Merge - UK Human Development Institute

Join us TONIGHT for an exciting panel discussion about mental health and developmental disabilities. Participants will learn directly from people with lived experience as panelists share their stories and insights around their journeys with mental health and developmental disabilities. This is the final session of our Rooted & Rising spring learning opportunities!

June 4, 2026 (Thursday)
6:00 - 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Register here:
https://uky.zoom.us/meeting/register/4YUeG8M6TH-tSA2GzK1oPA #/registration

Join us this week for a panel discussion about mental health and developmental disabilities. Participants will learn directly from people with lived experience as panelists share their stories and insights around their journeys with mental health and developmental disabilities.

June 3, 2026 (Wednesday)
1:00 - 2:00 PM Eastern Time

June 4, 2026 (Thursday)
6:00 - 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Learn more and register:
https://hdi.uky.edu/rooted/

Today is the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day!
Accessibility is more than ramps, pathways and equipment. It is about independence, inclusion and making sure people of all abilities can participate fully in everyday life.
There is still work to do, but days like today are an important reminder that accessibility should never be an afterthought.
Because when accessibility improves, everyone benefits.

Learn more at : https://accessibility.day/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR7_qBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTYktqWkpQTm94ZHI0Q2xXc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHi-_j5JSpkayeBYU4R3BSY8DCrXedl_Mc9I41Q_cPrTerLiX2Q68LcuubQgg_aem_G-DRMJ6nqrylZMti0DvEWA

Today is the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day!
Accessibility is more than ramps, pathways and equipment. It is about independence, inclusion and making sure people of all abilities can participate fully in everyday life.
There is still work to do, but days like today are an important reminder that accessibility should never be an afterthought.
Because when accessibility improves, everyone benefits.

Learn more at : https://accessibility.day/

Join Rooted & Rising this evening to talk about self-care for caregivers and families!

May 21, 2026 (Thursday)
6:00 - 7:00 PM (ET)

Learn more and register:
https://hdi.uky.edu/rooted/

Join us this week to learn more about how autonomy and choice impact mental wellbeing!

May 13, 2026 (Wednesday)
1:00 - 2:00 PM (ET)

May 14, 2026 (Thursday)
6:00 - 7:00 PM (ET)

Learn more and register:
https://hdi.uky.edu/rooted/

The first Wednesday in May is a time to honor the professionals who make communication accessible every day in classrooms, appointments, meetings, and community events.

Across the Commonwealth, interpreters bring skill, focus, and dedication to their work. Whether in person or virtual, they help ensure deaf and hard of hearing individuals can fully participate, connect, and reach their goals.

Today, we thank all Kentucky’s interpreters for the important role they play in building access and strengthening our communities.

Join us for an upcoming Merge Webinar:

Visible Voices: Mental Wellness Strategies for Residential and Community Providers Working with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Individuals on May 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.

During this webinar we will think about how hearing loss, identity, communication choices, and society impact identification, diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Participants will think about what access and quality of life may look like for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled individuals and consider how their programs or services could be designed to better fit the needs and wants of people in residential and community-based settings.

Register at:
https://uky.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Um5mYi8xRF-7VPhRmjMZzw?fbclid=IwY2xjawRmumZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2SFJ1NFZCWG5oOW9PTk9zc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr_0a5aIbMSQ8bxC7gcMHL9bUAWrwmuNWpJSYayCINYQr-L-Q7STWevjBNhw_aem_uHk6MuA1GEC_PkUM-6DxZQ #/registration

Join us for an upcoming Merge Webinar:
Visible Voices: Mental Wellness Strategies for Residential and Community Providers Working with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Individuals on May 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.

During this webinar we will think about how hearing loss, identity, communication choices, and society impact identification, diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Participants will think about what access and quality of life may look like for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled individuals and consider how their programs or services could be designed to better fit the needs and wants of people in residential and community-based settings.

Register at:
https://uky.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Um5mYi8xRF-7VPhRmjMZzw #/registration

Sharing an opportunity for TOMORROW - May 5th - in the Lexington area.

The HDI Center for Assistive Technology Services (CATS) is hosting a Pediatric DME for Free Day on May 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM–4:30 PM. Families and service providers are encouraged to attend.
A variety of pediatric durable medical equipment will be available at no cost. Equipment will include wheelchairs, car seats, bath chairs, gait trainers, strollers, and activity chairs.
View currently available items at https://katsnet.at4all.com and browse the Free inventory under HDI CATS. Additional equipment will be available in person on the day of the event.
Event Location: 2358 Nicholasville Rd, Suite 180, Lexington, KY
Contact: 859-218-7979 | [email protected]
We hope to see you there!

The HDI Center for Assistive Technology Services (CATS) is hosting a Pediatric DME for Free Day on May 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM–4:30 PM. Families and service providers are encouraged to attend.

A variety of pediatric durable medical equipment will be available at no cost. Equipment will include wheelchairs, car seats, bath chairs, gait trainers, strollers, and activity chairs.

View currently available items at https://katsnet.at4all.com and browse the Free inventory under HDI CATS. Additional equipment will be available in person on the day of the event.

Event Location: 2358 Nicholasville Rd, Suite 180, Lexington, KY
Contact: 859-218-7979 | [email protected]

We hope to see you there!

Join us this evening (Thursday) to learn more about the positive impact employment can have on mental wellbeing.

April 30, 2026 (Thursday)
6:00 - 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Learn more and register:
https://hdi.uky.edu/rooted/

Join Rooted & Rising THIS EVENING (Thursday, 4/16) at 6:00 PM ET to learn more about how relationships and community connections support mental wellbeing!
Learn more and register here: https://hdi.uky.edu/rooted/

We are excited to announce that all remaining Rooted & Rising sessions will now be offered virtually! (No In-Person Sessions)

These sessions are designed to help bridge the gaps in mental healthcare for people with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities in Kentucky's Appalachian Region.

Join us this week to learn more about how relationships and community connections impact mental health. Participants will gain insight and learn some practical tips! This should be a great discussion!

April 15, 2026 (Wednesday)
1:00 - 2:00 PM Eastern Time

April 16, 2026 (Thursday)
6:00 - 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Learn more and register:
https://hdi.uky.edu/rooted/