Carl Nathe: Thanks Keith!

Kathy Sheppard-Jones: By making the world more accessible, it benefits everyone.

Carl Nathe: That's Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones, Executive Director of the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky.

Kathy Sheppard-Jones: I've always had a disability. I use a power wheelchair to get around. I just may do a few things a little bit differently, but I get things done and go about the day.

Carl Nathe: UK's Human Development Institute promotes the inclusion, independence, and contributions of people with disabilities and their families throughout the lifespan. HDI is well integrated in the university.

Kathy Sheppard-Jones: We teach courses, we work with both undergraduate and graduate students. We conduct a lot of research here as well. And we train communities, and do a lot of outreach into Kentucky and the nation.

Carl Nathe: Dr. Sheppard-Jones on the economic impact of HDI's research work, almost all of which is externally funded.

Kathy Sheppard-Jones: Last year, we brought in 22 million dollars to the university through our grants and our contracts.

Carl Nathe: And the areas that HDI's people work in are broad in scope.

Kathy Sheppard-Jones: We've got over 50 projects, all around Kentucky, in areas from Early Education - infants and toddlers- school aged projects, employment, health, community living, and aging in place.

Carl Nathe: While there is still so much work to be done, Kathy Sheppard-Jones and HDI are helping to keep the needle moving forward.

Kathy Sheppard-Jones: Positive opportunities for people with disabilities, and the expectation for all people to have opportunities to work, learn, live, and play in the community of your choice.

Carl Nathe: On February 9th, HDI is holding a grand opening for its new regional Center for Assistive Technologies Services, or CATS, in Lexington. Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones said she feels very fortunate.

Kathy Sheppard-Jones: I am surrounded by a team of dedicated staff and professionals, students, families, people with disabilities that I have the chance to work with, because we can accomplish so much more together than we can on our own. And that's really what the Human Development Institute is all about.

Carl Nathe: For more information, visit uky.edu and type in Human Development Institute. Also on the UK homepage, you can find UKNow. That's our news page. As well as to engage with us via social media on twitter, facebook, and instagram. Seeing blue, I'm Carl Nathe with UK at the Half.