Recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, UK HDI Highlights Resources Available to Kentuckians
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 29, 2016) — March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute (HDI) stands at the forefront of this movement to make sure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism and Down syndrome, have access to valuable resources utilized throughout the nation and in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
HDI offers educational seminars about available resources for people with developmental disabilities; programs and resources to benefit individuals with disabilities through the lifespan; and regular updates about issues impacting the disability community.
HDI holds a Fall and Spring Seminar Series with free educational presentations about topics related to developmental disabilities. The institute has an upcoming presentation from 1-3 p.m. Friday, April 15, by an occupational therapist about how to collaborate with individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Those who are interested can attend the seminar in person at the HDI Conference Room in the University of Kentucky Mineral Industries building, or view the seminar via live stream. To register for the seminar, visit http://www.hdi.uky.edu.
"The HDI Seminar Series is an opportunity to increase your knowledge about the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families," said HDI Preservice Training Coordinator Walter Bower. "All groups who engage with children with autism, including family members, professionals, educators, and caregivers, can benefit from the upcoming seminar."
In addition, many programs for families and individuals with developmental disabilities can be explored online at http://www.hdi.uky.edu/for-individuals-and-family-members.. The programs range from books and websites for new and expectant parents learning about a diagnosis of Down syndrome to peer support programs for students with developmental disabilities to health and wellness initiatives and supported employment programs. HDI also offers resources and directories for Kentuckians to navigate services for people with disabilities, including the popular “Kentucky Disability Resources Manual” in English and Spanish and a Recreation Manual.
Moreover, individuals can stay up-to-date on the latest disability-related news through the HDI website, newsletter and social media updates. The institute regularly shares the latest news, popular stories and videos, and cutting-edge innovations. Sign up for the quarterly newsletter at http://www.hdi.uky.edu and follow social media updates at https://www.facebook.com/ukhdi/.
UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Harder, 859-323-2396, whitney.harder@uky.edu