On April 22, AUCD Executive Director, Andy Imparato, visited HDI to learn more about our work and also share ideas with us about ways we can expand our programs and connect to other centers. He also participated in our Spring Seminar series, along with Jeff Edwards of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy, to speak about disability policy issues at the federal and state level. Continue reading
The passage of a new bill (SB 185) signed into law by Governor Bevin on April 1, 2016 has authorized the creation of an Advisory Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Office of Autism. HDI is helping in that effort by serving as co-chair of the Advisory Council on Autism with the University of Louisville Autism Center, and together we co-house the Kentucky Office of Autism.
The HDI Health and Wellness Initiative has been highlighted in a number of spotlights over the past few months, including Stephen Love’s impressive accomplishments through the HealthMatters program at Tri-Generations in Somerset; a collaboration between Health Partners and Fayette County Public School System to teach students about exercise and healthy eating; and an Impact article on community based organization programming to build healthy cultures for people with disabilities.
Nothing about us without us: Asking Kentuckians with disabilities about what they need to thrive
As a part of their strategic long term planning process, the Commonwealth Council for Developmental Disabilities (CCDD), Kentucky Protection & Advocacy (KPA), and the Human Development Institute (HDI) at the University of Kentucky developed a survey to identify areas of high need for people with disabilities in the state. This research brief describes how we used several different methods to make sure everyone’s voice was heard, including professionals, families, community leaders, and, most importantly, self-advocates. Because perspectives were formed by professional and personal experiences, the data helped us find various solutions to to attain better outcomes for Kentuckians with disabilities.
by Chithra Adams
Download Research Brief Spring 2016