IHDI sponsors disability-related seminar series in 2004

The Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute (IHDI) at the University of Kentucky will host its biannual seminar lecture series on select Fridays from February to April. The spring series will focus on topical issues for individuals with disabilities and their families. 

“We will be looking at several different topics of interest this semester, such as recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, pediatric brain injury, and assistive technology advances,” said Stephanie Adams, seminar coordinator. “These seminars are a wonderful related-learning experience for anyone interesting in the human sciences.”

“This semester we are very fortunate to have experts in our field, discussing various issues related to persons with disabilities,” said Harold Kleinert, director of IHDI. “I am excited at the prospect of students, faculty and staff throughout the university, in addition to members of the community, having access to this information.”

IHDI works to improve life opportunities for persons with disabilities and their families through interdisciplinary training, research, technical assistance, community education and information dissemination.

The following is a list of the topics, presenters, dates and times the seminar will start.
• Feb. 6, 1 to 3 p.m.; Let’s Talk About Sex, a frank discussion about sexuality and people with developmental disabilities; Hatim Omar, associate professor of pediatrics, UK College of Medicine.
• Feb. 20, 1 to 3 p.m.; Play Time, recreational opportunities for people with disabilities; Kristy Stambaugh, special populations program director, Division of Parks and Recreation, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
• March 5, 1 to 3 p.m.; Autism 101, a basic primer course. Presenter to be announced.
• March 26, 1 to 3 p.m.; All in the Family, a panel discussion of issues associated with being the sibling of a person with a disability; Vibe Foresythe, UK student and sister of a young man with autism.
• April 16, 1 to 3 p.m.; Pediatric Brain Injury, brain injuries in children and the effects on development; Tonia Wells, Brain Injury Unit, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.
• April 23, 1 to 3 p.m.; Tools and Toys, a look at assistive technology equipment, toys and services; Debbie Sharon, Bluegrass Technology Resource Center for Disability.

All seminars are open to the community and will be held at the Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute, located in 126 Mineral Industries Building at UK.

For more information about the seminar topics, call 257-3360 or visit our Web site at www.ihdi.uky.edu/.

Ralph Derickson