CDHD Director, Dr Julie Fodor, receives AUCD's Lifetime Achievement Award
In November 2021, Dr Fodor received the AUCD Lifetime Achievement Award – an honor given to those who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to serving people with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the AUCD’s highest honor, recognizing exceptional leadership, advocacy, research and contributions made by outstanding individuals.
During her time at the CDHD, Dr Fodor's work has focused on advancing the CDHD’s mission and improving resources for Idaho’s disability community. The benefits of her dedication are felt statewide, with improved community-based supports and family support models, an Idaho training cooperative to support children’s Medicaid providers and behavior interventionists, self-determination waivers for self-advocates and more.
In addition to her role at the CDHD, she served on the AUCD board of directors (2007-14). She initiated a training and technical assistance program for tribal schools in four states. She has also written curricula, instructional materials, research, publications, conference presentations and trainings.
As colleagues, friends, teachers, students, self-advocates, Idaho’s disability community and family members, we see the positive impacts of Dr Fodor’s continued dedication firsthand every day.
|
|
Dr Robin Greenfield retires
Robin was at the CDHD for 30 years! Her incredible work was essential to the success of the Center and its projects. Her efforts and expertise resulted in many valued resources for Idaho’s disability community.
Before her final day, we sat down with her to reflect on her time at the CDHD. When asked if she had a favorite memory, she said “That’s a hard one! My memories are really about the people at the Center. So many people have provided me with support as well as the Deaf-Blind Project.
“It’s also about the dedication of the people at the CDHD in improving the lives of people with disabilities – committed and strong advocates. It’s impressive!”
Despite a much-earned reprieve from the ol’ 9 to 5, Robin has no plans to slow down. When we asked her about her retirement plans, she said, “Well, if we can get this little pandemic to calm down, I am going to do a pilot art program at a nursing home here in Boise.
“It’s a program that the Museum of Modern Art in New York does for people with Alzheimer’s. Once a month, they come to the museum with their caregivers and walk around. They look at four to five pieces of art.
“Prior to COVID, the program was also brought to nursing homes in the form of posters or a slide show. A nursing home here in Boise has agreed to let me do the program as soon as the [COVID] numbers come down. Hopefully in the spring or summer.”
It’s not all work on the books, though. Robin also commented, “I also have a ticket to France in September. Again, just need this pandemic to behave!”
As for any parting words or advice, she simply said, “Keep your sense of humor!”
|
|
Welcome, new staff!
Over the past quarter, we’ve seen a few new faces join us. Welcome!
We are thrilled to have you as part of our team, and we look forward to seeing all the amazing things you’ll accomplish!
|
|
Shayna Holloway
IdahoSTARS Childcare Health Consultant
Region 1
Travis Warner
IdahoSTARS Program Technician
Moscow
Kim Riesberg
IdahoSTARS Program Technician
Region 6
Brookelynn Jorgensen
IdahoSTARS Childcare Resource Specialist
Region 3
|
|
Tiffany Eden
IdahoSTARS Consultant
Region 5
Julie Wittman
Clinical Services-ABA
Debra Bishop
IdahoSTARS Consultant
Region 4
Kimberly Brooks
IdahoSTARS Assistant Director
Boise
Christina Kun
IdahoSTARS Child Development Associate Specialist
|
|
Erin Frye
IdahoSTARS Resource Specialist
Region 1
Yucare Comacho
IdahoSTARS Resource Specialist
Region 5
Jeffrey Mason
Assistive Technology Consultant
Brookelynn Jorgensen
IdahoSTARS Consultant
Region 3
|
|
CDHD annual report
The 2021 Annual Performance Report was released at the end of September. Check it out for more information about our goals and performance over the past year.
|
|
It's 20 years for Toby Schultz!
Toby has officially been at the CDHD for 20 years, working as an office assistant. When we asked him what his favorite part about coming into the office everyday, he said, "All of the people."
Join us in thanking Toby for his hard work over the past two decades.
|
|
Congratulations, Nicole Touchstone!
Nicole Touchstone, former CDHD trainee, received the Alumni Award for Excellence for the 2021 fall semester.
This award recognizes distinguished scholars and their achievements.
|
|
The Idaho Assistive Technology Project's a new logo
The Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) released a new look, featuring a new logo and updated color scheme. The new look was rolled out on the IATP website in November 2021, with more changes to come!
In considering a logo update, the main goal was to create a look that is contemporary and representative of the wide breadth of services the IATP provides. The overall look is bold, modern and eye-catching. It draws on the literal and figurative meaning of power – powering technology, powering choice, powering independence and a better quality of life.
You can see the new logo and color scheme on the IATP website. All pages have been updated with the new look, with more changes to come. A plan is in place to streamline the site for an improved user experience.
|
|
artAbility is back in-person with a new Project Coordinator
COVID-19 has certainly presented a few challenges over the past two years; however, artAbility hasn’t missed a beat. While the Project continued through the pandemic via Zoom, this academic year saw a return to in-person workshops.
Beginning in the Fall 2021 semester, participants were invited to meet-up once again to learn and express themselves through different artistic mediums. The academic year kicked off with cyanotype prints with local artist Sukha Worob. Participants gathered outside the CDHD to learn about this photographic printing process that produces a unique cyan-blue print.
This was followed up by two photography workshops in October with local photographer Karen Rohn. The first workshop focused on landscape photography. Participants took to the trails of Kamiak Butte to learn about taking pictures of nature and landscapes. The second workshop focused on street photography. Participants toured the streets of Downtown Moscow, listening in on tips for taking pictures of city environments.
In-person workshops are expected to continue through Spring 2022.
Meet this year’s Project Coordinator
The return to face-to-face fun wasn’t the only change this year – a new Project Coordinator has also taken the helm. Areli Morfin is in her second year at the University of Idaho, pursuing an education in urban planning.
This is Areli’s first year working with the artAbility project. She is looking forward to continuing to work with other student trainees and local artists to create engaging and interesting experiences for all participants. Plans for two new February workshops with the Nez Perce Tribe are already in the works.
Thank you to our sponsor
The 2021-22 artAbility workshops are made possible by our sponsor, Stepping Stones, Inc. Thank you for your continued support. Your help provides the opportunity for creative exploration and self-expression through art in the Moscow community.
or 208 885 6000.
|
|
 |
IdahoSTARS annual report
IdahoSTARS released their 2021-21 annual report.
Visit idahostars.org for more resources available to providers and families as well as additional stories about the impact the Project is making across the state.
|
|
|
|
Listen to the ICYDB podcast
The series features compelling discussions with some of the best-known experts in the field of deaf-blindness. It’s hosted by Dr Robin Greenfield, who interviews a different expert in each episode.
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to our CDHD trainee graduates!
Three of our student trainees, Ernesto Marquez Montes, Andrea Rosales and Morgan Flynn, are now officially University of Idaho graduates! We completed a quick Q&A about their time at the CDHD and what’s next for these incredibly talented, young professionals.
|
|
Ernesto Marquez Montes
How long have you been at the CDHD?
Ernesto: I have worked at the CDHD for four years. I started in November of 2018 and now I can hardly believe it has been so long.
It's amazing how quickly time flies! What projects did you work on during your time with us?
And, do you have a favorite memory of your time at the CDHD?
Ernesto: It's difficult to have just one favorite memory from CDHD. I have had so many wonderful opportunities here that contributed to my growth! However, if I had to choose one, I would say it would be our end of year celebration this year.
It was heartwarming to see the appreciation of our work as trainees here. It was also a great reminder that all of us here at CDHD are a part of a greater mission to increase inclusivity and equity around disability. This made me hopeful for the future and proud that I have had the opportunity to work alongside such skilled and motivated professionals.
You’re graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. What’s next? What are your post-graduation plans?
Ernesto: After graduation, I plan on continuing my education in pursuit of an MS in Genetic Counseling. I have applied for some graduate programs and remain optimistic that I will continue my education in the Fall of 2022.
Until then, I will be continuing to work remotely for Act Early Idaho to continue building my professional skills and supporting this meaningful project however I can.
|
|
Andrea Rosales
How long have you worked at the CDHD and what projects did you work on during your time at the CDHD?
Andrea: I started working at the CDHD in the spring of 2021.
I had the privilege to work with the Idaho Living Well Project. Our team helped teach others the importance of self-advocacy, while also helping provide the tools necessary for people utilizing home and community-based services to protect and guide their own lives.
That’s great! And do you have a favorite CDHD memory?
Andrea: I'm going to miss student trainee meetings. I enjoyed getting to know other trainees and the projects they were working on. I also enjoyed learning about important topics centered around disability during these meetings.
You’re graduating with Medical Sciences degree with a minor in pre-health professional studies. What’s next – what are your post-graduation plans?
Andrea: After graduation I plan to attend optometry school. Once I have established myself in my future career, my vision is to have an optometry bus. I want to visit schools in rural and underserved communities to provide care to students.
|
|
Morgan Flynn
How long have you worked at the CDHD?
Morgan: I have been at the CDHD for one year.
During that time, what project(s) did you work on?
Morgan: I worked on two projects during my time at CDHD. The first project was the Adaptive Movement Class. The second project was my COVID-19 research project. Both projects allowed me to implement what I’ve learned in university and share with the Moscow community.
That’s awesome! And, do you have a favorite memory of working at the CDHD?
Morgan: My favorite CDHD memory was my first in-person trainee seminar. During my first semester with CDHD, all our seminars were held via zoom. Getting to meet in-person and having face-to-face interactions was so much fun!
You graduated with a degree in Exercise, Sport, and Health Sciences. What’s next?
Morgan: In Spring 2022, I will be attending the University of British Columbia to pursue a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Science. Eventually I hope to apply to Physical Therapy school in Canada.
My long-term ambition is to use my gained exercise science knowledge and apply it to create more physical activity opportunities for people with a disability.
|
|
Welcome, new trainees!
We're excited to add three new trainees to the CDHD team this year. Here's a little bit about each of the them:
|
|
Mykala Weremecki
I'm a Senior at University of Idaho about to earn my BS in Recreation, Sports and Tourism Management.
I'm an avid hiker and love to do anything outdoors. I have a fascination with 1000-piece puzzles, and I love getting creative.
I also have a huge fascination with reptiles, which has led me to owning a banana ball python named Lenny.
I'm excited to see how much I can learn at the CDHD and working with IATP.
|
|
Kiana Woods
I'm a senior majoring in Exercise, Sport and Health Science. I plan to pursue a career in Physical Therapy.
Throughout my time here, I plan to continue with the inclusive adaptive movement classes.
I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and assisting others in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A little more about me as a person: I adore sports and being outside. I'm always on the lookout for the best coffee shops wherever I go.
|
|
Julia Montenegro
I'm a 5th year senior at Washington State University. I graduated last Spring with my BS in Psychology. I will graduate this Spring with my BA in Human Development and a minor in Mathematics.
My long-term goal is to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, working at Mary Bridge Children’s hospital in the oncology department.
For my last semester as an undergraduate I'm interning here to plan the Walk and Roll event for the community!
|
|
Morgan Flynn, Commencement Student Honoree
Recently graduated trainee Morgan Flynn was selected at Fall 2021 graduation as the Commencement Student Honoree to represent the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
Her selection was due to her outstanding leadership in both athletics and academia. She went above and beyond in her academics and with her position at the CDHD. Leading the adaptive movement classes, Morgan made a lasting impact on inclusivity in physical activity.
Join us in congratulating Morgan for her incredible achievements during her time at the University of Idaho.
|
|
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.
|
|
Upcoming community events and holidays |
|
|
|
February
2 Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day event at the Capitol
14 Valentine's Day
21 President's Day (CDHD closed)
March
17 St Patrick's Day
22 CDHD Community Advisory Committee Meeting
April
20 SESTA training: Behavior Change Processes (Moscow)
21 SESTA training: Behavior Change Processes (CDA)
26 SESTA training: Behavior Change Processes (Idaho Falls)
27 SESTA training: Behavior Change Processes (Pocatello)
May
14-18 University of Idaho Spring Commencement
30 Memorial Day (CDHD closed)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
