been able to impact a portion of many projects, and I’ve met so many incredible, hard-working people along the way.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
The 50th Anniversary Gala was awesome, and it reminded me of another fun moment we have about once a quarter. The office at Coldstream loves throwing cookouts, and Dave Flechler makes a mean brisket.
Do you have any advice you would like to share with current and future staff and students at HDI?
Never be afraid to ask others for help – everyone in our work community is so supportive, and it’s such a blessing to have a job in which every employee is appreciated for what they can contribute to the whole.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
We are already considered a top program in our field. I believe that we will continue to strive for equality and inclusion for all, and our organization will continue to exponentially improve and expand. This is a “get back what you put in” situation, and the HDI community gives like no other.