LEXINGTON, Ky. – The executive director of the Human Development Institute (HDI) at the University of Kentucky has published a children’s book focused on diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
What You Need To Know
- Book based on personal experiences
- Meant to be Used as Learning Opportunity for Children
- Explores Jobs in Horse Industry
- Digital and Audio Versions Online
Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones, an adjunct professor in UK’s counselor education program, also oversees HDI’s graduate certificate in developmental disabilities. She used her personal experiences to write “You Can Do So Many Things!” with the book’s goal being a learning opportunity for children.
“There are a lot of messages in the book about opportunity,” Sheppard-Jones said. “We tried to include themes about work and diversity of life experience. We want families and children at a very young age to think of the world as theirs to explore, and that there are many paths and possibilities for everyone.”
The book allows children to follow the main character, Flynn, who is disabled, while she explores places in Lexington related to the horse industry. “You Can Do So Many Things!” introduces children to Kentucky’s horse industry and the possibilities of employment in that field as they consider their futures.
Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones
“Given that 1-in-3 Kentuckians experience disability, and people with disabilities face employment barriers, this book also offers a different approach to understanding disability,” according to a press release from the University of Kentucky. “It is written for young readers, to encourage them – at very young ages – to think broadly about possible work in the horse industry.”
More than a dozen different career paths are highlighted in the book, as well as various kinds of disabilities and horse breeds. “You Can Do So Many Things!” also highlights local employers, including the University of Kentucky, Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland and Hallway Feeds.
“I was the horse-crazy child growing up who was told my disability would not allow me to do what I wanted to do,” Sheppard-Jones said. “So, I dedicated my life to help people with disabilities get jobs. I got to share my love of Lexington, horses and connecting people with real work. The book is my love letter to Lexington and the opportunities here.
A PDF version of the book is available online, as is an audio version. The book’s hard copies will soon be available through the HDI online bookstore, and copies will be provided to childcare centers around Kentucky.
“We want to make this book accessible and available to children throughout Kentucky,” Sheppard-Jones said. “Ultimately, we want children and families to have high expectations and to be thinking about the future. Work matters. I want to broaden peoples’ understanding of what is possible. Once you find the spark, you can hone in on what aspects of a particular career path is most appealing.”
“You Can Do So Many Things!” was edited by UK College of Education faculty member Caroline Gooden and illustrated by Brittany Granville. The UK HDI Fund for Excellence supported the development of the project and the first set of books.
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