Kemp Finds Common Ground 7,405 Miles from Home

1

The Insider ~ April 2018

Kemp finds common ground 7,405 miles from home

It’s a long way to Taiwan. It really is. 7,405 miles as the crow flies, or in this case United Airlines with passenger Peggy Kemp on her way to deliver the keynote to the 18th International Conference and Workshops of Early Intervention for Children with Developmental Delays, Taichung, Taiwan, November 5, 2017 during her 10-day visit.

Dr. Kemp’s keynote speech,From evidence to practice and from practice to policies: Connecting researchers, government, practitioners, and families, was the centerpiece of her contributions but the story begins in Kansas. She completed her PhD at the University of Kansas working with Drs. Ann & Rud Turnbull. Previous experience as an early intervention teacher and Part C state (KS) coordinator to her present positions as infant toddler technical assistance specialist/trainer with the Kansas Inservice Training System (KITS) and as executive director for the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) prepared her to take her place on the international stage.

This was a working trip and her days were filled morning to evening with tours, student meetings, luncheons, seminars, meetings with university professors, workshops, dinners, presentations, and meeting students, professionals, and families throughout Taiwan including Taoyuan, Taichung, and Taipei. Upon her arrival, Peggy was provided with an English translation of the conference materials and a map of the country. While the languages are certainly different, she found the shared interest and knowledge of the KITS model for professional development and the DEC recommended practices made her feel quite at home. In fact, before she returned home, there was discussion around translations for some of the work, both directly and eventually adapting some of the work for Taiwan specifically.
(In the picture from left, Peggy Kemp and new colleagues.)

There were two goals for this trip. The conference invitation was given before her acceptance of the DEC position while she was still with KITS exclusively. Her first goal was to share the KITS model for professional development focusing on the All, Some, and Few Continued on next page.

In this issue:

1-2…Peggy Kemp travels to Taiwan

3…KUCDD Director visits Parsons

4-5…Presentations, Posters, Training

5…Staff News

6…Business Office News: Years of Service

6-7…ATK attends ATIA

7…ATK Quarterly Staff Training in Wichita

8…Parsons Research Center

Continued from page 1.

pyramid and outlining what has been accomplished in Kansas with intensive technical assistance and evidence-based practices. Participants were very interested in that information and upon her return, she’s shared a number of additional KITS resources, including some papers on the model itself.

Her second goal was to present the work DEC is doing around systems level change and policy. Participants wanted information on, for example, how law was moved forward for children with disabilities, especially infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She said, “we talked about the DEC position statements, our policy and advocacy work, and some landmark policy changes that the DEC was certainly a part of, even as far back as moving forward on Part C of IDEA.”

Peggy reports that the people she met are reading the same literature as early interventionists in the States. She says, “They are doing their own research, working more specifically with parents and the routines-based model. They probably have some of the best research in the world, working on how the model works with their families. The people from the Taiwan Association of Child Development and Early Intervention kept being introduced as the grandmothers and the grandfathers of early intervention and the development of their system so that was pretty awesome as well. I learned so much from them and some of their initiatives that they are implementing, especially around community-based early intervention and how they are implementing the routines-based intervention. This trip was reciprocal as well. I was there to offer consultation, and while we will consult and continue to develop our partnerships internationally, and continue to strengthen their use of DEC resources, this is a very strong group of professionals serving children and families.”

“Early intervention services have been administered from a hospital or clinic setting in Taiwan, however, there is movement towards community-based programs. They have a lot of work ahead of them, but it’s not unlike the change we’ve made in the States over the last few decades. We believe it to be true, that it will really increase the outcomes for children and their families. I think they are on the verge of that, the very beginning of that.”

“It was a life changing week. It really was and it reminded me of some of the things that we take for granted. We are so fortunate to have places that we can go to, national technical assistance centers, centers like KITS at the state level, that they just don’t have in place. They have such a passion and are really wanting to do it right. We had already been having conversations with the DEC board about strengthening our international work in DEC and this came along just about the same time as those conversations so we’ll probably be a part of diversifying DEC to fully understand what we can do internationally in partnership, and also to support countries who are just really still working on their systems, and their policies, and their laws.”(In the picture above, Peggy Kemp, center, middle row, surrounded by conference participants.)

1

The Insider ~ April 2018

1

The Insider ~ April 2018

KUCDD Director visits Parsons

Karrie Shogren, Ph.D., Director of the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (UCDD), visited the Life Span Institute at Parsons on Monday, March 26, 2018. The focus of her visit was to see and learn about the UCDD research, training, exemplary services, and dissemination activities of the center. She was welcomed by David Lindeman, Ph.D., Director, LSI at Parsons and Sara Sack, Ph.D., Director, Assistive Technology for Kansans programs.

Dr. Shogren met with Parsons’ faculty and staff throughout the day including Mike Dixon, newly appointed Superintendent for the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center. Dr. Dixon talked about the history and current direction of PSHTC as well as its long history with University of Kansas researchers. Following information regarding the hospital, Dr. Lindeman provided and overview of the center, its history, and collaborations with other agencies and program. He also talked about his early childhood projects and their activities.

The remainder of the morning focused on exemplary services provided by the UCDD. The respite and supportive home car program information was provided by Diane Salyers, the payee program overview was provided by Laura Doyle Colvin and Bev Schaich, and finally the crisis intervention program was described by Patti Blake.

In the afternoon, Karrie met with the ATK team – Sara Sack, Sheila Simmons, Patty Black Moore, Stewart Jones, and Jeanette Graue. This discussion centered around the wide variety of services and programs of the Assisitve Technology for Kansans program and identifying and creating opportunities for collaboration among projects and programs located on the Lawrence, Kansas City, and Parsons campuses.

The Parsons LSI includes a component of the Kansas University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) and the Parsons Research Center.

The annual all KUCDD meeting is planned for September 2018 in Lawrence.

To read more about Karrie Shogren, click this link

In the picture from left: Sheila Simmons, Sara Sack, Karrie Shogren, Dave Lindeman, Jeanette Graue, Stuart Jones.

1

The Insider ~ April 2018

Presentations, Posters, Training

Anna Nippert. (2018, February). Developing resilience behaviors in children and adults. Training at Hays Area Children’s Center, Hays, KS.

Barbara Kramer. (February, 2018). Micro-messaging: What you said, what they heard. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Cristina Hargitt, Sarah Holmes, & David P. Lindeman. (February, 2018) Infant-Toddler Specialist Network: A new hut in the village. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Dean Williams. (2018, April). Incorporating Basic Behavioral Process into Animal Models of Developmental Disabilities to Increase Predictive Validity of Treatments. Paper presented at the Four Corners Association of Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Eleventh Annual Convention, Park City, UT.

Kris Pederson & Tammy Wallin. (2018, February). Advocacy in action: Every action counts. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Michelle Utt. (2018, March). A teamwork approach in the primary service provider model. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Misty Goosen, Jillian Porter, Kelly Frantz-Lanford, & Scott Kedrowski. (2018, February). Creating local plans to improve social emotional outcomes. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Misty Goosen, Emily Walker, Elizabeth Caselman & Karin Clemmer. (2018, February). Supporting staff to meet the needs of infants/toddlers with ASD and their families. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Misty Goosen. (2018, February). Writing effective social emotional IFSP outcomes. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Patty Moore, Rob Carr,John Brandt, & Kim Moccia. (2018, April). ICT accessibility related training and technical assistance.Panel presentation to the State AT Program Leadership Symposium, Crystal City, VA.

Patty Moore, & Sheila Simmons. (2018, February). Accessibility: How to get it, share it, and create it. Paper presented at the ATIA Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.

Peggy Kemp. (2018, March). Partnerships that matter – Parents and professionals making a difference together. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Phoebe Rinkel. (2018, January). STEM for babies and toddlers. Training at Wyandotte County Health Department, Kansas City, KS.

Phoebe Rinkel. (2018, March). Building your early childhood toolkit. Training at New Child Care Providers Orientation, Oskaloosa, KS.

Phoebe Rinkel. (2018, March). DEC recommended practice; aRPy’s online tools for self-assessment, reflection, and implementation. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Phoebe Rinkel. (2018, March). DEC recommended practice: You’ll know it when you see it. Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Phoebe Rinkel. (2018, March). STEM for babies and toddlers. Training, Topeka, KS.

Phoebe Rinkel, & Stephanie Keller. (2018, March). Kansas kindergarten snapshot training. ASQ-3, ASQ-SE and ASQ Online for the 2018 Kansas Kindergarten Snapshot, KDEC Post-conference workshop, Wichita, KS.

Sara Sack. (2018, February). Assistive Technology for Kansans: What you need to know. Presentation to the New Generations Group, Lawrence, KS.

Presentations, Posters, Training

Sara Sack. (2018, April). One big (good) thing! Presentation to State AT Program Leadership Symposium. Crystal City, VA.

Sara Sack, Willie Gunther, Tammy Koger, Linda Jaco, Kim Moccia. (2018, April). Understanding and optimizing your AT program structure.Panel presentation to the State AT Program Leadership Symposium, Crystal City, VA.

Sarah Holmes. (2018, February). Proactive Interaction Techniques and Teaching Strategies to Enhance Routines and Schedules for Children. Training, Lenexa, KS.

Sarah Holmes. (2018, March). STEM for babies and toddlers. Training, Olathe, KS.

Sarah Holmes. (2018, February). Developing resilience behaviors in adults and children (Part 1). Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Sarah Holmes. (2018, February). Developing resilience behaviors in adults and children (Part 2). Paper presented at the KDEC 2018 Annual Conference, Wichita, KS.

Sheila Simmons,Karin Rasmussen, & Patty Moore. (2018, February). Managing diabetes with mobile health technology. Poster presented at the ATIA Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.

Stephanie Keller. (2018, January). Help! My horse is in the wastebasket. Training at Kids World Child Care, Cimarron, KS.

Stephanie Keller. (2018, January). STEM for infants and toddlers. Training at Dodge City Community College, Dodge City, KS.

Stephanie Keller. (2018, February). Building your early childhood toolkit. Training at Garden City Community College, Garden City, KS.

Stephanie Keller. (2018, March). Family place library/Better brains for babies. Training at theFord County Public Library, Dodge City, KS.

Stephanie Keller. (2018, March). Germs! Germs! Germs! Training at First Christian Church Child Care Center, Dodge City, KS.

TanishaTroutt. (2018, March). Building your early childhood toolbox.New Child Care Providers Orientation, El Dorado, KS.

Staff News

Tammy Schoenhofer, Accounting Specialist, Parsons Business Office, with more than 20 years of service to the University of Kansas has decided to pursue other opportunities. Her last work day was February 23. LSI Parsons’ Director Dave Lindeman said, “I for one, will miss Tammy and her many skills that have supported our work and helped us get the paperwork through the system.She has been a great support to all of us. For now, Laura Hanigan will assume Tammy’s responsibilities – so be nice to Laura as she assumes these additional responsibilities.” We wish Tammy good fortune and Laura, good luck!(Pictured from left: Tammy and Laura)

The Insider is archived online at

Business Office News

1

The Insider ~ April 2018

Years of Service Recognized

KU Life Span Institute at Parsons staff recognized for their 30 years of service to the University of Kansas this year are: Tony Grady, Dave Lindeman, and Dean Williams. The official Employee Recognition Ceremony will be held on May 9th at 1:30 at the Kansas Union Ballroom, Lawrence. Honorees, faculty & staff, and family members are invited to attend a reception afterwards for punch and cookies.The LSI at Parsons Years of Service reception will be held at a later date.

For a full list of honorees, please visit the2018 Employee Recognition Ceremony page

When was the last time you updated your life insurance beneficiary form?

A reminder to update your beneficiaries if:

• You experienced a major life eventsuch as a birth, marriage, dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, or death in the family.
• You updated your will or estate plan.Consult with your legal advisor when you create a will to make sure that you understand whether the beneficiary designations you make for insurance plans or financial accounts are affected by your will.

KU provides eligible faculty and staff basic group life insurance equal to 150% of their annual salary and additional optional group life insurance coverage can be purchased. Please be sure that your designated beneficiary(ies) are up to date for the group life coverage.

Who Are My Current Group Life Insurance Beneficiaries? Please email your inquiry to .

1

The Insider ~ April 2018

ATK attends ATIA

On the morning of January 31, 2018 Assistive Technology for Kansans staff left Kansas to attend the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) 2018 Conference in Orlando, FL. We all attended educational sessions, we took notes, we debriefed every afternoon, each and every day of the three-dayconference and AT vendor hall. We presented ATK activities and findings …continued onnext page

Continued from page 6.

in an educational session, Accessibility: How to get it, share it, and create it, as well as a poster presentation, Managing diabetes with mobile health technology. And when we returned, each person created a report documenting their experiences as well as recreating the poster presentation to the entire Kansas team. (In the picture from left, Sara Sack, ATK director; Sarah Knutson, NE AT Access Site: Karin Rasmussen, Western AT Access Site; Sheila Simmons, ATK program coordinator, Patty Black Moore, communications coordinator; Demetrius Hill, South Central AT Access Site.)

ATK Quarterly Staff Training held in Wichita

Assistive Technology for Kansans staff met in Wichita on March 7-8, 2018 for the quarterly staff meeting, training on new technology, and the annual Kansas Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) all partners training.

A highlight for the quarterly meeting was the introduction to and demonstration of the Obi Robot, an automatic feeding device presented by Cassie Ramon, AT Specialist, North Central AT Access Site. The Obi is described in the press packet as friendly, smart, and stylish. The group in attendance added a collective “Wow!” This AT solution is available for demonstration at no cost. To learn more, call toll-free 800-526-3648. (In the picture from left: April Bonillo and Sheila Simmons watch as Nancy Bolden tries eating grapes with the Obi Robot.) For more information about how the Obi Robot works, visit their website at

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access,, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785) 864-6414,711 TTY.

Parsons Research Center Report

Dean Williams, Senior Scientist, presented his paper, Incorporating Basic Behavioral Process into Animal Models of Developmental Disabilities to Increase Predictive Validity of Treatmentsto the Four Corners Association of Behavior Analysis at their Eleventh Annual Convention in Park City, Utah, Friday, April 6, 2018.