artAbility Showcase 2022 TONIGHT!
The artAbility Project has wrapped up another fun-filled year of workshops, and we’re celebrating with the annual artAbiltiy Showcase.
This year, the end-of-year gallery is all the more exciting as we're hosting an in-person event!
Please join us for an evening of art appreciation tonight from 5-7 pm PT at the Latah County Fairgrounds. There will also be a digital showcase launching on the CDHD website.
Come to this inclusive gallery to meet the artists and view all the amazing work they’ve created throughout the year.
A year of firsts
The 2021-22 academic year was exciting for everyone involved – and not just for the incredible creativity of the talented artists. This year marked the first time since the COVID pandemic began that we were able to return to in-person workshops. All participants were able to gather together to create and socialize, with appropriate safety measures in place.
It also saw the introduction of a new Project Coordinator. Areli Morfin took over the project in the fall 2021 semester.
This was Areli’s first year working as a student trainee at the CDHD. It’s also her first year working with the artAbility Project. She planned and conducted five workshops with the help of local artist instructors and University of Idaho students acting as natural supports.
Over the course of the year, more than 150 pieces of artwork were created. 99 of those will be on display at the annual showcase tonight. Some artists will be selling their work. Purchases can be made with cash or check.
Showcase details
Everyone is welcome:
- When: April 28 from 5-7pm
- Where: Latah County Fairgrounds, 1021 Harold Avenue, Moscow, Idaho
- As this is an in-person event, masks are encouraged to help keep all members of the community safe.
- Artwork and artist cards will be available for purchase with either cash or check.
We hope to see you there, but if you're not able to attend, the Digital Showcase will go live on the CDHD website today at 4pm!
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Representing Idaho at WSRGN
Dr Gwen Mitchell is representing Idaho at this year’s Western States Regional Genetics Network (WSRGN) meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. She's attending as a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (LEND) faculty member for the State of Idaho.
The annual event provides an opportunity for representatives from Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to gather together to discuss key goals and objectives of the Network. This includes initiatives that help further the project’s mission to increase access to genetic services and education for medically underserved populations.
It’s an opportunity for participants to discuss standards in genetic screening on the regional, state and national level. Dr Mitchell is looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about what's happening at the national level with genetic testing and long-term use and storage of genetic records.
“It is a moving target. Every year there is new guidance from the federal level, and every year there are multiple difference of opinion.”
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Welcome, new staff!
Over the past quarter, we’ve seen a few new faces join us. Welcome!
We're thrilled to have you as part of our team, and we look forward to seeing all the amazing things you’ll accomplish.
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Crystal Pelch
Resource Specialist
IdahoSTARS
Region 3
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Etta Cobb
Program Technician
CDHD, IATP, Children and Youth with Deaf Blindness
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Royale Lockhart
Lead Consultant
IdahoSTARS
Region 2
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Announcements and updates |
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Results are in! 2021-22 Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge
Through Dr Gwen Mitchell, the CDHD helped Moscow Charter School keep 7,735 pounds of plastic out of landfill!
The school took the top spot (for elementary schools in the northwest with 0-350 students) in the 2021-22 Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge. This challenge encourages schools across the US to collect and recycle the most plastic film. This year participating schools recycled more than 300,000 pounds of plastic.
Congratulations to Moscow Charter School, and let the recycling continue!
Moscow Recycling Center accepts plastic film materials on the first Saturday of every month. There is also a collection bin at the CDHD Moscow office. Be sure to check with your local recycling center for pick up/drop off information.
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Dr Gwen Mitchell is retiring
Dr Gwen Mitchell, Director of the Child and Youth Study Center, will be retiring on June 24, 2022.
Gwen has been at the Idaho Center for Disabilities and Human Development for 17 years. Not only has she provided invaluable leadership and experience during that time, but she helped develop the Child and Youth Study Center into what it is today.
We sat down to talk about the last 17 years and what lies ahead.
So, we’ll start off with an easy one. When did you start at the CDHD?
Gwen: I started at the Center in 2005.
I worked with Dr Laura Richards who recruited me to work with the Moscow Charter School. After a year, I started on at the Center in the Clinical Services Project (Child and Youth Study Center), which was just starting out.
So the Study Center started around the same time?
Gwen: Yes, Dr Rand Walker and Dr Julie Fodor got together and decided we needed to have a clinical services project at the Center. They recruited Dr Richards and between the three of them, they started this project.
When I started, Dr Richards and I worked together to develop it into the Study Center it is today.
What has been your favorite thing about working at the Study Center and with the community?
Gwen: My favorite thing is supervising the graduate students in their assessment work. That entails helping them learn how to administer psychological assessments. It is very fulfilling work.
Do you have a favorite memory of your time at the Study Center and/or at the CDHD?
Gwen: I would say the best memories have consistently been the opportunities to be with the people here and getting to know them. That has always been really fun.
But overall, my favorite thing about being here has been working with the families. Being able to answer their questions and be a resource for them to help them support their children as they turn into independently functioning adults.
What are your retirement plans?
Gwen: Well, I am going to continue working with the Moscow Charter School. And I hope to do some independent work.
That brings me to my last question. Do you have any parting words for staff, or the community – the people who you’ve worked with over the years?
Gwen: This has been such a fun group of people to work with. It’s really been a nice way to end my working career, working in such an inclusive and accepting environment.
I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity.
Please join us in thanking Dr Gwen Mitchell for her time and expertise over the past 17 years. All of us at the CDHD would like to wish her the very best in her retirement!
Child and Youth Study Center Closes
Unfortunately, Dr Mitchell's departure means that the Child and Youth Study Center will be discontinuing direct services.
Together with Dr Mitchell, we are proud that for 17 years the Child and Youth Study Center has been able to consistently fulfill Dr Rand Walker and Dr Julie Fodor’s original dream of providing therapy and assessment services to the underserved in the community.
The decision to close was made based on financial limitations and we sincerely regret the loss to the community. We appreciate the many partnerships and friendships made over the years.
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Tools for Life 2022 wrap up
The 17th annual Tools for Life Fair was held in Moscow on March 7 and 8. It marked the first in-person Fair since the COVID pandemic began. While the event was scaled down to ensure the safety of all attendees, it was still a major success.
Over the course of two days, 199 attendees participated in more than 30 presentations and group activities to expand student knowledge related to assistive technology, self-advocacy, independent living and college/career readiness.
From learning how to cook, to campus tours at the University of Idaho, the Fair was packed with insightful ventures for students, families and professionals.
“This Tools for Life Fair was the most difficult conference we have ever had to plan and run after being forced to take 2021 off due to COVID", said Dan Dyer, Fair organizer.
"We made the right decision, however, in deciding to hold the event in-person this year. The conference survey results were overwhelming positive with great outcomes reported by the 90 in-person student attendees.
"Being able to bring the event back to in-person this year has helped to ensure the conference will live on and make it to its 18th year!”
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Announcements and updates |
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IdahoSTARS staff receive professional endorsement
Six IdahoSTARS staff members were awarded the Infant Family Associate Endorsement in March 2022.
This professional endorsement speaks to their dedication, knowledge and skills in the field of infant care.
Congratulations, IMH-E® Infant Family Associates:
- Stefanie Jones
- Kathy Gates
- Michelle Mothersill
- Stacy Stooks
- Keira Yetter
- Kim Brooks
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NEW! Idaho Living Well Self-Advocacy Training Series
The Idaho Living Well Project launched a comprehensive system of training and career development for self advocates.
It helps to ensure that individuals and family members have the tools needed to advocate, protect and guide their own lives.
It also aims to encourage providers to support individuals through evidence-based approaches that are philosophically aligned with the principles and practices of person-centered thinking and self-determination.
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Congratulations to our CDHD trainee graduates!
We would like to extend a congratulations to five graduating student trainees finishing their degrees this May. We did a Q and A with all the soon-to-be graduates about their time at the CDHD and their plans for the future.
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Mykala Weremecki
How long have you worked at the CDHD?
Mykala: I've only been at CDHD since January 2022, for my final semester at the University of Idaho. But in my brief time here I've learned so much and can't wait to apply that knowledge.
And what are some things you've learned in your position?
Mykala: I'm a trainee with IATP, and I've had the honor of working on a couple projects. This includes Tools for Life where I was able to instruct trainees on where we needed help.
I'm also working on a V-CAP project that allows vaccine sites and long-term care facilities to communicate with people who have a disability in an effective manner. We provide resources for these sites to have a better understanding of disabilities.
It sounds like you were busy! What was your favorite memory of your time here?
Tools for Life was a big event for me because I was able to meet people all around Idaho who have a disability and listen to how they can advocate for themselves and learn about what people have already done.
What did you study at the University of Idaho?
Mykala: My bachelor's degree is in recreation, sport and tourism management, with an emphasis in recreation management. I have a double minor in outdoor recreation leadership and Spanish.
So, what’s next?
Mykala: I was recently hired part-time at Fort Boise as an Adaptive Recreation Leader, so I will be moving to Boise and working with Boise Parks and Recreation.
I'm excited for this opportunity because I get to spend time with the community and work with people who have a passion and drive to make programs accessible.
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Kiana Woods
How long have you worked at the CDHD and what projects did you work on during your time here?
Kiana: I've been at the CDHD since mid-January 2022.
I took over the Adaptive Movement classes for the spring semester. I have always been curious about how physical activity might improve one's overall health.
I enjoy moving and feel that everyone should have the opportunity to do so. This project enables everyone to get involved in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
In addition to the weekly sessions, I was able to bring the Adaptive Movement sessions to the statewide Tools for Life Fair in March.
We're so happy that you continued the Adaptive Movement classes! What was your favorite memory in your brief time here?
Kiana: I have so many different memories from my time at the CDHD that I will cherish for a long time.
During my adaptive movement sessions, I always look forward to seeing everyone and talking with them. Going to training seminars was, however, one of my favorite memories from my time here.
I always enjoyed hearing about the projects that the other trainees were involved in and learning more about the CDHD. Everyone that works here has such a strong commitment to what they do, which I admire.
You're graduating with a degree in Exercise, Sport and Health Science with a minor in Pre-Health Studies. What are your post-graduation plans?
Kiana: After graduation, I intend to continue my education in graduate school. I will be starting a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at the University of Utah on June 1st. This program will last three years, after which I plan to return to the west side to practice.
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Suzanna Winters
How long have you worked at the CDHD? And what projects did you work on while you were here?
Suzanna: I've been working at the CDHD for just over a year. I started in January 2021, in the middle of my junior year.
When I started at CDHD I worked on CORE and helped with various projects, supporting other trainees. After a few months I started working on Disability Advocacy Network of Idaho (DANI).
I've been running their social media, creating posts around things that will affect individuals with disabilities and how they can advocate for themselves.
That’s awesome! What's your favorite memory from working at the CDHD?
Suzanna: One of my favorite things has been participating in artAbility and interacting with all the participants.
I'm also incredibly grateful for having a space to learn more about working in the professional world, and for everyone who has been willing to help me grow as a young professional.
What did you study at the University of Idaho?
Suzanna: I'm finishing my degree in human development and family studies. I have studied a lot about how individuals develop as they grow up, and the various development theories.
And what do you plan to do post-graduation?
Suzanna: After graduation I am going to continue to work at the CDHD while I grow my connections and decide where I want to work long-term.
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Julia Montenegro
How long have you worked at the CDHD?
Julia: I've worked at the CDHD for just three short months – four by the time I graduate.
During your time, what project(s) did you work on?
Julia: I focused on planning the Palouse Family Fair – Walk and Roll event for the community. This role involved all parts, big and small, of the planning process. From getting the permit for the space we used to writing a grant! The event was planned collaboratively with myself, Families Together and Palouse Alliance.
That’s great! Do you have a favorite memory of your time at the CDHD?
Julia: My favorite memory during my time here is probably when I got the email from Olivia that we were awarded the grant I wrote. It was such an amazing feeling!
With your degree in psychology and human development and your minor in mathematics, what do you plan to do next?
Julia: After graduation I will be working in the health insurance industry for about a year.
I'd like to gain more experience and save money, while working towards my long-term goal of being an event coordinator for a children’s hospital!
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Jordan Moffis
How long have you been at the CDHD?
Jordan: I've been working at the CDHD for almost two years now. I began in the summer of 2020.
Time flies! What projects were you working on during those two years?
Jordan: Since beginning at the CDHD, I've been on the CORE team working as the Dissemination Trainee. I work with my supervisor to create social media posts for both Instagram and Facebook. We aim to disseminate important, fun and informative content to the disability community in Idaho.
This past year, I've also helped with the student-led artAbility project, writing a grant, helping at workshops, and getting ready for the eighth annual showcase.
And what is your favorite memory of your time here?
Jordan: This is a hard question because I have many great memories from the past two years.
Overall, I would have to say that what I will look back on most will be working with the other trainees and building my professional skills. The support that the trainees get from staff and their fellow trainees is unmatched.
I have been able to expand my knowledge about the disability community and connect with them through projects that the other trainees have led like Adaptive Movement, artAbility, Courageous Kids Climbing, and more. I have also been able to create and lead my own campaign that gave me skills I would otherwise not have.
What did you study at the University of Idaho? Do you have post graduation plans?
Jordan: I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting and Digital Media, with minors in communications and women, gender, and sexuality studies and a certificate in equity and justice.
After graduation I will be staying in the Palouse area to gain more experience in my field and then I hope to move to Portland to continue my professional development in digital media.
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Announcements and updates
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Adaptive Movement – May classes
Come join one of our graduating trainees, Kiana, for her last few Adaptive Movement classes.
These classes are open to people of all abilities and focus on mindfully moving the body in accessible ways. Plus, they are FREE to anyone who would like to join!
The final dates for this academic year will be:
- May 2 from 12-12:30 pm PT
- May 4 from 5-5:30 pm PT
- May 9 from 12-12:30 pm PT.
Classes are held at East City Park in Moscow. On inclement weather days, they're moved to the 1912 Center.
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Your voice matters – join CAC!
If you’re a person with a disability or a family member, we need you in our Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Your direct experience provides invaluable first-hand knowledge, feedback and insight into the opportunities and challenges facing people with disabilities and their families.
You will be responsible for attending three meetings per year to:
- help plan CDHD activities
- tell us what’s important to you
- meet people from around the state.
We welcome:
- people with disabilities
- family members of people with disabilities
- representatives from state protection and advocacy organizations
- people who represent advocacy organizations
- disability advocates
- elected officials
- service providers.
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Upcoming community events and holidays |
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May
14: University of Idaho Spring Commencement (Moscow)
17: University of Idaho Spring Commencement (Boise)
18: University of Idaho Spring Commencement (Idaho Falls)
30: Memorial Day (CDHD closed)
June
18: Child Development Conference 2022 (IdahoSTARS region 1-2 only)
20: Juneteenth (CDHD Closed)
July
4: Independence Day (CDHD Closed)
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