Eastern Kentucky University psychology professor Dr. Myra Beth Bundy recently received the 2018 Ronald J. Cutter Professional Service Award presented by the Arc of Kentucky, a group that advocates for the rights of citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
But she would “rather focus on the achievements of the individuals with whom she has been fortunate enough to work.”
In presenting Bundy with the award, Sherri Brothers, executive director of the Arc of Kentucky, said Bundy has “demonstrated the highest standards” in her work ethic, integrity, level of responsibility and commitment. The EKU professor, she added, has “provided significant support and services that have contributed to the development of individuals with intellectual and other related disabilities. This award is a way of saying thank you so much for all your hard work and contribution.”
Bundy coordinates the EKU Developmental Disabilities Specialty Clinic, which provides opportunities for graduate students to work with children, adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities. She collaborated with EKU faculty from psychology, occupational therapy, communication disorders and special education to create and coordinate the EKU Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate Program, and works with Eastern students to conduct outcome research related to a variety of themed therapy groups for adults on the autism spectrum.
She serves on the Arc board and collaborates with it and other community agencies to provide educational opportunities, services and opportunities for individuals with special developmental needs.
“Most of all,” Bundy said, “I enjoy spending time with individuals with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities and their families. I respect these individuals for what they provide to their communities, families and world, and want to continue to be a person who listens to them and to their families and who recognizes their potential for a good life.
“I hope that the programs that I’ve been part of have been influential in their quality of life,” Bundy added. “In our programs, people make social connections and friends, and learn how to cope with distress and disappointment. Parents support each other and learn new ideas about working with their children. Individuals of all ages and all ability levels have the ability to keep growing and learning. Last year, one of my students gave me a greeting card that says, ‘You always see the good in people.’ I hope this is true, and I want to continue to strive toward this goal.”
Bundy, who joined the EKU faculty in 1996, is a previous winner of the EKU Critical Thinking Teacher of the Year Award, among other honors for classroom excellence.
“I want my students to keep trying, to keep going at whatever task they have taken up in the field of developmental disabilities and autism, whether it be achieving an evaluation that someone needs to obtain services, teaching a new skill, understanding a concerning behavior, and so on. I want my students to enjoy and respect the individuals with whom they work.”
For more information about the Psychology Clinic at EKU, visit psychology.eku.edu/psychology-clinic.