HDI cultivates an inclusive environment in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, celebrated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths.
The HDI affirms and embraces the commitment of the University of Kentucky to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of our community through the recruitment of an increasingly diverse team of employees and trainees. Visit dei.uky.edu to learn about UK’s Disability Resource Center, Anti-Racism and Trauma resources, and institutional equity and opportunity.
The organizational chart shows our leadership structure which includes division directors, the consumer advisory council, principal investigators, affiliate faculty who teach the HDI courses and students enrolled in the LEND, project staff, students and the subject area teams that you may have an opportunity to join:
HDI’s vision is the full participation and contribution of all people with disabilities in all aspects of society.
HDI’s mission is to advance efforts that build inclusive communities, address inequities, and improve the lives of all people who experience disability across the lifespan. We achieve our mission through leadership and community partnerships across Kentucky and the Nation.
HDI has core values to inform and guide the way we do our work. They are:
We are committed to people with disabilities and their lived experience being at the center of all our work.
We value the unique role and perspective of families and networks of support in our work.
We work for full access to education, work, health, housing, community, recreation, and relationships for all people with disabilities.
We strive for diversity and inclusion in all our efforts and value all identities that shape the experiences of people with disabilities.
We demonstrate respect for all individuals.
We promote self-determination.
We foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
We support individual and organizational learning.
“You have reached the final quiz for the course. You must earn a minimum of 80% to successfully pass the course and receive a completion certificate. You may take the quiz as many times as needed.”
“The Fiduciary Branch is responsible for personal income tax preparation and filing for all eligible individuals under guardianship to ensure compliance with state and federal law.”
Fiduciary designated staff identify individuals under guardianship required to file state or federal income taxes using the individual’s annual income and tax information received via mail or email. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Kentucky’s Department of Revenue (DOR) establish an annual dollar amount threshold. This amount changes yearly.
Required documents are obtained and reviewed by Fiduciary staff to determine if tax filing is necessary. These documents include W-2s, 1099s, 1098 Interest Deductions, and other schedules.
Tax forms are completed, reviewed for accuracy, and submitted to DOR by their established due date. DOR completes the tax return and files the required state and federal taxes and provides an electronic copy of the documents to Fiduciary.
Taxes for individuals identified as out of scope for DOR criteria are completed and filed by Fiduciary staff by April 15th using Turbo Tax. Individuals outside of 1090EZ filing are considered out of scope, including individuals with income outside of a W-2 or 1099.
If more time is needed to collect and file a tax return, an extension may be requested and filed by April 15th. All tax documents are scanned and attached in KYGFIS by Fiduciary.
“Per KRS 387.710, biennial reports are required to be submitted to the court of jurisdiction every other year for all individuals under conservatorship.
The biennial report shall contain:
The present personal status of the individual whose estate is managed by the conservator.
The conservator’s plan for preserving and maintaining the estate of which he or she has control or supervision.
The need for continuation or cessation of the conservatorship.
The need for any alteration in the powers of the conservatorship.
The specific amount and type of real and personal property received by the conservator and invested or remaining in his or her control and the nature of such investment and expenditures made during the preceding year.
The district court judge reviews all biennial reports and will either approve the report or request additional information.
If CHFS is appointed as the conservator, the Fiduciary Branch will prepare and submit to the court a biennial report for all individuals no matter their income or asset balance.”
“CHFS is responsible for ensuring individuals have the best quality of life under guardianship. One way to achieve this is the ability for Fiduciary to invest the funds of individuals under guardianship into a Special Needs Pooled Trust. The trust is allowable by Medicaid and permits funds to be set up and used for future individual needs.”
A Special Needs Trust is:
An important planning tool for financial security for a person in a guardianship arrangement.
A Medicaid-approved way for protecting assets and securing funds of an adult under guardianship in a way that does not jeopardize access to important government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
“We’ve reviewed some important information. Before we continue, let’s take a quick brain break. Feel free to use this time to get up and walk around, or engage in the brain break activity below. Give yourself time to refresh, then move on to Lesson 7 when you’re ready.”
Brain Break Activity #1:
Close your eyes and enjoy a moment on the beach with the sounds of the ocean in this short video.
Brain Break Activity #2:
Check out some of these amazing vacation destinations that are all within 6 hours of central Kentucky.
#1 Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area South Central Kentucky and Northern Tennessee
“Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities”
Source: National Park Service
#2 Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond, KY
“Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) is a 170,000-acre outdoorsmen’s paradise between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in western Kentucky and Tennessee. This natural playground features vast forests, open lands and streams. Adventurers will also discover attractions, camping, trails, wildlife and historical exhibits and much more. Families enjoy the diverse educational and recreational facilities such as the Woodlands Nature Station and the Homeplace 1850s.”
Source: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
#3 Mt. Mitchell Asheville, NC
“Located in Yancey County 30 miles northeast of Asheville, Mount Mitchell State Park was the genesis of North Carolina’s state parks system. At 6,684 feet, the mountain is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, and an observation deck provides breathtaking mountain views on a clear day. Easy trails at the summit explore the Fraser fir forest, while a vast network of challenging trails — including the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail — extend into adjacent wilderness areas and lead to backpacking opportunities within Pisgah National Forest.”
Source: North Carolina State Parks
#4 Blue Hole Falls Carter County, TN
“A series of four waterfalls located on Holston Mountain in the Stoney Creek community of Carter County, TN. The falls’ name, Blue Hole Falls, comes from the deep blue pool in front of waterfall #3 (the main fall).”
Source: East TN US
#5 Kings Island Mason, OH
“For more than five decades, Kings Island has been the premier entertainment destination in the Midwest for literally millions of families seeking the best in rides, live entertainment, food and Cincinnati events, all in a magical amusement park setting.”
Source: Kings Island Amusement and Water Park
#6 Great Smokey Mountains National Park Gatlinburg, TN
“Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.”
Source: National Park Service
#7 Museum of Natural History and Science Cincinnati, OH
“The Museum of Natural History & Science at Cincinnati Museum Center offers a world of science, history and nature through interactive exhibits and amazing artifacts. Guests can reach their own “ah-ha” moment through creative thinking and problem-solving skills. With something for all ages, there’s always more to explore in the Museum of Natural History & Science.”
Source: Cincinnati Museum Center
#8 Mammoth Cave National Park Park City, KY
“Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world’s longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.”
Source: National Park Service
#9 Red River Gorge Geological Area Stanton, KY
“The Red River Gorge is a unique, scenic natural area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Spectacular rock features, including sandstone arches and towering cliffs, are just part of the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the gorge year-round to enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing and other recreation opportunities.”
Source: US Forest Service
#10 Lost River Cave Bowling Green, KY
“Lost River Cave’s historic underground boat tour is a great eco-adventure for all ages. Come enjoy the hiking trails, activities, and charming gift shop located just an hour north of Nashville in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Open all year.”
“A Qualifying Income Trust (QIT) allows an individual whose income is over the state standard to become eligible for Medicaid when nursing facility or waiver services are needed.
In Kentucky, individuals with disabilities who have more than $2,000 may not be eligible for participation in the Medicaid program.
This trust prevents individuals from losing access to government programs despite retaining assets in the trust.
All monthly income for individuals with a QIT is deposited to the QIT account. In most cases, $40 is transferred monthly to the regular account of the individual to cover monthly personal needs.
Funds from the QIT can only be used for facility expenses and Medicaid approved medical expenses.”
The Role of the Property & Asset Management Specialist (PAMS)
“The Benefits Branch determines assets on all new Guardianship cases and adds them under the Assets tab in KYGFIS.”
The Division of Guardianship employs 5 Property & Asset Management Specialists (PAMS), whose job duty is to inventory and liquidate, if needed, real and personal property of individuals for which CHFS has been appointed conservator.
The PAMS receives a notification from KYGFIS that an asset has been added.
For real property, including houses, land, vehicles, boats, etc., the PAMS will evaluate and determine if the property can be liquidated for the benefit of the individual under guardianship.
If the property is liquidated, the PAMS attaches supporting documentation to the Assets tab and sends an email notification to Fiduciary to update the asset status from active to sold or closed.
“The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), in its appointed capacity as a fiduciary, is responsible for transacting business for individuals under guardianship, which includes the management of known assets and liabilities.
The Fiduciary Branch fulfills the role of conservator by managing financial resources placed under its supervision to ensure resources are properly documented, utilized, and updated in KYGFIS.
Per KRS 387.680, a limited conservator or conservator shall carry out, diligently and in good faith, the specific duties and powers assigned by the court; as would a prudent person managing his or her own resources.
The law also specifies that the individual under guardianship will be allowed to participate, to the maximum extent of his or her ability, in decisions that pertain to their financial resources.”
“Hello, and welcome to this Fiduciary Branch Financial Accounting Management Training. My name is Kai, and I work as a training supervisor for the Fiduciary Branch. Today, you’ll again be training with Hanna to learn more about Financial Accounting Management.”
“Hello, my name is Hanna. I’ve been working for the Fiduciary Branch for the last five years. Today, I will help you better understand financial accounting management for individuals under guardianship.
This course is part of a required set of training courses for new Fiduciary Branch employees. In this course, we will:
Course Objectives:
Define assets and liabilities.
Describe the role of the Property and Asset Management Specialist (PAMS).
Identify trusts available for individuals under guardianship.
Define requirements for Special Needs Pooled Trusts.
Explain financial reporting and tax preparation requirements.”
“You have completed Financial Accounting Management. This course is part of a series of training required for Fiduciary staff. Once you mark this lesson complete, you will have access to your certificate of completion and will be granted access to the next course.”
Division of Administration and Financial Management Overview (Complete!)
Fiduciary Duties Defined by Law and Standard Operating Procedures Part 1 (Complete!)
Fiduciary Duties Defined by Law and Standard Operating Procedures Part 2 (Complete!)
Deposits, Payments, and Transfers (Complete!)
Financial Accounting Management (Complete!)
Budget Approvals and Set-Up
Payment Requests
Establishing Payments to Facilities and Service Providers
“You have completed Payment Requests. This course is part of a series of trainings required for Fiduciary staff. Once you mark this lesson complete, you will have access to your certificate of completion and will be granted access to the next course.”
Division of Administration and Financial Management Overview (Complete!)
Fiduciary Duties Defined by Law and Standard Operating Procedures Part 1 (Complete!)
Fiduciary Duties Defined by Law and Standard Operating Procedures Part 2 (Complete!)
Deposits, Payments, and Transfers (Complete!)
Financial Accounting Management (Complete!)
Budget Approvals and Set-Up (Complete!)
Payment Requests (Complete!)
Establishing Payments to Facilities & Service Providers
“You’ve reached the quiz for this course. You must score a minimum of 80% to successfully pass the course and receive your certificate. When you’re ready, select the final quiz below to get started.”
“Now that we’ve reviewed payment requests for individuals under guardianship, let’s examine a few case studies. Select the video below to continue. Note that you must watch the video entirely to continue in the course.”
Note: You must watch the entire video to continue through the course.
