OFFICE OF VOC REHAB PUTS PEOPLE TO WORK
With the help of OVR, Katie Looney, who has spina bifida, learned to drive with only her hands.
Advocacy Works
4 Legislative Update
Frank Huffman Act Passed; State Increases Funding for Largest Medicaid Waivers
6 News Updates
New Inter-City Transit System Launched; Arthur Campbell Turns 80 Years Old
10 Author! Author!
Inspired by Pixar Movies, Jessica Keffer of Frankfort Creates Her Own Illustrated Book
11 Tie Dye Creations
Jordan Price's Passion for Making Tie Dye Shirts Has Become a Growing Business
12 Resource List
From Autism to Vision Issues, Statewide List Provides the Information You Need
13
LEGO Master
Nick Boswell's Works Include the Titanic (9,000 Pieces) and the Eiffel Tower (10,000)
For digital, downloadable copies of Exceptional Family Magazine, visit https://bit.ly/exceptionalfamilyenglish
¿Hablas Espanol?
For digital, downloadable copies of the Spanish version, visit https://bit.ly/exceptionalfamilyspanish
Editor...................................John Lynch
Graphic Artist........................Nick Farr
Contact Info: (859) 494-1140 / johnplynch1950@gmail.com
The Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,195,270 with 84 percent funded by ACL/HHS and $192,300 and 16 percent funded by non-federal-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government. “Exceptional Family KY” is published by the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities 1024 Capital Center Dr., Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 (502) 564-7841 • www.CCDD.KY.gov
Digital copies of the English and Spanish issues of Exceptional Family Magazine are available at the CCDD website at www.CCDD.KY.gov, or use the QR code to the right.
Letter From the CCDD
By Donna Fox
'I Refused to Accept the Negative Messages'
II am Donna and I am a Kentucky Partners in Policymaking (KPIP) 2020 graduate and currently a Council Member on the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities.
The KPIP program focuses on achieving independence, productivity, self-determination, integration and inclusion.
Because these goals match the mission of the CCDD, I'm proud to be a member of the Council.
I have always supported education and self-advocacy, and I encourage anyone interested in doing the same to consider applying for membership with the Council.
My journey began when I was 4 years old and I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
By age 8, arthritis had traveled from my jaws to my toes.
ets and wear clothes to hide "it."
I didn't understand why others thought I couldn't do the things my peers were doing.
My healthcare team told my parents and me that I would not graduate, work, date, marry, have children or gain any independence!
I refused to accept the negative messages. I learned who I was and what I could do.
wanted young people to learn – while they were still young – that they were ok just the way they were.
In 1998 I formed a group for young people with arthritis called FACES (Facing Arthritis with Compassion, Encouragement and Support).
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
If you are a self-advocate or family member of a person who has a developmental disability and are interested in applying to be on the Council, please fill out the application here:
Governor’s Application for Boards and Commissions
https://governor.ky.gov/services/application-forboards-and-commissions
In 2007 I was a founding board member of Arthritis Introspective. Through personal experience and working with others who had arthritis and other diagnoses, I learned it was not the diagnosis that challenged us. Instead, it was the attitudes and barriers that society placed in our path whether it was family, friends, the work place, or politicians – something had to change.
We suggest that you add a resume or statement of interest to your application. Please follow up with Carol Tudor at Carol.Tudor@ky.gov
I was introduced to pain, swelling, doctors, X-rays, medications, lengthy hospital stays and learning that "old" people are not the only people who get arthritis.
As a teenager, I learned the value of knowing and understanding my diagnosis/disability.
Society told me that disability was a "bad" thing. So bad, I tried to hide it. I would hide my deformed hands in pock-
Along the way I also learned there were things I could not do and that was ok, too.
The reality was I had arthritis – my body looked and moved differently than my peers.
However, I liked myself the way I was and I accepted the fact that I was a person with a disability.
This acceptance changed my life and I
It is time to educate and raise awareness! WE have to speak up!
Welcome to 2012 and the Young Empowered SelfAdvocates (YES!).
YES! is about Self-awareness, Selfdetermination, and Self-advocacy!
Knowing who you are, making decisions and being able to advocate for yourself are the keys to success for people with disabilities.
Thanks to the CCDD and KPIP, many have learned about the legislative side of advocacy, and I am honored to be one of the many. n
Frank Huffman Act LegisLative Update
Self-Advocate Helps Pass Disability Rights Law That Bears His Name
By John Lynch
Frank Huffman, 28, of DeMossville has cerebral palsy that affects his mobility and his speech.
But Huffman made his voice loud and clear when a disability rights bill named in his honor became law this year.
House Bill 214, called the Frank Huffman Act, was unanimously approved by both the House and Senate during the 2024 General Assembly session. It was signed into law and took effect in July.
Huffman had worked on this bill for six years with Kentucky Protection and Advocacy staff, plus fellow self-advocate Arthur Campbell, other self-advocates and Rep. Mark Hart, R-Falmouth.
The new law establishes rights for people with disabilities that goes beyond the federal American With Disabilities Act.
Huffman posted on his Facebook page the following statement:
“The ADA is great but it doesn’t cover a lot of needs for people with disabilities. I am very fortunate that I am my own guardian, but a lot of people I know with disabilities aren’t.
“This bill would help protect people like me and give us the right to work in the community, and to promote relationships and trust with friends and a list of other rights.”
After a six-year journey, Huffman was gratified when the bill finally became law.
“We all worked together, and this is a wonderful thing because it will protect so many people,” Huffman said.
“It will help everyone with disabilities
now and people in the future. It feels good that it finally happened.”
The text of the bill includes language that guarantees people with disabilities a number of rights including the following:
People with disabilities will be treated with courtesy and respect; individuals will be accommodated as needed, but will still have privacy and independence; they will be allowed to practice the religion of their choice or abstain from practices;
“It’s
hard enough living with a disability, and we shouldn’t have to fight to have the same rights as somebody without disabilities."
-- Frank Huffman
People with disabilities can pursue jobs that will aid them in economic independence; they will be treated equally as citizens under the law, and will be protected from emotional, psychological, verbal, and physical abuse; They will make their own decisions as much as they are capable of doing so; they will be able to manage their own personal affairs and also manage their health concerns confidentially except for where such release is allowed by law; and they are free from medical experimentation when they refuse it;
They may participate in the political process; and they will be free to participate in educational and vocational processes with full integration, among other basic rights.
“It’s hard enough living with a disability,"
Huffman said, "and we shouldn’t have to fight to have the same rights as somebody without disabilities."
The new law doesn’t address all of Huffman’s concerns.
The original bill included a provision stating that if the rights of a person with disabilities were violated, they could file a complaint with the state attorney general.
That was dropped from the final bill.
Also left out of the final bill was a provision that would expand transportation rights for people with disabilities.
"Despite those disappointments, this is still a giant step into the future," Huffman said. "This is a great feeling because it defines our rights.
"I feel empowered to have my voice heard. I felt like my voice wasn’t heard before.
"Other people need to know that their voice matters too.” n
WAIVER
LegisLative Update
State Boosts Spending for Waivers But Waiting Lists Remain
By John Lynch
Disability advocates from all over the state have praised the Kentucky legislature for approving a dramatic increase in funding for Medicaid Waivers for the next two-year budget cycle (2024-2025).
Previously, the state had allocated $16 million that funded 100 new slots for the Michelle P. Waiver and 100 for the Supports for Community Living Waiver.
During this year’s session that ended April 15, the legislature increased funding to $115 million.
That sum will fund 250 new slots for the Michelle P. Waiver for the first year of the budget cycle, and 500 total slots for the second year.
For the SCL Waiver, the numbers are 125 new slots the first year and 250 total slots for the second year.
In addition, money for the Home and Community Based Waiver will fund 250 new slots the first year and 250 for the second year.
The state even included funding for the Acquired Brain Injury Long-Term Care Waiver, resulting in 25 new slots the first year and 50 total slots the second.
The new funding also includes an additional $94 million over the next two years to increase pay for front-line workers who serve people with waivers.
“We’re grateful for funding and this is long overdue,” said Johnny Callebs, executive direc-
Johnny Callebs: Executive Director / Johnny.Callebs@ky.gov 502-564-7841 Vicki Goins: Federal Financial Manager / Vicki.Goins@ky.gov 502-782-8604 Jennifer Hicks: Program
tor of the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities.
“This is a solid, promising start. Of course, there is so much more work to be done.”
Leading up to the General Assembly session, CCDD members met with legislators to educate them about the need to increase funding for waivers because of lengthy waiting lists for the largest waivers.
In those discussions, Callebs joined Justin Jeter, the CCDD’s Public Policy Coordinator, and Council member David Allgood.
“We were like the Three Amigos at the Capitol,” Callebs said.
Added Jeter: “CCDD played a big role in letting people know what was needed."
Both Callebs and Jeter pointed out that they were far from alone in advocating for increased funding, saying that many deserve praise.
First is the legislative leadership in both chambers and their Appropriations & Revenue Committees who championed the new funding.
Other key advocates were the Kentucky Assn. of Private Providers and Kentucky Assn. of Regional Programs, plus Advocates for Reforming Medicaid Services (ARMS).
“We were happy to get the additional slots but disappointed there will still be a long wait for many," said Mary Hass, co-chair of ARMS.
Fellow ARMS member Kim Thompson, whose son is on the waiting list for the SCL Waiver, voiced a similar concern.
“While we are appreciative of the budget increase, it’s just not enough,” she said.
“We need to approach state lawmakers with the understanding that we need more than what they have provided so far.”
Voicing a similar warning is Sheila Schuster, chairperson of the 874K Disability Coalition who worked closely with ARMS.
Like others, she is grateful for the increased funding, saying, “Historically, this is significantly more funding than ever before.
"I like the fact that they did something for all waivers. They haven’t always done that, and I can’t remember the last time they did anything for the ABI waiver.”
However, Schuster doubts that the increased funding will reduce the waiting lists for waivers, which was the primary goal of everyone advocating for more money.
A year ago, the combined waiting list for three major waivers (Michelle P., SCL and Home and Community Based) was 12,723. A year later that number has grown to 14,849 (as of July 26).
That results in waiting lists that range from 22 to 168 years.
“If we add 500 more slots for Michelle P. in a year, that many or more people will apply for the waiver,” Schuster said. “It’s disappointing that the waiting lists will still be long.”
That’s why all advocates agree that although the increased funding is good news, more work needs to be done. n
THE CCDD STAFF
News Update
New Inter-City Transit Service Begins TRANSPORTATION
On Feb. 27, Maria Kemplin, then of the Transportation Initiative at UK's Human Development Institute, issued the following announcement
Many of you have advocated for inter-city transportation. You spoke with legislators. You made calls and sent emails. You created advocacy videos. You served on work teams. The CCDD featured your stories in the 2023 Summer-Fall issue of Exceptional Family Magazine.
Today I have great news to share!
Blue Grass Community Action, under the umbrella of Bluegrass Ride, is beginning inter-city public transit service that will connect several cities within the Bluegrass region.
The new services are called Regional Routes. Bluegrass Ride has 14 new, air conditioned and accessible buses on the way.
Highlights include:
u A dedicated route will travel between Lexington and Frankfort at just $5. Need to attend an advocacy meeting? Want to meet with a legislator? No problem!
This route will run daily with 3-4 trips per day. No reservations required.
The routes connecting Frankfort and Lexington as well as Georgetown to Lexington are planned to start by the end of the year, pending the arrival of more vehicles.
u Another route, which has already started, connects Danville, Nicholasville and Lexington. Stops include Centre College, downtown Nicholasville, Brannon Crossing, downtown Lexington, UK Hospital, the Greyhound station and BCTC.
The cost is $5. Nicholasville to Brannon Crossing is free.
u In addition to the Regional Routes, Bluegrass Ride offers free, expanded fixed routes in Danville, Nicholasville and Georgetown.
Plus, with 24-hour notice, the bus will deviate from the route up to a half mile for those who cannot get to a bus stop.
"We are proud of these new local routes as well," said Taylor Veatch, Senior Director of Transportation Services at Blue Grass Community Action.
"With the expansion, rebranding, more frequency and longer hours, each of these local routes has grown from a few hundred riders to over 3,000 riders per month, per route."
For more information, visit the web site created by Blue Grass Community Action at https://bluegrassride.org n
DISABILITY RIGHTS PIONEER TURNS 80 ARTHUR CAMPBELL
The friends of disability advocate Arthur Campbell threw him a surprise 80th birthday party on January 23 at the Center for Accessible Living office in Louisville.
The party planning team led by David Allgood of CAL, Camille Collins of Protection and Advocacy and Maria Kemplin, formerly of UK's Human Development Institute, convinced Campbell that they needed his input on the reimbursement rate for the Personal Care Attendant Program.
Campbell complained about having to work on his birthday but made his way by bus to the CAL office where 30 of his friends and colleagues yelled "Surprise!"
Eight decades ago, a difficult birth left Campbell with cerebral palsy and a severe speech impediment. He was on the front lines doing "street advocacy" civil disobedience in the 1970s and beyond, proudly claiming that he was arrested 29 times in 12 states.
Campbell communicates best in writing and emailed answers to the following three questions about his 80th birthday.
Q: How did you feel about the surprise birthday party?
A: "While I appreciate people thinking that I deserved a birthday party, I have problems with accepting compliments, gifts or praise for what I do.
"If I ever did anything of value in my career as a advocate, I didn't do it for self-praise, but I did it to improve and empower my brothers and sisters with disabilities."
Q: What are you most proud of in your life of advocacy?
A: "Thirty-eight years ago I helped to organize, helped write and helped get the Personal Attendant Care Program passed.
"I helped strengthen the Home Community Base (HCB) Program. I had a bit part in passing a strong Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). And I'm proud of my work with the oldest civil rights organization for people with disabilities: ADAPT (Americans Disabled for Attendant Programs Today)."
Q: What advice do you have for fellow self-advocates?
A: "If I had a chance to give advice to my brothers and sisters with disabilities in how to go about advocating for our civil and human rights, and also for programs and services that we need to survive and prosper, here is what I would say:
"First, I would point out that 'well-behaved proper people in suits, ties
Reader Survey WINNER!!!
Bridgette Jones
The winner of a $250 cash prize in the latest Reader Survey contest for this magazine is Bridgette Jones of Prospect.
Jones, a 1991 graduate of the University of Louisville, has worked for the past 23 years at Conway Middle School in Louisville.
She started as the school‘s Youth Services Coordinator and is now the school Counselor.
She earned her master's degree in clinical psychology at Spalding University.
She has earned additional educational hours in counseling from Indiana University Southeast.
As the Youth Services Coordinator, she handed out copies of Exceptional Family Magazine to families in need of resources.
As the school Counselor, she continues to distribute the magazine to families.
"Resources aren’t always readily available so this magazine is wonderful because of the list of resources in it," Jones said. n
www.surveymonkey.com/r/EFSummerFall2024
ARTHUR CAMPBELL
and white hats usually wind up lower on the priority list – below the priority of animal shelters, below horse parks and below garbage collection.
"Then I would quote to my fellow advocates one of my role models, Frederick Douglass, who came out of slavery and became one of President Abraham Lincoln's most valued advisers.
"One of Douglass' favorite quotes is this one."
'There is no gain or progress Without A Struggle!' (In other words, we will not get what we need and want without a fight and sacrifice.)'
"Another of my favorite quotes from Douglass is this one."
'Authority or powers that be will freely concede nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.
'Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both.
'The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.'
"Next I will quote the good book of Revelation Chapter 3, Verse 16.
"This chapter talks about a group of people who thought that there was no need or wouldn't take action to save their lives.
"The Master said to these indifferent people:"
'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
'So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust].'
"In other words, because of these people's inaction, they lost their lives.
"Lastly, I would tell my brothers and sisters with disabilities about another role model I have, Mr. John Lewis, who was almost beaten to death during the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965.
"Mr. Lewis served in Congress for more than 30 years. One of his mottos was just get in the way and stay in the way until you get what you need and deserve.
"If I had my way, I would have all of my disabled brothers and sisters see the movie 'Selma' several times, and try to figure out how to use African-American civil rights tactics and adopt or adapt these tactics to the disability causes." n
OVR Puts PEOPLE to Work
Agency Helps People With Disabilities Gain Employment
By John Lynch
On the brink of leaving the workforce and going back on SSI, Jae Haymond of Beaver Dam revived his employment career with the help of a state agency that specializes in such efforts – the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
Haymond, who has autism, is now ready to celebrate his one-year anniversary at Walmart in Ohio County.
“They were perfect and awesome to work with,” Haymond said about his OVR counselors. “They helped me find a job. It was a wonderful experience. Having a job makes me feel good and makes me feel proud.”
That’s the kind of testimonial that gratifies everyone at OVR.
“Listening to success stories is the highlight of our experience,” said Cora McNabb, OVR’s executive director.
“People with disabilities deserve the same rights as everyone else when it comes to employment so they can achieve their goals.
“The work our staff does impacts the lives of so many people.”
How many? In 2022-23, OVR served 42,256 clients, with 3,809 landing jobs that average 34 hours a week and pay an average of $21.34 per hour.
“When I started in the field nearly 30 years ago,” McNabb said, “supported employment was cutting edge. Getting jobs was not a routine practice.
"That has changed so much and we have accomplished a lot since then.”
But more needs to be done, said McNabb, who has worked at OVR for 19 years, the past five as executive director.
The latest Kentucky numbers show that more than three of every four people with disabilities are unemployed.
OVR’s staff of nearly 500 located in 45 offices throughout the state is dedicated to improving those numbers, McNabb said.
“Every day we focus on how to deliver the best services that we can,” she said.
Services include job training at the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center in Thelma in Eastern Kentucky.
Currently, 140 students are enrolled, getting trained in such fields as cosmetology and food service, and landscaping and fork-lift operation.
Services for the blind are offered at the Charles McDowell Center in Louisville.
Thanks to those services, Kentuckians with vision issues work side by side in cafeteria jobs at both Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, and at highway rest stop areas.
OVR works to keep pace with technological
changes in the workforce, and has formed collaborative partnerships with employers, schools and other state agencies.
But the heartbeat of OVR are the counselors and staff at the 45 field offices.
“These are the boots on the ground,” McNabb said.
This is how Haymond connected with OVR. After leaving Ohio County High, where he served as the football team’s manager, Haymond landed a job with Tamarlane Industries, where he worked for eight years.
When he was laid off, he connected with Lisa Nicodemus, an OVR counselor, and Stacia Cole, a job placement specialist.
The pair gave Haymond employment testing, which showed he was a fit for Walmart.
After they helped Haymond with his resume and interviewing skills, he landed a job at Walmart, which pays nearly three times as much as his previous job.
OVR helped Rickie Stinson of Scottsville add a useful robotic arm to his wheelchair.
Jae Haymond of Beaver Dam loves his job at Walmart.
WITH ASSISTANCE FROM OVR, LOONEY LEARNED TO DRIVE WITH HAND CONTROLS
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation not only trains people for employment, the agency can help people get to work on time.
Consider the case of Katie Looney of Russell. Looney, 27, was born with spina bifida, and often uses a walker and a wheelchair.
When it came time for driver education in high school, Looney was a special case. She needed to learn to drive using only her hands.
Her family reached out to OVR, which arranged for driving instructor Michele Coffey to travel from UK in Lexington to Russell to teach Looney to drive.
Although Looney paid for her vehicle, Voc Rehab covered the cost to modify it for Looney.
She has owned three different vehicles, including a Mazda 5 that she drove for 10 years. It had a remote-controlled grab bar that pulled Looney's wheelchair in and out of the car.
This year, for safety and efficiency reasons, she purchased a white Chrysler Pacifica.
The Pacifica comes with a lowered floor, automatic doors, a ramp, automatic hatch, a locking mechanism for her wheelchair to stay in place, and a remote control for the driver’s seat that allows for easier access in and out.
Last school year, Looney, who has a degree in special education from Morehead State, was a reading interventionist at an elementary school in Ashland, a 20-minute drive from her home. Looney is proud that she worked hard to pay for her vehicles and that she has the autonomy to drive by herself.
For that, she’s also grateful to OVR.
"Because I can't drive normally, it was very important to learn how to use hand controls," Looney said. "The instruction I received through OVR was helpful and I’m very thankful for that help.” n
“I’m a maintenance worker,” Haymond said. “I clean windows and bathrooms, and take out the trash. I love it.”
And Nicodemus loved working with Haymond, who is a lay deacon at Barnes Chapel United Methodist Church and well known in Beaver Dam.
“Everybody knows Jae because he lights up everyone’s heart,” Nicodemus said. “He is liquid sunshine. The community is good to Jae, but Jae is even better for the community.”
When Rickie Stinson, 49, of Scottsville was born with cerebral palsy, doctors told his parents that he wouldn’t live past 12 years old, and that he would never lead a productive life.
Katie Looney celebrates her new safer, more convenient vehicle.
ago with the birth of James.
When Rickie’s marriage ended, he returned to Scottsville and considered his employment future.
Worried that no one would hire him, he decided to start his own business.
Again, OVR offered its assistance. Counselors helped him plan for his computer business and apply for a grant. Before long, Rickie’s Computers was in business.
With 3-D printing and a laser machine, Rickie makes cupholders for wheelchairs, and can create custom designs for clients.
“They told us to put him in a home and that he would never get married or have children,” said Ricky Stinson, his father. “But he proved everybody wrong.”
After high school, Rickie lived at OVR’s Carl D. Perkins center for four years, learning computer science.
At the same time, he earned an associate’s degree from the community college in nearby Paintsville.
After he returned home, Rickie landed a computer job in Bowling Green, got married and became a father.
His daughter, Leeanna, 20, made Rickie a grandfather two years
“He wouldn’t have anything that he’s got now, if it wasn’t for Voc Rehab,” Rickie’s father said. “They got him everything he needed to help himself.”
Most recently that included a robotic arm that attaches to his wheelchair.
“He can eat with it, use a screwdriver in the arm, and if he drops anything he can pick it up with the arm,” Ricky said.
“We’re told that he is the first person in Kentucky to have a robotic arm.
“Rickie is very intelligent. Everything I know about computers, he taught me. I’ve always told him that you can do anything if you set your mind to it. Don’t let your disability get in your way.”
And, with a little help from OVR, that’s exactly what he has done. n
INSPIRED BY
PIXAR MOVIES
KEFFER WRITES HER OWN BOOK
By John Lynch
You can say many things about Jessica Keffer of Frankfort. She’s 26. She loves Pixar movies.
She has autism. She’s an avid reader. She’s kind and has never met an animal she didn’t love.
You can also say that Keffer is an author. She wrote and illustrated the book: “The Half Penguin and Half Girl: The Story of Mavte.”
Keffer completed the book when she was in high school in Breathitt County.
The book is self-published and Keffer had more than 200 books printed. She sold every one at $15 each.
That is also framed and hangs in her room.
The genesis of her book stems from an online course Keffer took in storytelling offered by – you guessed it – Pixar.
Keffer draws all the time and has a distinct style all her own.
Jessica Keffer, top with her parents, displays the book she wrote and illustrated.
“She draws her own unique characters who have very big eyes, big heads and a thin body,” Sullivan said. “She makes up her own characters and she also draws portraits of my friends in her style.”
another of her passions. Keffer lives at home with her parents.
JORDAN SELLS TIE DYE SHIRTS
(dis)ability SPOTLIGHT BRIGHT IDEA: HE MAKES HIMSELF
By John Lynch
The tie dye shirts that Jordan Price of Louisville creates are almost as bright as his personality.
In 2018, Jordan started creating tie dye shirts, at first for family members.
Last year, at his 17th birthday party, more than two dozen family members attended with each one wearing a tie dye shirt.
After the family learned that someone wanted to buy one of his shirts, they brainstormed a name for his business and came up with Bright Side Tie Dye by Jordan.
That led to a Facebook page (www. facebook.com/groups/207705891900006) where people can order tie dye shirts.
In a year since, Jordan has filled more than 300 orders from New York to San Francisco.
Throw in his cousins in Spain, and Bright Side Tie Dye by Jordan is international.
Jordan is not limited to shirts. He will tie dye anything in cotton, including hoodies, pet bandanas, pillow cases, even sheets.
“We wanted a name that was more about the shirts than about his disability, and all his tie dye shirts are bright,” Jordan’s mother Kelly said.
Which matches his personality.
“Nearly everybody in the Louisville autism community knows Jordan,” said his great aunt Donna McGraw.
“Jordan is very funny, fun to be around, super creative and very loveable.”
He has also overcome some obstacles. Jordan started talking at age 12, and his social anxiety was sometimes seen as ag-
gressive behavior.
In school, he learned in a contained classroom and graduated from Doss High with a diploma of participation.
Given his speech delays, that’s quite an accomplishment, attributable to family support and therapies.
Jordan Price, far right, outfits everyone in his family with custom made tie dye shirts.
Those therapies include Applied Behavior Analysis, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy.
“We had many a speech therapist who said Jordan would never speak,” Donna McGraw said.
"But his current therapist, Britt Boyle, has helped enormously."
When Jordan would eat only a handful of foods, he underwent food therapy to expand his diet.
Jordan also takes music therapy through the University of Louisville. He plays piano and drums and performs with The Grooves, a band made up of people who have disabilities.
Jordan (6-foot, 215 pounds) is also athletic. He attends weekly exercise classes at All Abilities Boot Camp, run by Maggie Von Handorf, an OT in Louisville.
He also plays baseball, basketball and soccer at school where he was Prom King as a senior.
He enjoys swimming, gymnastics and playing video games.
Until last year, he had collected more than 1,500 movie DVDs. Adam Sandler and Disney are among his favorites, and he also purchased all six seasons of the
“Sanford and Son” TV show.
“He started watching movies when he was 3,” his mother Kelly said.
“He likes to have the DVDs in his hands. It’s very calming for him to hold a DVD.” Sadly, much of that collection was lost last year in a fire that destroyed the family home.
While it is being rebuilt, the family lives in an RV outside of Louisville.
The family consists of Kelly and her husband Shane, who owns a window tinting business, and Jordan’s older sister, Paige, 22, who also has developmental delays.
Paige and Jordan both have state waivers. Kelly serves as Paige’s waiver worker, and Donna McGraw serves as Jordan’s.
McGraw also hosts the Facebook page SHARE (SPECIAL Needs Help with Activities and Recreational Events) www.facebook.com/groups/1144537982227210
The family is accustomed to RV living. In 2018, they bought a used RV and spent weekends at campgrounds. That’s where Jordan first learned to tie dye.
Soon he was making his own.
Said Jordan: "I like colors and I like seeing people in shirts that I made." n
GENERAL
Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities
1024 Capital Center Dr., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-7841
The mission of the CCDD is to create systemic change in Kentucky that empowers individuals to achieve full citizenship and inclusion in the community through education, capacity building and advocacy.
CCDD is a dynamic mix of people with unique backgrounds and experiences. Members include 16 governor-appointed individuals with disabilities and family members of individuals with disabilities, as well as representatives from major state agencies that serve people with developmental disabilities. https://ccdd.ky.gov
Amazing Opportunities Kentucky (AOK)
129 East Main St., Morehead Ky., 40351 (606) 484-0780 / (606) 207-0225
AOK aims to promote independence to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to support them in living a life they want to live. AOK supports building natural, lasting relationships, opportunities for growth, competitive employment, and collaboration within the community for maximum self-reliance. AOK is a joint venture between two
heart-driven, service-minded individuals: Executive Director LeeAnn Creech and Program Director Kaitlyn Paschall. Together, they have a combined 30 years of experience providing supports to individuals with disabilities and have spent their lifetime being advocates. / www.aoky.org
The Arc of the United States
2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C., 20006 / (202) 534-3700 / (800) 433-5255
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. / www.thearc.org
Best Buddies Kentucky (502) 536-7876
Best Buddies Kentucky, founded in 2009, is dedicated to establishing a volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. www.bestbuddies.org/kentucky
Best Point Education and Behavioral Health (Formerly Children’s Home of Cincinnati) 5050 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45227 (513) 272-2800
Best Point Education & Behavioral Health follows the principles of the Teaching-Family Model (TFM) to help vulnerable children with social, behavioral, and learning challenges succeed in their home, school, and community environments. The Teaching-Family Model is an evidencebased behavior modification model that teaches at-risk children to improve their behaviors and social skills. https://bestpoint.org/behavioral-health/
Big Brothers Big Sisters Organizations
For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. BBBS develops positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
Bluegrass
181 Lowry Lane, Suite 150, Lexington Ky., 40503 (859) 231-8181 / www.bbbs-bluegrass.org
Greater Cincinnati
2400 Reading Road, Suite 126, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 (513) 421-4120 / www.bigsforkids.org
(dis)ability SPOTLIGHT
Titanic, Eiffel Tower? Nothing's Too Big For This LEGO MASTER
By John Lynch
When Nick Boswell was 4 years old and visiting his grandparents in California, they took him to LEGOLand – a visit that changed his life.
Nick has been building LEGO models ever since. It’s no exaggeration to call the 22-yearold from Frankfort a LEGO Master.
Nick, who has autism, fearlessly tackles the most elaborate and difficult LEGO models and completes them in no time.
He assembled the Titanic in a month, and that model had 9,000 pieces and is 4 feet 6 inches long and a foot-and-a-half tall.
When LEGO released the Eiffel Tower model and warned customers that this set was for professionals only, Nick scoffed. He completed the 10,000-piece, nearly five-foot tall model in less than a month.
He has completed hundreds of models, many of which can be viewed on his Instagram page called Boswell Builds (www. instagram.com/boswellbuilds/).
In November 2023, Nick attended Brick Fest Live in Cincinnati where he exhibited some of his models, including the Titanic. Naturally, he was a big hit at the convention where he displayed his skills as a LEGO Master and also his empathy toward people like him.
During the show, a family visited Nick’s exhibit, and Nick noticed that the teenage boy with them was shy. It turns out, he too was on the spectrum.
So Nick reached out to the teenager and brought him behind the exhibit so he would be more comfortable.
Afterward, the boy’s grandmother said to Nick’s mother Jayme, “That’s the first time my grandson has interacted with someone. He made a friend today.”
Said Nick: “That’s how I am with most kids
with special needs. I know how they feel and I can make them feel comfortable.”
Nick loves LEGO because everything is exactly the way it’s supposed to be. He has a plan to assemble the model and he follows it. “It calms me,” Nick said.
Jayme Boswell says her son is intelligent -- he graduated high school with a normal diploma.
He’s also endlessly curious and looks up information on the Internet all the time.
Nick Boswell, top, displays his LEGO model of the Titanic, and he recently assembled the Eiffel Tower. He also fosters kittens.
“We were at the park one day and someone had a puppy,” she said. “Nick told him all about the breed, its history and everything. I’m constantly surprised by what he knows.”
Jayme is a single mother of three children. Nick is the oldest followed by Will, 18, and Molly, 16.
Jayme has been a special education teacher for 29 years, the first 28 years working with preschoolers. Last year, she switched to Frankfort Independent High School.
She had been a special education teacher for nearly a decade when she noticed that Nick might be atypical.
“When he was 2, he already knew about 50 words but he wasn’t expressing them,” she said. “We got him into First Steps and he received so much support in his early years.”
Later, the social demands of high school took its toll on Nick, who walked the halls with his head down.
But then Eddie James, the football coach at Franklin County High, who also is a special education teacher, told Nick that he wanted
him to be the team’s manager.
Nick embraced that opportunity, and the team in turn embraced Nick. The players threw him a surprise birthday party and for a present gave him – wait for it – a LEGO set.
Suddenly, Nick felt like he belonged. He walked the school halls with his head up and showed more confidence at home.
“Nick learned discipline, and the experience changed his life,” Jayme said. “Becoming part of a group like that was something that had never happened to him before.
“Nick would not be where he is now if it wasn’t for Coach James. That was one of the biggest blessings we’ve ever had.”
Nick is not only a LEGO Master. He also collects matchbooks. When neighbors and friends learned that, people would drop off matchbooks to the Boswell house.
Why matchbooks? “I like the artwork on the covers,” Nick said.
Resource List 2024
Kentuckiana
1519 Gardiner Lane, Suite B, Louisville, Ky., 40218 (502) 587-0494 / (855) 524-0062 / www.bbbsky.org
Tristate
1557 Winchester Ave., Suite 204, Ashland, Ky., 41105 (606) 329-8799 / (304) 522-2191 / www.bbbstristate.org
Bluegrass Care Navigators
1733 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (855) 492-0812
Bluegrass Care Navigators (formerly Hospice of the Bluegrass) provides physical, emotional and spiritual care for adult and pediatric patients with life-limiting illness, and their families, at home, in nursing facilities and at Hospice Care Centers. Support and bereavement services extend to family members and anyone in the community experiencing grief. Bluegrass Care Navigators provides care in 32 central, northern and southeastern Kentucky counties. www.bgcarenav.org
Bluegrass Career Services
1165 Centre Pkwy., Suite 120, Lexington, Ky., 40517 (859) 272-4855 / https://bcs.esinc.org
Bluegrass Career Services is a non-profit agency that assists individuals with disabilities to overcome barriers to employment. The group prepares, educates and empowers clients to help them achieve their employment goals. BCS receives client referrals from the Offices of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Social Security Administration. Through these programs, services are free to our clients.
Brighton Center Inc.
741 Central Ave., Newport, Ky., 41071 (859) 491-8303
Brighton Center wraps a community of support around individuals and families by tackling the issues that prevent people from becoming self-sufficient, removing the barriers they face, and creating hope so that goals can be achieved and dreams realized. From modest beginnings in 1966, the Center has grown to provide a wide range of programs and services that include meeting basic needs, adult and early childhood education, workforce development, substance abuse recovery for women, affordable housing, financial education and counseling, youth services, and neighborhood based programs. / www.brightoncenter.com
Build Inclusion, Inc.
P.O. Box 23030, Lexington, Ky., 40523 (606) 622-0292
Build Inclusion promotes intentional inclusion, access, and opportunities through community & family education, engagement, and most of all, meaningful, competitive employment. Build Inclusion facilitates success for individuals in transition to adulthood in preparing for and fully participating in this next stage of their lives. Clinical social work services are also available for the ID/DD population. www.buildinclusion.org
Center for Accessible Living
The Center for Accessible Living is an innovative leader in empowering all people to achieve their goal of independent living while involving the entire community.
Louisville Location
501 E. Broadway, Suite 310, Louisville, Ky., 40202 (502) 589-6620 / (888) 813-8497 / www.calky.org Murray Location
205 Andrus Drive, Suite A, Murray, Ky., 42071 (270) 753-7676 / (888) 261-6194 / www.calky.org
Bowling Green Location
1830 Destiny Lane, Suite 108, Bowling Green, Ky. 42104 (270) 599-0911 / www.calky.org
Christian Appalachian Project
485 Ponderosa Drive, P.O. Box 1768, Paintsville, Ky., 41240 / (866) 270-4227
CAP is a Kentucky-based, non-profit Christian organization committed to serving people in need in Appalachia by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support through a wide variety of programs and services. www.christianapp.org
Community Action Council
710 West High St., Lexington, Ky., 40508 (859) 233-4600
To residents in Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, the CAC offers two free programs (Weatherization and Warmwise) to lower energy costs for individuals who are within 200% of the poverty guideline. Weatherization is designed to lower summer cooling and winter heating costs by identifying and performing energy saving measures. This will save money each month.
Warmwise is a partnership between Community Action Council and Columbia Gas. The program allows an energy auditor to test natural gas furnaces for efficiency and safety. If the furnace is found to be operating at less than 85% efficiency, is unsafe or unreliable, it can be replaced with a high efficiency gas furnace at no cost to the client. If the client is a renter, CAC must obtain permission from the home owner to complete the work.
https://commaction.org/service/weatherization-assistanceprogram/
Community Action Kentucky (CAK)
101 Burch Court, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (800) 456-3452 / (502) 875-5863
CAK is a statewide association representing and assisting the 23 community action agencies as they work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic success. www.capky.org
Council on Developmental Disabilities
1219 West Jefferson Street, Suite 106 Louisville, Ky., 40203 / (502) 584-1239
Since 1952, the Council has empowered Kentuckians with IDD and their families to live their best life - full of love, support and resources. The Council helps individuals, families and caregivers by providing one-on-one guidance, training events and social events to navigate essential community resources. / www.the-council.org
Home of the Innocents
1100 E. Market St., Louisville, Ky., 40206 (502) 596-1000 / info@homeoftheinnocents.org
Home of the Innocents is the region’s open arms to kids in crisis, providing therapeutic, loving care to children who are victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect. It’s also home to children who have autism and other behavioral health diagnoses; who are medically fragile; and families with exceptional needs. Open Arms Children’s Health is the Home’s health care facility offering pediatric medical, dental, hearing, vision and pharmacy. www.homeoftheinnocents.org
Human Development Institute (HDI)
Kentucky’s University Center on Disability University of Kentucky
113 Mineral Industries Building, Lexington, Ky., 40506-0051 / (859) 257-4356
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. HDI achieves its mission through leadership and community partnerships across Kentucky and the nation. Learn more at www.hdi.uky.edu
Independence Place, Inc.
841 Corporate Drive, Suite 301, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 266-2807
Independence Place is a non-profit, consumer-driven, non-residential Center for Independent Living, serving people with disabilities of all ages. The mission is to help people with disabilities achieve their potential for community inclusion by improving access and equal opportunity. / www.ipky.org
Independence Seekers Project
1244 South Third St., Suite 200, Louisville, Ky., 40203 (502) 509-9363
As a leader in disability advocacy, the Independence Seekers Project aims to challenge ableism and redefine community through a support network built by those with disabilities. Alongside peers and allies, ISP aspires to create a more inclusive community dedicated to interdependence. www.independenceseekersproject.org
KARRN (Kentucky Appalachian Rural Rehabilitation Network)
UK College of Health Sciences
900 South Limestone, Lexington, Ky., 40536 (859) 218-0580 / Patrick.Kitzman@uky.edu
A collaborative team composed of individuals impacted by neurological conditions, providers who serve them, members of communities in which they live, advocates, educators and researchers who investigate these conditions. www.karrn.org
Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs
83-C Michael Davenport Blvd., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 226-2704
erecktenwald@kasap.org
KASAP’s mission is to speak with a unified voice against sexual victimization. KASAP is funded in whole or in part with public funds. / www.kasap.org
Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children, Inc.
600 Teton Trail, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 875-1320 / (800) 369-0533
Melissa@kypartnership.org
KPFC’s vision is that all families raising youth and children affected by behavioral health challenges will achieve their fullest potential. KPFC’s mission is to empower families affected by behavioral health challenges to initiate personal and systems change. / www.kypartnership.org
Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network, Inc. (KY-Spin) 10301-B Deering Road, Louisville, Ky., 40272 (502) 937-6894 / (800) 525-7746
The mission is to link families and individuals with disabilities to valuable resources that will enable them to live
productive, fulfilling lives. A project of KY-SPIN, Inc. is the KY-SPIN Parent Center PTI (Parent Training & Information Project), which is funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education. KY-SPIN Parent Center provides training, information and support for children and youth with all types of disabilities (birth through 26 years old), their parents, families and professionals. / www.kyspin.com
Kentucky Youth Advocates
10200 Linn Station, Suite 310, Louisville, Ky., 40223 (502) 895-8167 / (888) 825-5592
KYA advocates for policies that give children the best possible opportunities for a brighter future and are making Kentucky the best place in America to be young. www.kyyouth.org
Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky
2265 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 200, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 225-8879 / pcaky@pcaky.org
The mission of PCAK is to prevent the abuse and neglect of Kentucky’s children through advocacy, education, awareness and training. PCAK is helping to build a better Kentucky by shaping future leaders and their families to ensure Kentucky’s children grow up in safe, healthy environments.
www.pcaky.org
Public Library Home Delivery Service
Many of the state’s county public libraries offer home delivery service for those with physical limitations that prevent them from visiting. Below are libraries in the state’s most populous areas. Contact the public library in your county to inquire about services.
Boyd County (Ashland): (606) 329-0090
www.thebookplace.org/index.php/locations-hours/ homebound-services
Boone County (Florence): (859) 342-2665 ext. 8108 www.bcpl.org/docs/library/we-deliver.pdf
Campbell County (Newport): (859) 572-5035 ext. 352 www.cc-pl.org/services/adult-outreach-services
Daviess County (Owensboro) (270) 691-1886
LEGO Master
Continued From Page 13
He also learns everything about the restaurant/town that the matchbook represents.
Nick also foster kittens for the local humane society. This started after one of his beloved pets died.
Nick has a room at home where he nurtures his kittens until they are ready for adoption. He feeds them, cleans the litter box and plays with them so they are socialized for their new adoptive owners.
Nick enjoys his job at a local golf course
www.dcplibrary.org/books-to-you
Hardin County (Elizabethtown): (270) 769-6337
www.hcpl.info/services.asp
Kenton County (Covington): (859) 962-4062
www.kentonlibrary.org/outreach/homebound
Laurel County (London): (606) 864-5759
www.Laurellibrary.org/services/outreach-services/
Lexington: (859) 231-5500
Louisville: (502) 574-1611
www.lfpl.org/services#121
Paul Sawyier (Frankfort): (502) 352-2665 ext. 111
www.pspl.org/services/outreach
Warren County (Bowling Green): (270) 535-4886
https://warrenpl.org/delivery-sign-up/
Puzzle Pieces
2401 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (270) 926-7813
The mission is to provide a safe environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and promote independence, life skills, community access and involvement, social interaction, communication skills, self-worth, and trusting relationships between clients, staff and families.
Puzzle Pieces provides day training, ABA therapy, autismcentered programming, residential services, supported employment, Pre-ETS, Community Access and more. The nonprofit supports more than 400 individuals with disabilities and employs over 100 people. / puzzle-pieces.org
Safe Kids Worldwide
1 Inventa Place, Sixth Floor West, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910 / (202) 662-0600
Safe Kids is a program that brings together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments and volunteers to educate and protect families. Safe Kids is a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. Efforts are needed because as many as 90% of accidental injuries can be prevented. www.safekids.org
Safe Kids Fayette County
Kentucky Children's Hospital
2333 Alumni Park Plaza, Suite 105, Lexington, Ky., 40517 (859) 323-1153
https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/safe-kids-fayette-county Louisville and Jefferson County Coalition
Norton Children’s Hospital
315 E. Broadway, Louisville, Ky., 40202 / (502) 629-7244 www.safekids.org/coalition/safe-kids-louisville
TASH Disability Advocacy Worldwide
1825 K St., NW, Suite 1250, Washington D.C., 20006 (202) 817-3264
An international association of people with disabilities, family members, other advocates and professionals working for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm. / www.tash.org
Kentucky Chapter
Darrell Mattingly / (859) 229-7499 darrell.mattingly@uky.edu www.tash.org/chapters/kentucky-tash/
Tourette Association of America
42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 507, Bayside, NY., 11361 (888) 486-8738 / support@tourette.org
Tourette Association of America (formerly Tourette Syndrome Association) is the only national organization serving the community, and works to raise awareness, advance research, and provide ongoing support to patients and families impacted by Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. The TAA directs a network of 31 Chapters, 83 support groups and recognizes 18 Centers of Excellence across the country. / www.tsa-usa.org
Tourette Syndrome in the Bluegrass
Angela King / (270) 317-3046
www.facebook.com/tourettesyndromeinthebluegrass
Toys With a Purpose
(859) 218-0580 / phkitz1@uky.edu
A project of the KATS network at the University of Kentucky, Toys With a Purpose is a collaboration that provides free adapted toys to individual families through an online lending library. Organizers are planning to expand
but has his dream job in mind – to work for LEGO.
Nick saw a glimpse of that when he visited Nashville and went to the local LEGO store with a good friend.
“Shortly after they walked into the store,” Jayme said, “he was answering questions from customers like how long a model will take to build or if it's suitable for a child. The store people said that if he lived in Nashville, they would hire Nick on the spot.”
Unfortunately, the closest LEGO store to Frankfort is in Louisville, too far for Nick to get back and forth from work.
So, Nick’s dream job hasn’t happened – yet.
The power of yet is a big concept for Jayme, who consoles the parents of her students by saying that their child’s limits don’t mean that they will never succeed just that they haven’t succeeded yet.
Meanwhile, Nick is proud of his many accomplishments and focuses on his abilities not his disability.
“I don’t like the word disabilities,” Nick said. “We should take off the 'dis' and focus on 'ability.' I like to show people that I have abilities."
And no one who has seen his work would dispute that. n
Resource List 2024
services to provide adapted toys to organizations that work closely with children of all abilities. Additionally, this program serves as a platform for educating students from multiple levels (high school, community college, and university) about inclusion and accessibility through the process of adapting toys. / https://toyswithapurposeky.com
Un Abrazo Amigo Parent Support Group Lexington / (859) 474-2722
Un Abrazo Amigo is a parent support group in Spanish for families of children and youth with special health care needs and serves families from Fayette and surrounding counties. The support group works on addressing language and cultural barriers to access to health care and social services, reducing caregiver stress and enhancing children’s health and well-being, and supporting families in becoming advocates for their children through education and mutual support.
United Way
Bluegrass
651 Perimeter Dr., Suite 510, Lexington, Ky., 40517 (859) 233-4460 / 211 Help Line LiveUnited@uwbg.org / www.uwbg.org
Kentucky
P.O. Box 4653, Louisville, Ky., 40204 (502) 589-6897 / 211 Help Line / www.uwky.org Metro
334 E. Broadway, P.O. Box 4488, Louisville, Ky., 40204 (502) 583-2821 / 211 Help Line
Fights for the education, health, housing and financial stability of every person. www.metrounitedway.org
WHAS Crusade for Children
520 West Chestnut St., Louisville, Ky., 40202 (502) 582-7706
The WHAS Crusade for Children, established in 1954, raises money for agencies, schools and hospitals to better the lives of children with special needs. The Crusade Advisory Panel, an independent board of interdenominational ministers, decides how donations are distributed each year. www.whascrusade.org
STATE RESOURCES
Brain Injury
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver
275 E. Main St. 6W-B, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-7540 / (844) 784-5614
This program is designed to provide intensive services and support to adults with acquired brain injuries as they work to re-enter community life. https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/abi.aspx/
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Trust Fund
275 E. Main St., 3E-E, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-6930 / toniaawells@ky.gov
This program offers flexible funding and support for people with traumatic brain injuries. The fund supports supplemental, community-based efforts to meet the special needs of individuals with brain injury. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/tbitrust.aspx
Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs
The mission of the OCSHCN is to enhance the quality of life for Kentucky’s children with special health care needs through quality service, leadership, advocacy, education and collaboration. The OCSHCN’s vision is to be the visible leader in supporting the highest quality of life for Kentucky’s children with special health care needs and their families through collaboration and creation of a more accessible community based system of support.
www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/ocshcn/Pages/default.aspx
Regional Offices:
Central office / Louisville
310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 200, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 429-4430 / (800) 232-1160
Serving Bullitt, Carroll, Gallatin, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble counties and statewide.
Barbourville
110 Johnson Lane, Barbourville, Ky., 40906 (606) 546-5109 / (800) 348-4279
Serving Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Laurel, Rockcastle, Knox and Whitley counties.
Bowling Green
2040 Louisville Road, Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 746-7816 / (800) 843-5877
Serving Allen, Barren, Butler, Christian, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Todd and Warren counties.
Elizabethtown
580 Westport Road, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 (270) 766-5370 / (800) 995-6982
Serving Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties.
Hazard
103 Town and Country Lane, Suite M, Hazard, Ky., 41701 (606) 435-6167 / (800) 378-3357
Serving Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe counties.
Lexington
333 Waller Ave., Suite 300, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 252-3170 / (800) 817-3874
Serving Anderson, Bourbon, Boone, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Grant, Harrison, Jessamine, Kenton, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford counties.
Morehead
214 W. First St., Morehead, Ky., 40351 (606) 783-8610 / (800) 928-3049
Serving Bath, Boyd, Bracken, Campbell, Carter, Elliot, Fleming, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Pendleton, Robertson and Rowan counties.
Owensboro
1600 Breckenridge St., Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (270) 687-7038 / (877) 687-7038
Serving Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Union and Webster counties.
Paducah
2855 Jackson St., Paducah, Ky., 42003 (270) 443-3651 / (800) 443-3651
Serving Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken and Trigg counties.
Prestonsburg
5000 Ky. Route 321, Prestonsburg, Ky., 41653 (606) 889-1761 / (800) 594-7058
Serving Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties.
Somerset
Professional Plaza, 401 Bogle St., Suite 104 Somerset, Ky., 42503 (606) 677-4120 / (800) 525-4279
Serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor and Wayne counties.
Career and Technical Education
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4286 ext. 4249
The Department of Education offers four-course career and technical education (CTE) pathways. These pathways pave the way for early post-secondary opportunities in the form of recognized industry certifications and credentials, CTE endof-program certificates for articulated postsecondary credit and CTE dual credit, ensuring a seamless transition into the workforce or postsecondary programs for our graduates. https://education.ky.gov/CTE/Pages/default.aspx
Family to Family Health Information Centers
1600 Breckenridge St., Suite 1200 Owensboro, Ky., 42302 / (502) 782-8781 ext. 3 (270) 993-9430 / Sondra.Gilbert@ky.gov
Located at the offices of the Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Family to Family HICs are familyrun centers that assist families of children and youth with special health care needs and the professionals who serve them. The goal is to help keep children healthy by promoting regular medical care. F2F HICs help families make more informed choices by providing support, information, resources and training. F2F HICs promote access to community-based, self-directed services that are available to children with special needs. www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/ocshcn/Pages/ftf.aspx
Hart-Supported Living Program
275 E. Main St., 3E-E, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-6930 / pcap.hsl@ky.gov
The Hart-Supported Living program provides funds for supports to help Kentuckians with disabilities live in their homes and communities and avoid institutionalization. Any Kentuckian with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disability Act can apply for Hart-Supported Living funds. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/hslp.aspx
Coordinators
Region 1: Angel Lawrence
P.O. Box 3759, Paducah, Ky., 42003 (502) 401-8650 / angel.lawrence@ky.gov
Counties: Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Daviess, Fulton, Graves, Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union, Webster.
Region 2: Makalla Morrison
P.O. Box 2010, Bowling Green, Ky., 42102 (502) 229-5211 / makalla.morrison@ky.gov
Counties: Adair, Allen, Barren, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Butler, Cumberland, Edmonson, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Meade, Metcalf, Monroe, Nelson, Ohio, Russell, Simpson, Taylor, Warren.
Region 3: Amanda Coulter
P.O. Box 876, Lawrenceburg, Ky., 40342 (502) 229-2294 / AmandaM.Coulter@ky.gov
Counties: Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Casey, Clark, Fayette,
COUNCIL MEMBERS (FRONT ROW): David Allgood, Ryan Guyder, Donna Fox (MIDDLE ROW): Heather McConnell, Laura Butler, Chad Hunt, Andrea Strassburg, Kristen Beach, Barb Locker, Danny Slaton, Blaire Handshoe, Regina Watts (BACK ROW): Dr. Jason Wheatly, Kelly Jones, Leigh Van Hooser, Mark Rothel, Casey Allen, Jake Cruz, Amy Smith, Scott Collins
(NOT PICTURED): Meagan Brannon, Camille Collins, Tammie Isenberg, Mark Leach, Darrell Mattingly, Sharon Raymond
Resource List 2024
Franklin, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Mercer, Montgomery, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Scott, Woodford.
Region 4: Susan Miller
P.O. Box 9531, Louisville, Ky., 40209 (502) 229-9716 / smiller@ky.gov
Counties: Carroll, Gallatin, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, Washington.
Region 5: Caryn Turvey
P.O. Box 1385, Ashland, Ky., 41105 (502) 229-6863 / caryn.turvey@ky.gov
Counties: Bath, Boone, Boyd, Bracken, Campbell, Carter, Fleming, Grant, Greenup, Harrison, Kenton, Lewis, Mason, Nichols, Pendleton, Robertson, Rowan.
Region 6: Angelia Forgey
P.O. Box 1907, Hyden, Ky., 41749 (502) 401-8654 / angelia.forgey@ky.gov
Counties: Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Elliot, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Wayne, Whitley, Wolfe.
Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCB)
275 E. Main St., 6W-B, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-7540
The HCB waiver is part of Kentucky’s 1915(c) HCBS Medicaid waiver program. HCB provides assistance to the elderly or to adults and children with disabilities to help them live in the community as independently as possible. https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/hcb-waiver.aspx
Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corp.
Mayo-Underwood Building
500 Mero St., 1st Floor, SE, Frankfort Ky., 40601 (877) 675-0195
The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low interest loans for qualified applicants with disabilities for assistive technology. Notice January 2024: The KATLC is going through a reorganization. As a part of this process, KATLC will be looking for a new lending partner. Interested lending partners may contact KATLC at (877) 675-0195 or edu.katlc@ky.gov for additional information. https://katlc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Kentucky Education & Labor Cabinet
500 Mero St., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-3070
Providing Kentuckians from all across the Commonwealth with the opportunity of transformational change through education and quality training so they can attain a meaningful career, support their families, break the cycle of poverty and prosper.
https://educationcabinet.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Kentucky Children Insurance Program (K-CHIP) (855) 459-6328
KCHIP is a free health insurance program for children under the age of 19 without health insurance who qualify for help. KCHIP covers prescriptions, well-care checks and immunizations, hospital stays, provider and dental visits, mental health services, glasses and vision care, speech and physical therapy, and much more. Uninsured children under 19 who live in families with an income at or less than 218% of the federal poverty level are eligible.
https://kynect.ky.gov/benefits/s/medicaid-kchipprogram?language=en_US
Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
632 Versailles Road, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 573-2604 / Videophone: (502) 416-0607 kcdhh@ky.org / www.kcdhh.ky.gov
Provide effective and efficient leadership, education, advocacy and programs to eliminate barriers and to meet the social, economic, educational, cultural, intellectual and health and human services needs of deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians.
Kentucky Community Mental Health Centers
275 E. Main St., 6W-D, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-4527
Community Mental Health Centers provide a comprehensive range of accessible, coordinated, direct or indirect mental health services through Kentucky's 14 regional MH/IDD boards. Regional boards are private, nonprofit organizations serving residents of designated
Are We Missing Resources?
Omulticounty regions. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dpo/bpb/Pages/cmhc.aspx
Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
275 E. Main St., 4W-F, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-4527
The mission is to provide leadership to prevent disability, build resilience in individuals and their communities and facilitate recovery for people affected by mental illness, substance abuse or intellectual or developmental disability. https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dbhdid/Pages/default.aspx
Kentucky Early Intervention System
275 E. Main St., HS2WC, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-3756
Kentucky Early Intervention System is a statewide early intervention system that provides services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 3 and their families. Kentucky Early Intervention System is Kentucky’s response to the federal Infant-Toddler Program. Kentucky Early Intervention System offers comprehensive services through a variety of community agencies and service disciplines and is administered by the Department for Public Health in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dmch/ecdb/Pages/keis. aspx
Regional Offices: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dmch/ecdb/fs/ POElistingforWebsite.pdf
Barren River District Point of Entry
P.O. Box 6499, 380 Suwannee Trail, Bowling Green, Ky., 42103 / (270) 901-5749 / (800) 643-6233
Counties served: Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Warren Big Sandy District Point of Entry 104 South Front Ave., Prestonsburg, Ky., 41653 (606) 886-4417 / (800) 230-6011
Counties served: Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, Pike Bluegrass District Point of Entry 1351 Newtown Pike, Building 5, Lexington, Ky., 40511 (859) 271-9448 / (800) 454-2764
Counties served: Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, Woodford
Buffalo Trace District Point of Entry 611 Forest Ave., Maysville, Ky., 41056 (606) 564-3919 / (800) 335-4249
ur goal at Exceptional Family Magazine is to provide a comprehensive, statewide list of resources for people with disabilities. Since we first published this magazine in 2009, we have updated and expanded our list of resources many times. Help us continue to make this Resource Directory as accurate and thorough as possible. If you know of resources in the state or in your part of Kentucky that need to be included, please let us know. Thanks for your assistance and we look forward to hearing from you.
To add to this Resource Directory, simply contact Editor John Lynch by phone (859) 494-1140 or email at johnplynch1950@gmail.com. n
Counties served: Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, Robertson Cumberland Valley District Point of Entry
175 East Peachtree St., Corbin, Ky., 40701 (606) 523-0229 / (800) 509-9559
Counties served: Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, Whitley.
FIVCO District Point of Entry
5850 U.S. 60, Box 11 Summit Plaza, Ashland, Ky., 41102 (606) 929-9155 / (800) 650-1329
Counties served: Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, Lawrence
Gateway District Point of Entry
68 Oberline St., Owingsville, Ky., 40360 (606) 674-3204 / (800) 942-4358
Counties served: Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Rowan
Green River District Point of Entry
1501 Breckenridge St., Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (270) 852-2905 / (888) 686-1414
Counties served: Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, Webster
Kentuckiana District Point of Entry
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 200, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 429-1249 / (800) 422-0087
Counties served: Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble
Kentucky River District Point of Entry
115 Rockwood Lane, Hazard, Ky., 41701 (606) 439-1325 / (800) 328-1767
Counties served: Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, Wolfe
Lake Cumberland District Point of Entry
259 Parkers Mill Road, Somerset, Ky., 42501 (606) 678-2821 / (800) 378-2821
Counties served: Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, Wayne
Lincoln Trail District Point of Entry
2935 Dolphin Drive, Suite 204, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 (270) 737-5921 / (800) 454-2764
Counties served: Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Washington
Northern Kentucky District Point of Entry
NorthKey Community Care: 502 Farrell Drive, Covington, Ky., 41011 / (859) 578-3200
St. Elizabeth: Community Outreach Building 4900 Houston Road, Florence, Ky., 41042 (859) 655-1195
Counties served: Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, Pendleton
Pennyrile District Point of Entry 607 Hammond Plaza, Hopkinsville, Ky., 42240 (270) 886-5186 / (877) 473-7766
Counties served: Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Lyon, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg
Purchase District Point of Entry 425 Broadway, Suite 204, Paducah, Ky., 42001 (270) 442-6223 / (800) 648-6599
Counties served: Ballard, Carlisle, Calloway, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Marshall, McCracken.
Kentucky IMPACT Program
275 E. Main St., 4W-G, Frankfort , Ky., 40621 (502) 564-4456
The overall goal of Kentucky IMPACT is to prevent children/youth with SED from being placed outside of their homes and to provide support and assistance to those who were transitioning home from such residential placements. Kentucky IMPACT has embraced the Wraparound process since its inception.
https://dbhdid.ky.gov/mh/kyimpact
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Mayo-Underwood Building
500 Mero St.,4th floor NE, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4440 / (800) 372-7172
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA)
assesses the vocational rehabilitation needs of Kentuckians with disabilities every three years, as required by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended). OVR uses the results to develop and update its state plan for vocational rehabilitation services, and to help determine objectives and priorities.
https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/Pages/KentuckyOffice-of-Vocational-Rehabilitation.aspx
To find a Regional office, visit: https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/Locations.aspx
Kentucky Transitions (Money
Follows the Person Demonstration Grant)
275 East Main St., 6 W-B, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-0330 / (877) 564-0330
Kentucky Transitions helps people move out of nursing facilities or institutions and into their own homes. The Department for Medicaid Services developed the program in 2008 with a Money Follows the Person demonstration grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Kentucky Transitions has helped more than 750 people leave institutional care.
https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/kytransitions. aspx
Medicaid Waiver Provider Directory
The Provider Directory is maintained by the Division of Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities. Contact information for provider agencies certified to provide SCL/Michelle P. Medicaid waiver services may be accessed in this interactive map.
https://dbhdid.ky.gov/ProviderDirectory/ProviderDirectory. aspx
Division of Community Alternatives
Medicaid Waivers
275 E. Main St., 6W-B, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-7540
If you have a disability or are elderly, you may qualify for a 1915(c) Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver. These waivers provide the support you need to live as independently as possible. The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) offers six waiver programs: ABI Acute and ABI Long-Term Care Waivers; Home and Community Based (HCB) Waiver; Model II Waiver (MIIW); Michelle P. Waiver; Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/default.aspx
Personal Care Attendant Program Department for Aging and Independent Living
275 E. Main St., 3E-E, Frankfort, Ky., 40621
The Personal Care Attendant Program helps severely physically disabled adults at risk of being institutionalized to live in their own homes and communities by subsidizing costs of personal attendant services.
Regional Personal Care Attendant Program Coordinators
Region 1: Valerie Leathers
P.O. Box 570, Benton, Ky. 42025 (502) 229-2979 / valerie.leathers@ky.gov
Counties: Adair, Allen, Ballard, Barren, Breckenridge, Bullitt, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland, Daviess, Edmonson, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, Henderson,
Hickman, Hopkins, Larue, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McClean, McCracken, Meade, Metcalfe, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Russell, Simpson, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Union, Warren, Wayne and Webster.
Region 2: Ben Parsley
P.O. Box 23938, Lexington, Ky. 40517 (502) 229-2327 / benjamin.parsley@ky.gov
Counties: Anderson, Boone, Carroll, Franklin, Gallatin, Henry, Jefferson, Kenton, Marion, Nelson, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble and Washington.
Region 3: Keagan Wilson
P.O. Box 570, Nicholasville, Ky. 40340 (502) 330-0409 / keagan.wilson@ky.gov
Counties: Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyd, Boyle, Bracken, Breathitt, Campbell, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Elliot, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Grant, Greenup, Harlan, Harrison, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Menifee, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owsley, Pendleton, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Scott, Whitley, Wolfe and Woodford.
chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/pcap.aspx
Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 / www.ssa.gov
This year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) celebrates 50 years of administering the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. President Richard Nixon signed the bill in 1972, and in January 1974, SSA began issuing the first SSI payments to nearly 4 million eligible people. The goal of the SSI program was to aid aged, blind, and individuals with disabilities with very limited income and resources.
Fifty years later, the SSI program remains a lifeline by providing cash assistance to about 2% of the U.S. population, approximately 7.5 million people, with limited income and resources, including nearly 1 million low-income children with disabilities. SSI benefits can help pay for basic needs like rent, food, clothing and medicine, reducing the number of people in extreme poverty, and alleviating the burden on other family members.
The agency recently announced it will expand access to the SSI program by updating the definition of a public assistance household. The agency also announced it will exclude the value of food from SSI benefit calculations. Additionally, the agency announced it will expand its rental subsidy exception, currently only in place for SSI applicants and recipients residing in seven states, as a nationwide policy.
For more information on the SSI program, including who is eligible and how to apply, visit www.ssa.gov/ssi
To find your closest Social Security office, visit www.ssa.gov/locator/
Zero V: Kentucky United Against Violence
111 Darby Shire Circle, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 209-5382
ZeroV's coalition supports Kentucky's 15-regional Domestic Violence Programs, providing free, confidential residential services and non-residential services to survivors of intimate partner violence. www.zerov.org
Resource List 2024
ADOPTION AND FOSTERING
Adoption Support for Kentucky
UK College of Social Work
619 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, Ky., 40511 (859) 257-6650 / (888)-44-ASKKY
Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) is an award-winning program that utilizes innovative training modalities and inclusive support group practices to meet the needs of foster, adoptive, relative, and fictive-kin caregivers throughout the Commonwealth.
https://socialwork.uky.edu/centers-labs/training-resourcecenter/adoption-support-for-kentucky
The Bair Foundation
2393 Alumni Drive, Suite 205, Lexington, Ky., 40517 (859) 519-3273 / www.bair.org
For more than 50 years, The Bair Foundation has remained steadfast and responsive in its work to bring about meaningful change in the lives of America’s most vulnerable. As a Christian foster care agency, the foundation has provided hope and stability to more than 250,000 children and families in crisis.
Benchmark Family Services
Therapeutic Foster Care
Kentucky Administrative Office 160 Burt Road, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 899-9515
Provides quality out-of-home placements for youth in need by working with referring agencies to guarantee the support, treatment and care they deserve. Serves children with emotional, mental and physical disabilities along with youth who have been severely neglected or abused. Therapeutic services include training of foster families. Benchmark Family Services has offices in Berea, Bowling Green, Columbia, Corbin, Elizabethtown, Florence, Hazard, Irvine, Lexington, London, Louisville, Madisonville, Morehead, Owensboro, Owenton, Prestonsburg and Somerset. www.benchmarkfamilyservices.org
Best Point Education and Behavioral Health
(Formerly Children’s Home of Cincinnati) 5050 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45227 (513) 272-2800
Best Point Education & Behavioral Health follows the principles of the Teaching-Family Model (TFM) to help vulnerable children with social, behavioral, and learning challenges succeed in their home, school, and community environments. The Teaching-Family Model is an evidencebased behavior modification model that teaches at-risk children to improve their behaviors and social skills. https://bestpoint.org/behavioral-health/
Key Assets Behavioral Health
961 Beasley St., Suite 160 &170, Lexington, Ky., 40509 (859) 226-5022
The goal of Key Assets Behavioral Health is to be the safety net for children, families and adults in times of crisis. Additionally, it is important to provide ongoing support following a crisis. This support may take many forms, including psychological assessment and/or testing, targeted
case management, and individual or group therapy. www.keyassetskentucky.com
THE ARTS
Allegro Dance Project (715) 252-6137 / info@allegrodanceproject.org
Based in Lexington, Allegro Dance Project is a non-profit contemporary dance company specializing in Inclusive dance outreach for children with Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other specific needs. www.allegrodanceproject.org
Arts for All Kentucky
907 Arcadia Circle, Murray, Ky., 42071 (270) 792-0023 / programs@artsforallky.org
Non-profit organization dedicated to providing inclusive arts and education programs for children, youth and adults with disabilities, in addition to professional development for artists and teachers in schools and communities statewide. Offers an under-served population equal opportunity to explore the arts in a way that is fully accessible. Through participatory involvement with trained professionals and volunteers, people with disabilities learn new creative and social skills that open doors to new opportunities. www.artsforallky.org
Latitude Artist Community
740 National Ave., Suite 180, Lexington, Ky., 40502 (859) 806-0195
Latitude is an art studio that serves all people, with an emphasis on those who are considered to have a disability. The multi-modal activities, workshops and community outreach events form a framework that encourages us to recognize our own life’s narrative, and to then choose ways in which we may contribute to the well-being of our community.
www.latitude-arts.com
Lexington Children’s Theatre
418 W. Short St., Lexington, Ky., 40507 (859) 254-4546
LCT is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome to enjoy the magic of theatre. Join LCT for sensory friendly performances that are designed to be a safe environment where young people with sensory sensitivities or disabilities, first-time theatre-goers, young children, and their friends and family are free to speak, respond and move around the seating area in reaction to the story. ASL interpretation and audio description are also available.
www.lctonstage.org/tickets/access-at-lct/
Wildwood Music Therapy
2375 Professional Heights Dr., Suite 134C Lexington, Ky., 40503 / (859) 456-0292
Board-certified music therapists provide music therapy and adaptive music lesson services for all ages and abilities. Sessions celebrate strengths and help clients achieve their goals.
wildwoodmusictherapy.com
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
The Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology (ACAT) (606) 439-3557 / crystal.hignite@uky.edu keisha.wells@uky.edu / Patrick Kitzman (859) 218-0580 / (phkitz1@uky.edu)
The Center is the Assistive Technology Resource Center serving eastern Kentucky and is a part of Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network. ACAT provides assistive technology (AT) demonstrations and consultation, a short term AT loan locker, maker space, workforce training and refurbishing. / www.uky.edu/chs/karrn/acat
Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center
5659 Main St., Thelma, Ky., 41260 (606) 788-7080 / emily.jackson@ky.gov
The mission of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center is that persons will achieve sustainable, competitive, integrated employment, maximize independence, and gain self-respect through the provision of comprehensive services. Consumers may live on campus in dormitory housing or can commute to the Perkins Center each day they are scheduled for classes and/or therapy. https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/seekingservices/cdpvtc/Pages/default.aspx
HDI Center for Assistive Technology Services (CATS) 2358 Nicholasville Road, Suite 180, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 218-7979
CATS is a non-profit, grassroots organization that assists individuals who have disabilities, their families and service providers in connecting with various technologies and services that provide the gateway to greater independence, productivity and quality of life. CATS is a member of the Alliance for Technology Access, The Eastern Regional Center for the Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network. https://hdi.uky.edu/hdicats / www.facebook.com/HDICATS
KATS Network Disability Solutions Through Technology
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
8020 Veterans Memorial Drive, Suite 100, Florence, Ky., 41042 / (800) 327-5287 / Info@katsnet.org
The Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator is a free service of the KATS Network that connects Kentuckians to the AT devices they need to live independently. By registering for an account, you can borrow devices to try, find used devices for free or low-cost, sell used devices, give away devices or place want ads for devices you need. www.katsnet.org
KATS Project CARAT
(800) 327-5287 / (859) 218-7979
keisha.wells@uky.edu
A program of KATS, CARAT enables under-served individuals with disabilities in the Appalachian region of Kentucky by collecting, refurbishing and redistributing assistive technology and durable medical equipment through a collaborative network of partners. The goal of Project CARAT is to make Assistive Technology and Durable Medical Equipment more accessible to those who need it in rural
Kentucky. In order to make this happen, Project CARAT is partnering with agencies across the state. To request equipment or for donation information, call the ProjectCARAT Hotline at (800) 327-5287. www.katsnet.org/services/at-reuse/
Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corp.
Mayo-Underwood Building
500 Mero St., 1st Floor NE, Frankfort Ky., 40601 (877) 675-0195
The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low interest loans for qualified applicants with disabilities for assistive technology. Notice: January 2024: The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation is going through a reorganization. As a part of this process, KATLC will be looking for a new lending partner. Interested lending partners may contact KATLC at (877-675-0195) or edu.katlc@ky.gov for additional information. https://katlc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Ky. Department of Education
Exceptional Children and Early Learning
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4970 / gretta.hylton@education.ky.gov
The Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) works to improve educational outcomes for diverse and early learners through training and coaching for local district staff and teachers, technical assistance, guidance and policy documents, and providing supports for students and their families. www.education.ky.gov/specialed/Pages/default.aspx
Easter Seals Redwood
71 Orphanage Road, Ft. Mitchell, Ky., 41017 (859) 331-0880
Easterseals Redwood is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing services. Easterseals Redwood operates programs designed to enrich education, expand employment, enhance health and elevate our communities. www.eastersealsredwood.org
Wendell Foster Technology and Resource Center 815 Triplett Street, Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (270) 852-1488
Wendell Foster Technology and Resource Center is a member of the Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network. Services include a lending library, device demonstrations, and a reutilization program that assists consumers in finding gently used equipment at no cost. Staff can also provide information and assistance on a variety of disability topics and help navigate local and state resources. https://wendellfoster.org/technology-and-resource-center/
AUTISM
A Different World (859) 629-8896 / www.adwinc.org
A Different World Inc.’s mission is to provide support, resources and sensory-friendly events for children, teens and adults with Autism and/or disabilities and their families. Members hope to make a difference in the community by
helping children, teens and adults and their families. The group offers support and resources, and creates sensoryfriendly events for them to make memories in a judgmentfree space.
As You Are (866) 219-8595
As You Are is a virtual clinic for autism diagnostic evaluations for kids ages 16 months to 10 years old. Diagnostic evaluations are conducted by a team of physicians via telehealth appointments. Notice July 1, 2024: As You Are has temporarily paused virtual autism evaluations for new patients. / https://asyouare.com
Autism Society of the Bluegrass P. O. Box 24212, Lexington, Ky., 40524-2412
Established in 1991 and a chapter of the Autism Society of America, ASBG is an all-volunteer group of families, caregivers and self-advocates. The mission is to provide community, education, advocacy and support to those impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder. ASBG hosts monthly meetings with speakers on a wide variety of topics related to autism. It also operates a discussion board and is active on social media. Everyone, including individuals, families, educators, therapists and healthcare providers, are welcome to participate. www.asbg.org www.youtube.com/user/autismsocietybg www.facebook.com/Autism-Society-of-theBluegrass-122689954438582/
Autism Connections (Formerly Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati) (513) 561-2300 / info@autismcincy.org
Autism Connections works to promote awareness and education about autism. Autism Connections provides information packets, support groups for families and individuals, newsletters and public speakers. www.autismcincy.org
Autism Society of Kentuckiana
P.O. Box 21895, Louisville, Ky., 40221-0895 Rob Ralston: (502) 541-5038 / info@ask-lou.org www.ask-lou.org
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
P.O. Box 66122, Washington, D.C., 20035 info@autisticadvocacy.org
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. / https://autisticadvocacy.org
Capital Area Autism Parents (CAAP) (502) 330-5223 / capitalareaautism@gmail.com
Established in 2013, Capital Area Autism Parents is a support group for parents, caregivers, autistic self-advocates, and neurodivergent voices. Support group members will find resources, information, opportunities, and friendships. CAAP hosts meetings with speakers and events to bring awareness and education to the Central Kentucky community. CAAP values individuality and the uniqueness of every journey. CAAP believes no one should walk this journey alone and support is essential for every individual. www.facebook.com/groups/CAAP2
Erin's Hope for Friends
650 Kennedy Road, Lexington, Ky., 40511 (859) 538-6047 / kandkmcmanis@gmail.com info.lex@erinshopeforfriends.org
Erin's Hope for Friends is a nonprofit in Lexington that provides a social club, called E's Club, where teens ages 12-18 and young adults ages 18-24 can hang out, have fun and make friends. The mission of E's Club is to provide a safe, fun and supportive place for autistic youth and young adults to be themselves and create lasting friendships through joyful interactions. Social club events for teens ages 12-18 are held every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m. for young adults. Free outreach events are held every second and fourth Saturday for the entire community to promote connection and awareness of Erin’s Hope’s mission. / www.esclubky.org
Families for Effective Autism Treatment
1100 E. Market St., Louisville, Ky., 40206 (502) 774-0797
Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Louisville is a non-profit organization that actively supports and funds autism programs for the entire family. www.featoflouisville.org
Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers
Lexington: 1300 E. New Circle Road, Suite 150, Lexington, Ky., 40505 / (859) 685-1019
Louisville East: 215 South Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 213, Louisville, Ky., 40222 / (502) 353-2074
Louisville South: 175 Market Place Drive, Suite A, Louisville, Ky., 40229 / (502) 251-7002
Bowling Green: 2427 Russellville Road, Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 / (270) 936-7472
Edgewood: 2904 Foltz Drive, Edgewood, Ky., 41017 (859) 795-3000
Provides a full range of professional services in one location for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays. / www.hopebridge.com
The Kelly Autism Program
Western Kentucky University
Clinical Education Complex, 104 Alumni Ave., Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 / (270) 745-4232 cec@wku.edu
The Kelly Autism Program offers educational support through Individual Education Plan assistance, classroom adaptations and tutoring, community involvement through active participation in community activities, social and leisure activities, job coaching, and parent support. www.wku.edu/kellyautismprogram
Ky. Autism Training Center: Kosair for Kids
University of Louisville
1405 E. Burnett Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40217 (502) 852-4631 / (800) 334-8635
ext. 852-4631 / katc @ louisville.edu www.louisville.edu/education/kyautismtraining
Kentuckiana Autistic Spectrum Alliance (KASA)
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a national organization of autistic people advocating for the rights of autistic people. kyautisticalliance@gmail.com www.facebook.com/KASALouisville
Resource List 2024
Life Works at WKU
1328 Adams St., Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 745-4380
LifeWorks at WKU is a supportive living and learning community for autistic young adults as they transition to independent living and employment. www.lifeworksatwku.org
CAMPS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Special Populations Division
Kummer Little Recreation Center, 333 College St., Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 / (270) 393-3484 cameron.levis@bgky.org
Programs and services offered provide all individuals, regardless of their ability level, opportunities for recreation and leisure. People with and without disabilities participate side by side in an inclusive environment. Activities include Bowling Green Special Olympics (softball, basketball, flag football, bowling, cheerleading, swimming, and track and field), adapted sports (wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and goal ball), and social gatherings (holiday parties, movie nights, dances and more). www.bgky.org/bgpr/special-populations
Maysville Initiatives, Inc. Camp Discovery
33 W. Second St., 3rd Floor, Maysville, Ky., 41056 (606) 301-8338
dsugarbaker@maysvilleinitiatives.com
A free, summer-long day camp for children aged 5-12 at Beechwood Park in Maysville. Swimming, field trips and supervised activities. Breakfast and lunch are served. The camp is open to children with disabilities. maysvilleinitiatives.com/camp-discovery/
Camp Hendon
1640 Lyndon Farm Court, Suite 108, Louisville, Ky., 40223 / (502) 272-2370 info@camphendon.org
Camp Hendon is an all-volunteer camp for children (ages 8-17) with Type I diabetes. The camp provides two separate week-long residential camping sessions to empower children to take control of their journey with diabetes. / www.camphendon.org
Cassidy’s Cause Therapeutic Riding Academy 6075 Clinton Road, Paducah, Ky., 42001 (270) 554-4040
Cassidy’s Cause is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide individuals living with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities, while on a horse. www.cassidyscause.org
The Center for Courageous Kids
1501 Burnley Road, Scottsville, Ky., 42164 (270) 618-2900 / info@courageouskids.org
The Center for Courageous Kids (CCK) is a medical camp where children with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses will experience what a real camp is like, in a setting that is physically safe and medically sound. The camp offers children who are typically watching rather than participating the opportunity to fully engage in camp activities that focus on their abilities. Illness specific summer camps for children (7-15) and illness specific family weekend retreats, free of charge. www.courageouskids.org
Central Kentucky Riding for Hope
4185 Walt Robertson Drive inside the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Ky., 40583 (859) 231-7066 / pat@ckrh.org
Operated at the Kentucky Horse Park
Under the guidance of trained teachers, volunteers and medical personnel, disabilities are challenged and new abilities are created. The program has proved successful in helping people with disabilities develop self-esteem, confidence, coordination and a sense of achievement while learning horsemanship and track riding principles. www.ckrh.org
Dream Riders of Kentucky Inc.
4705 Winkler Road, Philpot, Ky., 42366 (270) 613-0079
info@dreamridersofky.org
The mission of Dream Riders is to provide individuals with physical, cognitive, social, and/or emotional needs an opportunity to experience the joy of riding and the therapeutic value of horses. www.dreamridersofky.org
Easter Seals Adaptive Recreation
1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, Ky., 40502 (859) 399-6270 / cindy.jacobelli@cardinalhill.org
Promotes healthy and active lifestyles for people with physical disabilities through education, exposure to adaptive equipment and adaptive recreation experiences in the community. www.cardinalhill.org/programs/adaptive-recreation
Kamp KESSA
758 Beechridge Road, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 376-4367
A non-profit resident camp serving populations who are at-risk and have special needs. Kamp KESSA provides adventure education and treatment programs utilizing horses and the wilderness. www.cedarfire.net
Josephine Sculpture Park
3355 Lawrenceburg Road, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 352-7082
info@josephinesculpturepark.org
Interact with nearly 70 works of art as you explore 30 acres of walking paths through native meadows. The Park partners with schools and organizations to provide arts and nature programming to individuals with a disability. The Park is committed to making park grounds accessible for those with physical disabilities, and golf carts are available for those who need mobility assistance. (Please call or email before your visit to reserve).
https://josephinesculpturepark.org
Lex. Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Recreation
200 E. Main St., Lexington, Ky., 40507 (859) 425-2255
Therapeutic Recreation programs provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy activities through recreation, leisure and play, and to showcase their talents and abilities. Programs are designed to enhance the overall health, wellness and social needs of individuals with disabilities. A variety of recreation and sport opportunities are available such as adult fitness, adaptive aquatics, archery, Miracle League Baseball, cooking, summer camps, drama, hand drumming, art, day-trip outings, overnight excursions, bowling, horsemanship, dance class, special events, Zumba, yoga and more. www.lexingtonky.gov/tr
Louisville Parks and Recreation Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation
1300 Heafer Road, Louisville, Ky., 40223 (502) 456-8148
Offers adaptive sports and recreation for people in Jefferson and outlying counties. Programs include the state’s only Paralympics Sports Club, plus health and wellness classes such as nutrition, yoga, and exercise and strength training classes. Sports offerings include wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, bocce ball, pickle ball and wheelchair pickle ball, archery, adaptive golf, goal ball and beep baseball for people with low or no vision. Clinics are offered in track & field, wheelchair lacrosse, sled hockey and more. Louisville is also home to the state wheelchair basketball team, Louisville Spokes & Spires. https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/berrytownrecreation-center-adaptive-and-inclusive-recreation
LYSA’s TOPSoccer Program
Masterson Station Park
3051 Leestown Road, Lexington, Ky., 40511 (859) 223-5632 / topsoccerlex@gmail.com
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based soccer program designed to meet the needs of athletes with physical, developmental, and/or intellectual disabilities. Player participation and development are key elements of the program. TOPSoccer is designed to improve the overall fitness, self-esteem and social skills of your athlete. / www.lysa.org/topsoccer
Special Olympics Kentucky
105 Lakeview Court, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 695-8222 / soky@soky.org
Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. / www.soky.org
Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League
Central Lexington YMCA
239 East High St., Lexington, Ky., 40507 (859) 367-7515
A baseball program for youth and adults with special needs. The leagues play on a specially designed field located at Shillito Park in Lexington. The all-accessible field is the only one of its kind in Kentucky with leagues in both spring and fall.
www.facebook.com/pages/category/Disability-Service/ Toyota-Bluegrass-Miracle-League-59145356197
DOWN SYNDROME
Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky 2265 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 370, Lexington, Ky., 40504 / (859) 494-7809
DSACK exists to celebrate the Down syndrome community, support individuals with Down syndrome and their families, educate the Central Kentucky community and assist in local and national research efforts. DSACK celebrates that all people are beautiful, capable and loved. Serves Central and Eastern Kentucky. www.dsack.org
Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati 4623 Wesley Ave., Suite A, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45212 (513) 761-5400
By providing families with support, inspiration and information, the Association helps individuals with Down syndrome achieve their maximum potential. Including individuals with Down syndrome in neighborhood schools, community activities and the business world benefits individuals and their respective communities. www.dsagc.com
Down Syndrome Association of the Heartland 1105 Juliana Court., Suite 2, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 / (270) 312-1540 / tonya@dsheartland.org
This organization offers support to individuals with Down syndrome, as well as their families, friends, caregivers, teachers and coworkers. Plus, this organization strives to educate the public-at-large about Down syndrome. It is the desire of Down Syndrome Association of the Heartland for every individual who has been touched by Down syndrome, regardless of age, to have access to support and services that would aid each individual in reaching his or her individual potential. www.dsheartland.org
Green River Area Down Syndrome Association Owensboro and surrounding area
P.O. Box 2031, Owensboro, Ky., 42302 (270) 993-2192 / info@gradsa.org
GRADSA’s mission is to enable families enriched with Down syndrome connection to share resources, build friendships, and advocate together for the future of individuals with Down syndrome. www.gradsa.org
Down Syndrome of Louisville
5001 South Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40291 (502) 495 5088
Down Syndrome of Louisville is a non-profit organization founded in 1977 whose mission is to improve the lives of persons with Down syndrome and their families by providing support, information, education, and advocating for their rights and concerns, enabling individuals to reach their full potential. / https://dsoflou.org
Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky 522 State St., Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 796-5002 / info@dssky.org
A group of parents, friends and families who have loved ones born with Down syndrome provides information and support for the journey that lies ahead. Serves all ages of
individuals born with Down syndrome. Most services are free. The group partners with WKU. www.dssky.org
Down Syndrome Association of Western Kentucky P.O. Box 7366, Paducah, Ky., 42002-7366 (270) 559-9026 / upsandowns@dsawk.com
DSAWK promotes public awareness and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome by providing information, resources and support in the community. Generally, meetings are on the third Monday of the month at the Heartland Worship Center in Paducah. www.dsawk.com
National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
30 Mansell Court, Suite 108, Roswell, Ga., 30076 (770) 604-9500 / (800) 232-6372 info@ndsccenter.org
The NDSC provides up-to-date information on topics of interest to people with Down syndrome, family members, friends, professionals and interested others. The Center works to promote the availability of and accessibility to a full range of opportunities and/or resources that meet individual and family needs. www.ndsccenter.org
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
1155 15th St., NW, Suite 540, Washington, D.C., 20005 (800) 221-4602 / info@ndss.org
The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. www.ndss.org
EDUCATION
Berea College
Disability and Accessibility Services
110 Lincoln Hall, Berea, Ky., 40404 (859) 985-3237 / dasoffice@berea.edu
DAS provides services to the Berea College community to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all aspects of college life. / www.berea.edu/das
College Planning Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities
506 2nd Ave., Seattle, Wash., 98104 (800) 799-7103 / hello@intelligent.com
This extensive planning guide provides the tools you need to be successful in understanding the college environment for students with learning disabilities as well as your rights and potential accommodations. Whether it’s inperson or online college that you’re pursuing, this website will help you find the best resources to achieve your goals. www.intelligent.com/college-planning-guide-for-studentswith-learning-disabilities/
The Council for Exceptional Children
3100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, Va., 22201 (888) 232-7733
The largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for
individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC is known as the source for information, resources, and professional development for special educators.
www.cec.sped.org
EKU Center for Student Accessibility
521 Lancaster Ave., Whitlock Building, Room 361 CPO 66, Richmond, Ky., 40475 (859) 622-2933 / accessibility@eku.edu
Provides equal access to University resources, coursework, programs and activities by serving qualified individuals, and advocating for equal access for all individuals who qualify. www.accessibility.eku.edu
Family Resource and Youth Services Centers
Cabinet for Health and Family Services
275 E. Main St., 3C-G, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-4986 / melissa.goins@ky.gov
The division provides administrative support, technical assistance and training to local school-based Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSC). The primary goal of these centers is to remove non-academic barriers to learning as a means to enhance student academic success.
Each center offers a unique blend of programs and services determined by the needs of the population being served, available resources, location and other local characteristics.
FRYSCs have established a record of success based on improved student performance in classwork, homework and peer relations as reported by teachers. Parents, too, report they experience greater satisfaction and involvement with the schools as a result of assistance through their local FRYSCs.
www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dfrcvs/dfrysc/Pages/default. aspx
Regional Offices:
Region 1: Program Manager William Owen (270) 339-2192 / william.owen@ky.gov
Counties Served: Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Trigg. Plus: Dawson Springs Independent, Fulton Independent, Mayfield Independent, Murray Independent, Paducah Independent.
Region 2: Program Manager Heather McCarty (270) 285-2553 / heather.mccarty@ky.gov
Counties Served: Butler, Daviess, Edmonson, Grayson, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Simpson, Union, Webster. Plus: Owensboro Independent.
Region 3A: Program Manager Naela Imanyara (502) 271-7720 / naela.imanyara@ky.gov
County Served: Jefferson
Region 3B: Program Manager Melanie Madison (502) 330-7613 / melanie.madison@ky.gov
Counties served: Jefferson, Carroll, Gallatin, Henry, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Trimble. Plus Eminence Independent
Region 4: Program Manager Betty Pennington (859) 227-8206 / betty.pennington@ky.gov
Counties served: Boone, Campbell, Grant, Kenton, Owen, Pendleton. Plus: Bellevue Independent, Covington
Resource List 2024
Independent, Dayton Independent, Erlanger-Elsmere Independent, Ludlow Independent, Newport Independent, Walton-Verona Independent, Williamstown Independent.
Region 5: Program Manager
Paul Cookendorfer (859) 230-2104 / paul.cookendorfer@ky.gov
Counties Served: Fayette, Franklin, Harrison, Scott. Plus: Frankfort Independent.
Region 6: Program Manager Maggie Myers (859) 200-7777 / maggie.myers@ky.gov
Counties Served: Adair, Boyle, Casey, Green, Lincoln, Marion, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, Washington, Wayne. Plus: Campbellsville Independent, Danville Independent, Science Hill Independent, Somerset Independent.
Region 7: Program Manager Jessica Hale (502) 330-3941 / jessica.hale@ky.gov
Counties Served: Bath, Boyd, Bracken, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Johnson, Lawrence, Lewis, Mason, Menifee, Morgan, Robertson, Rowan. Plus: Ashland Independent, Augusta Independent, Fairview Independent, Paintsville Independent, Raceland Independent, Russell Independent.
Region 8: Program Manager Teresa Combs (606) 272-7031 / teresa.combs@ky.gov
Counties Served: Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Letcher, , Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Wolfe. Plus: Hazard Independent, Jackson Independent, Jenkins Independent, Pikeville Independent.
Region 9: Program Manager Russell Jones (606) 545-2110 / russell.jones@ky.gov
Counties Served: Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Rockcastle, Whitley. Plus: Barbourville Independent, Corbin Independent, East Bernstadt Independent, Harlan Independent, Middlesboro Independent, Pineville Independent, Williamsburg Independent.
Region 10: Program Manager Lisa McKenzie (859) 661-9629 / lisa.mckenzie@ky.gov
Counties Served: Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Estill, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Nicholas, Powell. Woodford. Plus: Berea Independent. Burgin Independent, Paris Independent. Region 11: Program Manager
Tiffanie Cooper (270) 505-6533 / sherrie.martin@ky.gov
Counties Served: Breckinridge, Bullitt, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Meade, Nelson, Spencer. Plus: Caverna Independent, Cloverport Independent, Elizabethtown Independent. Region 12: Program Manager
Tiffanie Cooper
Counties Served: Allen, Barren, Clinton, Cumberland, Logan, Metcalf, Monroe, Todd, Simpson, Warren. Plus: Bowling Green Independent, Caverna Independent, Glasgow Independent, Russellville Independent.
Kentucky Department of Education: Special Education Services
300 Sower Blvd., 4th Floor, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4970
veronica.sullivan@education.ky.gov
This site includes information on all aspects of special education programs in public schools. We welcome your comments and suggestions. If you need further assistance with finding information on special education programs in Kentucky’s public schools, please contact us. www.education.ky.gov/specialed/excep/Pages/default.aspx
Kentucky PTA
148 Consumer Lane, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 Frankfort, Ky., 40602-0654 (502) 226-6607 / support@kypta.org / www.kypta.org
Kentucky State Department of Education
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-2000 / education.ky.gov
Kentucky State University
Office of Accessibility and Disability Services
400 E. Main St., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 Hathaway Hall Office, Suite 107 (502) 597-6041 / phillip.clay@kysu.edu
The vision of the Office of Disability Services is to provide equal access and opportunities throughout the campus to individuals who have a disability, for academic and social success. / www.kysu.edu/academics/disability-svcs/index.php
Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership (859) 257-2304 / johnny.collett@uky.edu erin.fitzgerald@uky.edu / https://kshep.hdiuky.org
KSHEP is a network of Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) across the state offering inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs.
CTP programs support students with intellectual disabilities who want to continue academic or career and technical instruction at an IHE to better prepare for competitive integrated employment and independent living. Participating IHEs are Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, Bluegrass Community & Technical College, University of Kentucky, Owensboro Community & Technical College, and Western Kentucky University.
Maysville Community and Technical College Accessibility Services
1755 U.S. Hwy. 68, Maysville, Ky., 41056 (606) 759-7141
MCTC assures equal access through services and accommodations for students with disabilities. https://maysville.kctcs.edu/about/student-life/studentsupport-services/accessibility-services.aspx
Morehead State University Disability Service
Adron Doran University Center, Suite 202 Morehead, Ky., 40351 / (606) 783-5188 m.litton@moreheadstate.edu
This office ensures that the university’s programs, activities, services and the campus itself are accessible to all students and visitors. moreheadstate.edu/student-support/disability-services/
Northern Kentucky University
Student Accessibility Services
Nunn Drive, Student Union, Suite 303 Highland Heights, Ky., 41099 (859) 572-5282 / osa@nku.edu
NKU provides learner-centered assistance and resources to students with disabilities in their transition to Northern Kentucky University. inside.nku.edu/disability.html
Special Needs Homeschooling
A blog written by a mother with children with special needs, the author provides resources she has found helpful in homeschooling her children. www.specialneedshomeschooling.com
University of Kentucky
Disability Resource Center
725 Rose St., Multidisciplinary Science Building, Suite 407, Lexington, Ky., 40536 (859) 257-2754 / drc@uky.edu
The DRC provides services to the University community so students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of University life. www.uky.edu/DisabilityResourceCenter
University of Louisville
Disability Resource Center
119 Stevenson Hall, Louisville, Ky., 40292 (502) 852-6938 / askdrc@louisville.edu
In recognition of disability as an important part of the diversity of the community, the DRC fosters an inclusive campus climate through education, service, collaboration, and outreach to the University of Louisville community. www.louisville.edu/disability
Western Kentucky University Student Accessibility Resource Center
1906 College Heights Blvd., Suite 21052 Downing Student Union, First Floor, 1074 Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 745-5004 / sarc.connect@wku.edu
The goal of the SARC is to ensure that all students with disabilities are provided access to all facets of the Western Kentucky University experience; to facilitate and coordinate support services and programs that enable students with disabilities to maximize their educational potential; and to increase awareness among all members of the University so that students with disabilities are able to achieve academic success based on their abilities, not their disabilities. www.wku.edu/sarc
Epilepsy Alliance Ohio
895 Central Ave., Suite 550, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 (513) 721-2905 / (877) 804-2241
eao@epilepsy-ohio.org / www.epilepsy-ohio.org
Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana Kosair Charities Centre, 982 Eastern Parkway Louisville, Ky., 40217 / (502) 637-4440 (866) 275-1078 / www.efky.org
LEARNING
The International Dyslexia Assn. – Ky. Branch P.O. Box 22006, Louisville., Ky., 40252 kentuckybranchida@gmail.com / ky.dyslexiaida.org
International Dyslexia Association – Ohio Valley Branch ohiovalleybranchofida@gmail.com
A non-profit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to the study and treatment of dyslexia. This Branch was formed to increase public awareness of dyslexia in the Southern Ohio, Southeast Indiana, Kentucky and Huntington, West Virginia areas. / ohv.dyslexiaida.org
LD Online
WETA, 3939 Campbell Ave., Arlington, Va., 22206 ldonline@weta.org
The world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD. / www.ldonline.org
Learning Disabilities Association of Kentucky 4083 Elmwood Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40207 (502) 473-1256
This comprehensive mental health professional program includes the “co-morbid” disorders often found with individuals with learning disabilities, including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, anger control/ bipolar disorder and ADHD. / www.LDAofky.org
Progressive Educational Program, Inc. Cress Certified 212 Venture Way, Somerset, Ky., 42503 (606) 677-2514 contact@progressiveeducationalprogram.com
Dyslexia Tester. Specializing in tutoring children with Dyslexia. / www.progressiveeducationalprogram.com
Wilson Pediatric Therapy & Learning
424 Lewis Hargett Circle, Suite B 100 Lexington, Ky., 40503 / (859) 475-4305
Working with children with dyslexia and other learning differences. / www.wilsonpediatric.com
LEGAL & FUTURE’S PLANNING
Children’s Law Center
Covington Office: 1002 Russell St. Covington, Ky., 41011 / (859) 431-3313 info@childrenslawky.org
Lexington Office:
215 W. Short St., Suite 205, Lexington, Ky., 40507 (859) 253-3353 / info@childrenslawky.org
Provides free legal services for children with educational disabilities, and performs research and policy work, training and education in this area. www.childrenslawky.org
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children
Kentucky CASA Network
1640 Lyndon Farm Court, Suite 108 Louisville, Ky., 40223 / (502) 238-2154
CASA volunteers are everyday citizens appointed by
judges to advocate for the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children. Last year in Kentucky, more than 800 CASA volunteers advocated for the best interest of nearly 3,000 children in Kentucky. CASA has 20 offices throughout the state. To locate one in your area, visit the web site below. / www.kentuckycasanetwork.org
David A. Morris
Banner Wealth and Legacy Planning
448 W. Main St., Suite 200, Danville, Ky., 400422 (859) 516-1024 / dmorris@kingswoodus.com
Financial strategies for families with children with special needs.
Elder Law Lawyers
McClelland & Associates, PLLC
Lexington: 2443 Sir Barton Way, Suite 325 Lexington, Ky., 40509 / (859) 543-0061
Fort Mitchell: 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 102 Fort Mitchell, Ky., 41017 / (859) 823-2300
Specializing in aspects of elder law and special needs planning. / www.elderlawlexington.com
Kentucky Division of Protection and Permanency
275 E. Main St., 3E-A, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-6852
If you believe a child is being abused, neglected or is dependent, call the Protection and Permanency office in your county or the Toll Free Child Protection Hot Line. (877) KYSAFE1 or (877) 597-2331. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dpp/Pages/default.aspx
Kentucky Office of Victims Advocacy
1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 200 Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 696-5312
The Office of Victims Advocacy works to ensure crime victims are treated with respect and dignity as their case proceeds through the criminal justice system. https://ag.ky.gov/about/Office-Divisions/OVA/Pages/ default.aspx
Kentucky Protection & Advocacy
5 Mill Creek Park, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-2967 / (800) 372-2988
The mission is to protect and promote the rights of Kentuckians with disabilities through legally based individual and systemic advocacy and education. Staff includes professional advocates and attorneys. www.kypa.net
Life Plan of Kentucky, Inc.
230 Lexington Green Circle, Suite 120 Lexington, Ky., 40503 / (859) 523-2323
Life Plan is a pooled special needs trust serving people with disabilities and their families in Kentucky who have countable resources in excess of $2,000 and need to maintain their eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. People can open an account with Life Plan where the funds can be professionally managed, and then requests can be made for expenses that improve the quality of the person’s life. Life Plan provides Trustee services for both individuals with disabilities as well as family members who wish to plan for the future. www.lifeplanofky.org
Nick Wallace, Financial Planner
Northwestern Mutual
330 E. Main St., Suite 300, Lexington, Ky., 40507 (859) 302-1223 / Nick.Wallace@nm.com
Provides financial planning, life insurance, investments for special needs families to fund special needs trusts and retirement. / nickwallace.nm.com
MEDICAL AND THERAPY SERVICE PROVIDERS
Associates in Pediatric Therapy
Bowling Green Area: 1053 Lovers Lane
Bowling Green, Ky., 42103 / (270) 807-0335
Bullitt County: 1707 Cedar Grove Road
Shepherdsville, Ky., 40165 / (502) 203-1354
Elizabethtown: 529 Westport Road
Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 / (270) 807-0316
Louisville Area: 11840 Commonwealth Drive
Louisville, Ky., 40299 / (502) 203-1918
Louisville Area: 1800 Neville Dr., Louisville, Ky., 40216 (502) 203-1396
Lexington Area: 261 Ruccio Way, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 279-0252
Masonic Home: 3761 Johnson Hall Drive
Masonic Home, Ky., 40041 / (502) 293-1695
Northern Kentucky: 51 Cavalier Blvd., Suite 230, Florence, Ky., 41042 / (859) 279-0143
Oldham County: 6400 Crestwood Station Crestwood, Ky., 40014 / (502) 203-1887
Shelby County: 90 Howard Dr., Shelbyville, Ky., 40065 (502) 233-9074
Woodford County: 202 Frankfort St., Suites 103 & 104, Versailles, Ky., 40383 / (859) 212-9705
APT’s unique appeal is that it offers a family approach with multiple pediatric services including Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Developmental Intervention and Audiology to the patient and family in a team approach. APT strives to provide therapy in a variety of locations that are appealing to the patient and family. www.kidtherapy.org
Blue Sprig Pediatrics
Lexington Autism Therapy Center
2464 Fortune Dr., Suite 195 Lexington, Ky., 40509 / (859) 899-9200
Georgetown Autism Therapy Center
104 Market Path, Georgetown, Ky., 40324 (502) 632-6241
Techniques and procedures are guided by the science of Applied Behavior Analysis by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. bluesprigautism.com
Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky
7321 New La Grange Road, Suite 100 Louisville, Ky., 40222 / (502) 493-0609
BIAK seeks to share its philosophy, experience and
Resource List 2024
skills with survivors, family members, students, caregivers, administrators, health professionals, legislators, the lay community and all those who desire to make a difference in the life of individuals with brain injuries and their families. www.biak.us
Brain Injury Association of America – Kentucky Chapter
1-800-444-6443 / braininjuryinfo@biausa.org
BIAA-KY’s mission is to advance awareness, research, treatment and education and to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. / https://biaaky.org
Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital
2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 254-5701
https://encompasshealth.com/cardinalhillrehab
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs
3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229 (513) 636-4200 / TTY (800) 344-2462
www.cincinnatichildrens.org/patients/child/special-needs/ getting-started/about
Early Intervention & Consultation Services, LLC
Leitchfield: 635 S. Main St. Leitchfield, Ky., 42754 / (270) 287-0656
Vine Grove: 298 Medley Court Vine Grove, Ky., 40175 / (270) 352-1133
Owensboro: 527 Allen St., Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (270) 240-1842
Mt. Washington: 673 N. Bardstown Road
Mt. Washington, Ky., 40047 / (502) 251-5551
EICS, founded in 2010, is a pediatric therapy clinic that offers Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA/Applied Behavior Analysis (for those with autism). EICS also offers mental health counseling and case management. EICS has a licensed psychological associate who provides evaluations for different diagnoses such as autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders, etc. EICS also offers Michelle P. Waiver services such as Positive Behavior Supports and Community Living Supports. Please call the location nearest you for more information regarding the services offered at that clinic. www.eicsky.com
Easter Seals Cardinal Hill
1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, Ky., 40502 (859) 399-6270
https://cardinalhill.org/about/easter-seals
Easter Seals West Kentucky Adult Center
1908 N. 14th St., Paducah, Ky., 42001 (270) 443-1200 www.easterseals.com/westkentucky/connect-locally/ service-center-locations/west-kentucky-adult-servicespaducah.html
Easter Seals West Kentucky Child Center
801 N. 29th St., Paducah, Ky., 42001 (270) 444-9687 / www.easterseals.com/westkentucky
Promotes healthy and active lifestyles for people with physical disabilities through education, exposure to adaptive equipment and adaptive recreation experiences in the community.
Edelson and Associates, PSC
Louisville: 10509 Timberwood Circle, Suite 250 Louisville Ky., 40223 / (502) 423-1151
Lexington: 230 Lexington Green Circle, Suite 420 Lexington, Ky., 40503 / (859) 287-0760
Neuropsychological, ADHD, learning disability, autism and psychological disorder evaluations. www.edelsonandassociates.info
Frazier Rehabilitation Institute
University of Louisville Health
200 Abraham Flexner Way Louisville, Ky., 40202 / (502) 582-7400
Known for world-class care in comprehensive acute rehab, Frazier Rehab Institute provides extensive therapy across a number of specialties for inpatient and outpatient rehab needs.
https://uoflhealth.org/locations/frazier-rehabilitation-institute/
HealthPoint Family Care
1401 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 41011 (859) 655-6100
HealthPoint Family Care’s vision is a community where everyone has access to quality, affordable health care. The mission is to be the best provider of health services through compassion and innovation. www.healthpointfc.org/location/covington
For more Kentucky locations, visit https://healthpointfc.org/ contact-us/
Heartfelt Solutions
2831 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite A Louisville, Ky., 40220 / (502) 915-8343 Option 1
Dedicated to improving the quality of life and increasing independence for individuals by providing effective person-centered and evidence-based health services. Those services include adult day training, community living supports, respite, person-centered coaching, supported employment, community access and ABA Therapy for individuals with autism. www.hfssupportservices.com
Horn and Associates in Rehabilitation
2412 Greatstone Point, Lexington, Ky., 40504 4127 Todds Road, Lexington, Ky., 40509 (859) 224-4081
HRA offers assessments and intervention from a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, psychology, developmental intervention, social work and case management. HRA provides independent evaluation and intervention services. / www.horntherapy.com
Kentucky Children’s Hospital
University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St., Fourth Floor, Lexington, Ky., 40536 (859) 323-5000
Established in 1957, UK HealthCare consists of the medical, nursing, health sciences, public health, dental and pharmacy patient care activities of the University of Kentucky, and in several off-site locations. https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/kentucky-childrens-hospital
Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
982 Eastern Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40217 (502) 635-6397
9810 Bluegrass Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40299 (502) 584-9781
Since 1959, the Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies has been helping children with special needs. Each week the Center provides outpatient PT, ST, and OT services to 300 children facing challenges such as autism, Down syndrome, spina bifida and cerebral palsy. The Center also has a pediatric dietician and psychologist on staff to work with families. www.kidscenterky.org
The Kidz Club
Bowling Green: 1347 Ky., Hwy. 185, Suite 2 Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 / (270) 746-0333
Erlanger: 527 Watson Road, Erlanger, Ky., 41018 (859) 727-0700
Lexington: 2200 Regency Road
Lexington Ky., 40503 / (859) 224-0799
Louisville: 7140 Preston Highway
Louisville, Ky., 40219 / (502) 368-9318
Louisville: 225 N. 25th St.
Louisville, Ky., 40212 / (502) 365-2426
Louisville: 1517 Gagel Ave.
Louisville, Ky., 40216 / (502) 409-5316
The Kidz Club is a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) facility. A PPEC is a link in the continuum of care for children that provides daily skilled nursing care, enrichment activities, therapies and other supports. Since 1996, families and providers have trusted The Kidz Club PPEC to provide the safest, highest quality nursing care in a fun, stimulating environment for children from birth to under 21 years of age who have a medical complexity. The Kidz Club has locations in Kentucky, Florida and Texas. Services are covered by Medicaid. No out-of-pocket cost to families. www.thekidzclub.com
The Kid SpOt Center (Pediatric Therapy)
Campbellsville: 50 Gene Cash Road
Campbellsville, Ky., 42718 / (270) 465-7768
Elizabethtown: 107 Financial Drive
Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 / (270) 763-8225
Bowling Green: 980 Morgantown Road, Bowling Green, Ky., 42104 / (270) 495-1312
Somerset: 200 Tower Circle
Somerset, Ky., 42503 / (606) 416-5139
Louisville: 10019 Forest Green Blvd. Louisville, Ky., 40223 / (502) 893-1380
The Kid SpOt Center provides supports to families of children with disabilities. Services include Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Positive Behavior Supports, ABA, Mental Health Counseling, Community Living Supports, Social Skills, Targeted Case Management, Medication Management and Neuropsychology Evaluations. www.thekidspotcenter.com
Kraska & Associates, Inc.
437 Lewis Hargett Circle, Suite 120
Lexington, Ky., 40503 / (859) 219-0956
Private practice providing occupational and speech therapy services. Family-centered approach. Areas of specialty include sensory integration, sensory processing disorder, fine motor/handwriting, dyspraxia, autism, Asperger’s, articulation, phonological disorders and reading programs. www.kraskaandassociates.com
Marshall Pediatric Therapy
Lexington: 3499 Blazer Parkway, Suite 170 Lexington, Ky., 40509 / (859) 327-3033
Nicholasville: 799 Brannon Road
Nicholasville, Ky., 40356 / (859) 224-2273
Georgetown: 117 East Jefferson
Georgetown, Ky., 40324 / (502) 316-6180
Richmond: 1013 Center Drive
Richmond, Ky., 40475 / (859) 444-5330
Offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy, mental health services, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for Central Kentucky. The practice accepts EPSDT, most private insurance plans, participates with Kentucky's Early Intervention System (formerly First Steps), and offers payment plans. https://marshallpediatrictherapy.com
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Indiana-Kentucky-Tennessee Chapter www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/TNS
NorthKey Community Care
Multiple locations in Northern Kentucky (859) 578-3200 / (877) 331-3292
NorthKey is paving the way to a community that is healthy in mind and spirit in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas with a comprehensive continuum of mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse care. www.northkey.org/services/developmental-disabilitiesservices
Pediatric Occupational Therapy & Parent Coaching (OT Time)
127 W. 4th St., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 682-4451
OT Time provides school-based, occupational therapy services as well as parent coaching services. Parent coaching is an adult learning strategy where a plan is collaboratively developed that considers the family’s values and lifestyle. Parents or guardians learn problem-solving skills to create positive environments for themselves and their children to allow for participation in valued activities. www.ottimetoday.com
University of Louisville Department of Pediatrics
571 S. Floyd St., Suite 432 Louisville, Ky., 40202 / (502) 852-8600
Provides center-based and outreach diagnostic evaluations and treatment to infants and children with, or at risk for, developmental disabilities, autism, organic behavior disorders (ADHD) and learning disabilities. Serves children and adolescents with developmental disabilities and/or feeding disorders. Comprehensive care of children with inborn errors of metabolism is provided through medical and dietary management and enzyme infusion. https://louisville.edu/medicine/departments/pediatrics/ divisions/developmental-behavioral-genetics
Norton Children’s Development Center – Novak Center
411 E. Chestnut St., Louisville, Ky., 40202 (502) 588-0850
Norton Children’s Development Center, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, provides pediatric developmental-behavioral care for children with a wide
range of developmental and behavioral conditions. Services include multidisciplinary evaluations for diagnosing complex disorders of behavior and development; feeding therapy; neuropsychological evaluations; behavior therapy with parent coaching; and medication management. https://nortonchildrens.com/services/developmentalbehavioral-pediatrics
Norton Children’s Hospital
231 E. Chestnut St., Louisville, Ky., 40402 (502) 629-6000
Norton Children’s Hospital is a 253-bed teaching facility and serves as a referral center for central and western Kentucky and southern Indiana. The hospital is also the primary pediatric teaching hospital for the University of Louisville health sciences program. Each year there are approximately 8,000 admissions, 50,000 Emergency Department visits and 10,500 outpatient clinic visits. nortonchildrens.com/location/hospitals/norton-childrenshospital
Passport Health Plan
5100 Commerce Crossings Drive, Louisville, Ky., 40229 (844) 847-9951
Passport Health Plan is a Medicaid managed care plan that has been coordinating health services to qualified members since 1997. Passport is community-based and provider-sponsored, and the only non-profit Medicaid health plan available to members in Kentucky. The mission is to “improve the health and quality of life of our members,” which Passport follows every day through exceptional customer service, a large provider network, and case and disease management programs. www.molinahealthcare.com/members/ky/en-us/Pages/ home.aspx
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass
1300 Sports Center Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40502 (859) 268-0757
This charity exists to create and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and to strengthen families by keeping them together in times of medical need.
www.rmhclexington.com
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana 550 S. 1st St., Louisville, Ky., 40202 (502) 581-1416
RMHCK provides essential services like temporary lodging during medical treatment to assist in removing barriers, strengthening families, and promoting healing when children need healthcare.
https://rmhc-kentuckiana.org
Shriners Children Lexington
110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, Ky., 40508 (859) 407-5968 / (859) 440-4208
Shriners Children Lexington has a mission to provide the highest quality care to children with orthopedic or neuromusculoskeletal disorders and diseases within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.
www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/lexington
SKY Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Mandy Ashley, DMD, MsEd, MS / (270) 715-5437
Bowling Green: 234 Natchez Trace Ave., Bowling Green, Ky., 42103
Glasgow: 104 Hippocrates Way, Glasgow, Ky., 42141 Hopkinsville: 280 Burley Ave., Hopkinsville, Ky., 42240
Dentistry for children and teens with special needs. www.skypediatricdentistry.com
Square One Specialists in Child and Adolescent Development
6440 Dutchmans Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40205 (502) 896-2606 / info@squareonemd.com
Comprehensive medical, psychological, psychiatric, educational, and speech-language evaluations are offered to help understand differences that impact children’s and adolescents’ development, behaviors and emotions. www.squareonemd.com
Wendell Foster Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF)
815 Triplett St., Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (270) 689-1738
CORF offers Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies. Services include the evaluation and treatment of people of all ages, from birth through adulthood. CORF therapists specialize in treating developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as rare disorders. Depending on coverage, Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance may pay for expenses related to the services. https://wendellfoster.org/outpatient-therapies/
MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS
360 Mental Health Services 1517 Nicholasville Road, Suite 302, Lexington, Ky., 40503 / (859) 948-9471 drtim@360mentalhealth.com
Dr. Tim Houchin is one of only approximately 200 physicians triple-board certified in child/adolescent psychiatry, general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry. He believes in a holistic, 360-degree approach to evaluating and treating both children and adults. www.360mentalhealth.com
Build Inclusion, Inc.
P.O. Box 23030, Lexington, Ky., 40523 (606) 622-0292
Build Inclusion promotes intentional inclusion, access, and opportunities through community & family education, engagement, and most of all, meaningful, competitive employment. Build Inclusion facilitates success for individuals in transition to adulthood in preparing for and fully participating in this next stage of their lives. Clinical social work services are also available for the ID/DD population.
www.buildinclusion.org
Children and Family Counseling Associates (859) 733-9241
Harrodsburg: 100 S. Main St., Harrodsburg, Ky., 40330
Resource List 2024
Danvillle: 416 South Fourth St., Danville, Ky., 40422
Lexington: 713 Millpond Road, Suite 13 Lexington, Ky., 40514
Stanford: 107 Metker Trail, Stanford, Ky., 40484
Richmond: 415 Leighway Drive, Unit 5, Richmond, Ky., 40475
Bardstown: 175 East John Rowan Blvd., Bardstown, Ky., 40004
Children and Family Counseling Associates has been serving adults, children, schools, and families in Central Kentucky for more than 20 years. CAFCA provides a wide variety of mental health services, including individual and group therapy, psychological evaluations and assessments, EMDR therapy, after-school programs, adult day training, case management and more. www.cafcainc.com
Lexington Counseling & Psychiatry
Offices in Lexington, Richmond and Frankfort (859) 338-0466
Counseling and therapy for individuals, families and relationships.
www.counselinglexingtonky.com/?msclkid=9c90bf58c13e 14400c22daf0ff086c91
Louisville ADHD / Dr. F. Allen Walker 11405 Park Road, Suite 220, Louisville, Ky., 40223 (502) 384-ADHD (2343) www.louisvilleadhd.com
Mental Health America
MHA is the nation’s leading community-based non-profit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. The work is driven by a commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal. www.mhanational.org
Regional Offices:
Mental Health America of Kentucky 1588 Leestown Road, Suite 130 #279 Lexington Ky., 40511 / (859) 684-7778 mhaky@mhaky.org / www.mhaky.org
Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky & Southwest Ohio
1002 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 41071 (859) 431-1077 www.mhanky.org
NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 Arlington, Va., 22203 (703) 524-7600 / (888) 999-6264
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. www.nami.org
NAMI Kentucky
201 Mechanic St., Suite 219, Lexington, Ky., 40507 (859) 339-3556 / www.namiky.org
Regional Offices:
Bowling Green
Rebecca Coursey -- bowlinggreennami@gmail.com
Butler County
Christy Havens -- chavens4295@gmail.com
Lexington
Phill Gunning -- Pgunning@namilex.org
Dr. Fareesh Kanga -- fareesh.kanga@gmail.com
Julie Caudill -- julie@namilex.org
Louisville
Nancy Brooks -- nancy.brooks@namilouisville.org
Steward Bridgeman -- sbridgeman@bridgehaven.org
Madison County
Rob Milde -- robmilde@gmail.com
Myranda McClure -- haymish1186@gmail.com
Morehead
Carol Mauriello -- camauriello@moreheadstate.edu
Murray
Brenda Benson -- Brenda.Benson@murraystate.edu
Northern Kentucky
Michelle McMullin -- Michelle@naminky.org
Paducah
Jana Wilson -- Jwilson@namiky.org
Winchester/Clark
Brenda Harrington -- Bebe1@bellsouth.net
Kentucky State University
Anthony Passarette -- anthony.passarette@kysu.edu
University of Kentucky
Julie Neace -- julierebecca@namilex.org
Western Kentucky University
Jana Wilson -- Jwilson@namiky.org
New Vista
Regional Office: 1351 Newtown Pike Lexington, Ky., 40511 (859) 253-1686 / (859) 272-7483
24-hour help line (800) 928-8000
New Vista serves children and adults in 17 Central Kentucky counties through mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental disability and primary care services. Individuals and families receive services at the location nearest to them. New Vista has four anchor centers providing a full range of services in Boyle, Fayette, Madison and Scott Counties. The anchor centers are surrounded by satellite offices in neighboring counties. www.newvista.org
MISCELLANEOUS
NuMotion
Bowling Green
1960 Louisville Road, Suite 3A Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 / (270) 904-4934
Lexington 973 Beasley St., Suite 130, Lexington, Ky., 40509 (859) 225-3624
Louisville 11380 Bluegrass Parkway, Jeffersontown, Ky., 40299 (502) 266-9061
With a strong local focus, NuMotion aims to be the most responsive and innovative complex wheelchair company with which to do business. www.numotion.com
Superior Van & Mobility
761 E. New Circle Road, Lexington, Ky., 40505 (859) 253-1832
1506 Lakeshore Court, Louisville, Ky., 40223 (502) 447-8267
Superior Van & Mobility provides mobility solutions for the consumer and commercial transportation industry. Member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association and a participant in NMEDAs Quality Assurance Program, which is recognition reserved for the highest quality mobility dealers. www.superiorvan.com
SCHOOLS
Academy for Individual Excellence
3101 Bluebird Lane, Louisville, Ky., 40299 (502) 267-6187 / awroblewski@Aiexcellence.com www.aiexcellence.com
Child Development Center of the Bluegrass 290 Alumni Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 218-2322
Five-Star rated preschool for children with and without disabilities. Services provided include assessment, evaluations, and speech, physical and occupational therapy. www.cdcbg.org
Christian Academy of Louisville/Providence School
700 S. English Station Road, Louisville, Ky., 40245 (502) 244-3225 ext 1020
Mindy Crawford: (502) 244-3225 ext. 1020
CAL/Providence School serves children preschool through 8th grade with Down syndrome within an inclusive environment to promote language, social and spiritual goals. Students also receive small-group instruction to address individual goals. Curriculum and structure are designed to promote spiritual, cognitive, adaptive, language, motor and self-help skills. A Family Service Plan/ IFSP is written with each family specific to the needs of their child. The school works in relationship with Down Syndrome of Louisville. The school is adding a new grade each school year. Providence will serve K-12 by the 2025-2026 school year. www.caschools.us/down-syndrome-providence-school
The dePaul School
1925 Duker Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40205 (502) 459-6131
Teaching students with learning differences how to learn, how to become independent, and how to become successful.
www.depaulschool.org
Growing Together Preschool, Inc.
599 Lima Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40511 (859) 255-4056
Has offered nurturing early child care and education services to children with and without disabilities and other special needs in an inclusive environment since 1982. Additional services include developmental screenings and assessment; behavior consultations; and physical, occupational and speech therapy. Teachers have experience working with children of varying abilities and
advantages, and integrating recommended therapeutic practices into the classroom. GTP is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, rated 5 STARS through KY ALL STARS, and offers a Kentucky Proud farm to preschool menu. www.gtplex.org
The Kidz Club
Bowling Green: 1347 Kentucky Hwy. 185, Suite 2
Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 / (270) 746-0333
Erlanger: 527 Watson Road
Erlanger, Ky., 41018 / (859) 727-0700
Lexington: 2200 Regency Road
Lexington Ky., 40503 / (859) 224-0799
Louisville: 7140 Preston Highway
Louisville, Ky., 40219 / (502) 368-9318
Louisville: 225 N. 25th St.
Louisville, Ky., 40212 / (502) 365-2426
Louisville: 1517 Gagel Ave.
Louisville, Ky., 40216 / (502) 409-5316
The Kidz Club is a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) facility. A PPEC is a link in the continuum of care for children that provides daily skilled nursing care, enrichment activities, therapies and other supports. Since 1996, families and providers have trusted The Kidz Club PPEC to provide the safest, highest quality nursing care in a fun, stimulating environment for children from birth to under 21 years of age who have a medical complexity. The Kidz Club has locations in Kentucky, Florida and Texas. Services are covered by Medicaid. No out-of-pocket cost to families. www.thekidzclub.com
KORE Academy
Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, Ky., 40502 (859) 971-7129
School for children with learning differences for grades K-12. www.koreacademy.org
Langsford: Reading Transformed 2520 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Ky., 40205 (502) 473-7000
The Langsford difference – what separates the program from traditional “tutoring” programs – is that at Langsford professionals determine and address the underlying learning processes that cause learning difficulties. Langsford helps people of all ages who are doing well in school but exerting disproportional effort, as well as those who have been considered learning disabled or dyslexic. www.langsfordcenter.com
The Lexington School’s The Learning Center
1050 Lane Allen Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 278-0501 / shinard@thelexingtonschool.org
The Learning Center provides a unique and essential service to children with language-based differences by offering an alternative to traditional classrooms. By creating a teaching environment that eliminates the major obstacles to learning, students are able to close the gap between achievement and their potential. Teacher-student ratios of 1:4 allow for individualized instruction in the core areas of greatest need. In addition, low student-teacher ratios will be maintained in other subjects such as science, social studies, computer skills, specials and social skills. www.thelexingtonschool.org/the-learning-center
Meredith-Dunn School
3023 Melbourne Avenue, Louisville, Ky., 40220 (502) 456-5819
dcrowe@meredithdunnschool.org
Serving families in the Louisville Metro area for over 50 years. Offering prescriptive, multi-sensory instruction for children with learning differences. www.meredithdunnschool.org
The Provision School & Family Counseling Center
301 Harvard Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40517 (859) 396-0644
The Provision School is a faith-based, non-profit, therapeutic learning environment that encompasses the benefits of counseling services and individualized education for students of varying needs and abilities. www.theprovision.org
Sproutlings Pediatric Day Care & Preschool
Kosair Charities Center
3701 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40207 (502) 753-8222
Sproutlings is a dual-licensed program and has spaces for medically fragile children and children in traditional day care or preschool. Staffed by Registered Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, teachers and teacher aides, and caring for a wide variety of medical conditions. Medicaid and private insurance are accepted. www.SproutlingsDayCare.com
Stewart Home School
4200 Lawrenceburg Road, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 227-4821
Discover a residential school that offers lifelong learning, a postsecondary experience, the opportunity to attain a GED, vocational training and countless social and recreational activities among friends from all around the world. / www.stewarthome.com
Summit Academy of Louisville
11508 Main St., Louisville, Ky., 40243 (502) 244-7090
dstrothman@summit-academy.org
Summit Academy is an independent, non-profit K-12 school in Louisville. Summit Academy provides a transformative educational experience for students who learn differently by cultivating each student’s academic, social and emotional success in a vibrant and compassionate environment. Summit provides a place where each student’s learning challenges are understood and met using a whole child approach; a place where the school celebrates and develops children’s strengths, as well as addressing their area of difficulty. It’s a safe place where each young learner is treated and educated as an individual – in an atmosphere of caring and respect that allows students to succeed. www.summit-academy.org
SERVICE DOGS
Wildcat Service Dogs University of Kentucky
210 E. High St., P.O. Box 612
Lexington, Ky., 40507 wildcatservicedogs@gmail.com https://uky.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/ wildcatservicedogs
For a complete list of Service Providers licensed in Kentucky please see: https://providerdirectory.dbhdid.ky.gov/
BrightSpring Health Services
805 N. Whittington Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 394-2100
Provider of comprehensive home and communitybased health services to complex populations in need of specialized care. www.brightspringhealth.com
Cedar Lake 9901 Linn Station Road, Suite 901 Louisville, Ky., 40222 / (502) 495-4946
Cedar Lake is committed to providing the highest quality of services to the people it supports. To demonstrate its commitment to the development of a compassionate and capable workforce, Cedar Lake has launched a career development program with ongoing educational opportunities to further sharpen people’s skills. In doing so, Cedar Lake employees develop a heightened sensitivity – or compassion – for the people they support and a clear understanding of how they can best support these individuals to live a life filled with abundant possibilities. www.cedarlake.org
Easter Seals Redwood
71 Orphanage Road, Ft. Mitchell, Ky., 41017 (859) 331-0880
A non-profit organization funded by United Way, Redwood guides children and adults with multiple and severe disabilities to achieve independence and to reach their highest potential throughout their lives, by providing enriching educational, therapeutic and vocational services. www.eastersealsredwood.org
Mattingly Edge
1930 Bishop Lane, Suite 1001, Louisville, Ky., 40218 (502) 451-6200
Mattingly Edge cultivates partnerships that enable people with disabilities to thrive at work, at home and in relationships. The mission is based on the belief that people with disabilities have the right to the same privileges and responsibilities as other citizens. Communities are better when everyone is included. “Real Jobs. Real Homes. Real Friends. Real Lives.” / www.mattinglyedge.org
New Perceptions
1 Sperti Drive, Edgewood, Ky., 41017
Resource List 2024
(859) 344-9322
This non-profit organization has been dedicated to enriching lives of those with intellectual/developmental disabilities since 1952. newperceptions.org
New Vista
Regional Office: 1351 Newtown Pike Lexington, Ky., 40511 (859) 253-1686 / (859) 272-7483
24-hour help line (800) 928-8000
New Vista serves children and adults in 17 Central Kentucky counties through mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental disability and primary care services. Individuals and families receive services at the location nearest to them. New Vista has four anchor centers providing a full range of services in Boyle, Fayette, Madison and Scott Counties. The anchor centers are surrounded by satellite offices in neighboring counties. newvista.org
Options Unlimited Inc.
205 Castlerock Drive, Shepherdsville, Ky., 40165 (502) 955-7271 / t.carr@optionsunlimitedinc.org
Changing lives by helping people with disabilities become as independent as possible. Services include supported employment, school transitions program/PreETS, TLC training program at UPS, adult day program, deaf & hard of hearing. Serving Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer and Jefferson counties.
www.optionsunlimitedinc.org
Pathways
Administration: 1212 Bath Ave., Ashland, Ky., 41101 (606) 329-8588
Carter County Outpatient: 840 Interstate Drive, Grayson, Ky., 41143 / (606) 474-5151
Pathways assists in obtaining individual and familydetermined supports for persons who have developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities. Goals are to serve and enhance opportunities for making choices that promote inclusion as a valued citizen in all meaningful phases of community life. www.pathways-ky.org
R.E.A.C.H of Louisville
Supports for Community Living
501 Park Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40208 (502) 585-1911
R.E.A.C.H. provides an exemplary Supports for Community Living program with support for individuals and families through highly qualified support staff, which includes psychologists, social workers, crisis support managers, recreational specialists and special educators. www.reachoflouisville.com
STRIDE
150 Maryland Ave., Winchester, Ky., 40391 (859) 744-0370
STRIDE serves individuals who have a learning or developmental disability and are at least 16 years of age. Daily programming includes cooking classes, dances, Special Olympic activities, daily living skills classes and much more in an effort to improve the quality of life for participants. All participants are expected to live up to their
responsibilities at home, work and in the STRIDE program. Motto: “We have an obligation to expect the best out of our participants and try to help them to continue to improve their skills.”
www.strideky.org
Wendell Foster 815 Triplet St., Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (270) 683-4517
Wendell Foster’s mission is to empower people with disabilities to realize their dreams and potential. For 76 years, Wendell Foster has provided residential living options to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Residential services include 24-hour medical care in the Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), community living options through Supports for Community Living (SCL), and independent living, both on Wendell Foster’s campus and in the community. Wendell Foster works with families to find the setting that best fits the needs of their loved one.
https://wendellfoster.org/residential-living/
Zoom Group
1904 Embassy Square Blvd., Louisville, Ky., 40299 (502) 581-0658
Zoom Group has been providing supports for individuals with disabilities for over 30 years. Zoom Group’s mission is to assist persons with disabilities to explore, create, and realize their journey. Zoom Group strives to create a community that is enriched by including and valuing persons with disabilities.
www.zoomgroup.org
SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND HEARING
Central Kentucky Interpreter Referral, Inc.
212 South Second St., Danville, Ky., 40422 (859) 236-9888 / VP (859) 439-0070
easytoreserve@gmail.com
CKIR is a leading provider of interpreting services in Kentucky, including American Sign Language and Spanish interpreting services. CKIR is a not-for-profit agency that provides in-person and remote interpreting services (if applicable). CKIR employs professional, certified and licensed interpreters for a variety of settings, which include, but not limited to, general community, medical, mental health, industrial, education, religious, and social services. www.ckira.org
Heuser Hearing Institute
117 E. Kentucky St., Louisville, Ky., 40203 (502) 584-3573
With multiple locations in and around Louisville, Heuser Hearing Institute (HHI) is a multi-specialty non-profit campus promoting the needs of children and adults with disorders of hearing and balance. The organization has served Louisville and many of the surrounding Kentucky and Indiana communities since 1948. www.thehearinginstitute.org
Kentucky School for the Deaf
303 South Second St., Danville, Ky., 40422 (859) 239-7017 / (859) 239-7006
Ensures that children and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing have educational opportunities to develop their potential to become educated, life-long learners and productive citizens.
www.ksd.k12.ky.us
Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
632 Versailles Road, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (859) 239-7006 / (800) 372-2907
VP: (859) 239-7006 / kcdhh@ky.gov www.kcdhh.ky.gov
Kentucky Hands & Voices
P.O. Box 43914, Louisville, Ky., 40253 (888) 398-5030 / info@kyhandsandvoices.org
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven national organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The organization is nonbiased about communication methodologies and believes that families can make the best choices for their child if they have access to good information and support. The group consists of parents of ASL signers, cued speech users, kids with cochlear implants and total communicators. www.kyhandsandvoices.org
Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association
838 E. High St., Suite 263, Lexington, Ky., 40502 (800) 837-2446 / khsaoffice@khsa.info
The mission is to enhance the provision of quality services to persons with communication disorders and their families. KSHA provides broad-based education opportunities, public awareness and policy development initiatives, and supports professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology by promoting the highest standards for service providers. www.ksha.info
The Hearing and Speech Center
350 Henry Clay Blvd., Lexington, Ky., 40502 (859) 268-4545
Provides diagnostic, therapeutic and educational services for individuals with hearing, speech and language impairments. https://hscky.org
St. Rita School for the Deaf
1720 Glendale Milford Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45215 (513) 771-7600 / www.srsdeaf.org
SPINA BIFIDA
Cardinal Hill Center for Outpatient Services
2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 254-5701
https://encompasshealth.com/locations/cardinalhillrehab
Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
982 Eastern Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40217 (502) 635-6397
`19810 Bluegrass Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40299 (502) 584-9781
Since 1959, the Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies has been helping children with special needs. Each week the Center provides outpatient PT, ST, and OT services to 300 children facing challenges such as autism, Down syndrome, spina bifida and cerebral palsy. The Center also has a pediatric dietician and psychologist on staff to work with families. / www.kidscenterky.org
Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky Kosair Charities, 982 Eastern Parkway, Suite 18 Louisville, Ky., 40217 (502) 637-7363 / srichardson@sbak.org
The Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky is a resource center for children, their families and adults affected by Spina Bifida. SBAK educates parents how to be the best advocate for their child, and helps children and adults overcome physical, cognitive and social challenges to become successful and independent. The mission is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and enhance the lives of all those affected. / www.sbak.org
Shriners Children Lexington 110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, Ky., 40508 (859) 407-5968 / (859) 440-4208
Shriners Children Lexington has a mission to provide the highest quality care to children with orthopedic or neuromusculoskeletal disorders and diseases within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment. www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/lexington
VISION
Bluegrass Council of the Blind, Inc.
2265 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 102, Lexington, Ky., 40504 / (859) 259-1834
BCB is a nonprofit serving the needs of adults who are blind or visually impaired in Central Kentucky. BCB services are free to clients and available to any clients affected by vision loss, including family, friends and professionals working with people with low to no vision. The primary service area includes Fayette and surrounding counties, including Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Jessamine, Madison, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford counties. However, BCB also provides information and services to persons in other counties, upon request and as available resources permit. www.bcbky.org
Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired
2045 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 (513) 221-8558 / info@cincyblind.org
Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a private, non-profit organization offering comprehensive vision rehabilitation services for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. cincyblind.org/about
Clovernook Center for the Blind/Visually Impaired
7000 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
(513) 522-3860 / fd@clovernook.org
Clovernook has proudly served women, men and children for more than 100 years. This rich history provides the backdrop for today’s progressive and caring campuslike environment where the Center remains dedicated to adults and youth who are blind or visually impaired. clovernook.org
Kentucky Vocational Rehabilitation Blind Services Division
Mayo-Underwood Building
500 Mero St., 4th Floor NE, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4440 / (800) 372-7172
The mission is to provide opportunities for employment and independence to individuals with visual disabilities. The Division serves Kentuckians who are visually impaired or blind and assists individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment, economic self-sufficiency and independence with complete integration into society. The Blind Services Section provides statewide services to all 120 counties and has 10 field offices located throughout Kentucky in Ashland, Bowling Green, Covington, Elizabethtown, Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro, Paducah, Prestonsburg and Somerset.
https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/seekingservices/Blind-Services/Pages/Blind-Services-Division.aspx
Kentucky School for the Blind
Division of the Ky. Department of Education
1867 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40206 (502) 897-1583
A K-12 public school serving Kentucky students who are blind and visually impaired. The school offers a Short Course program (1-12 weeks) of specialized instruction available to students throughout the school year. Summer school programs are offered in June and July. www.ksb.k12.ky.us
Kentucky School for the Blind Outreach Services
Available Statewide
1867 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40206 (502) 897-1583 ext. 7714
Outreach works in partnership with the Educational Cooperatives to facilitate expansion of regional services. KSB Outreach Consultants are assigned to each of the Educational Cooperatives as points of contact for services and programs offered by KSB. The Director of Special Education within local school districts may make referrals for services to the assigned KSB Outreach Consultant for their cooperative or by contacting KSB Director of Outreach. The Outreach department supports proficient student performance by assisting local school districts, including KSB and the Kentucky School for the Deaf, in reducing barriers to learning associated with a vision loss. It also provides students access to the general curriculum, the Kentucky Core Academic Standards, and Expanded Core Curriculum for Students with Visual Impairments. www.ksb.k12.ky.us/outreach-1
Neuro-Visual Performance Institute
(Formerly Children’s Vision and Learning Center, Psc) 105 Suite B, Crossfield Drive, Versailles, Ky., 40383 (859) 879-0089
In addition to general optometric services, Family Eyecare offers unique programs such as Vision Therapy
for children experiencing difficulty with reading and/or underachievement at school. Children in these programs average more than a 3-year improvement in performance in 10 to 15 weeks.
https://neurovisualperformanceinstitute.com
NFB-NEWSLINE® KENTUCKY (877) 410-4008
A Project of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky. Free audio information service to people who cannot use regular newsprint. More than 500 publications are now available, including more than 80 magazines, and national and International news. Spanish-language newspapers are also available.
https://nfbnewsline-ky.org
Radio Eye
Lexington: 1733 Russell Cave Road, Lexington, Ky., 40505 / (859) 422-6390 (800) 238-5193 / info@radioeye.org
Louisville: Family Library of Visually Impaired Preschool Services
1906 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, Ky., 40218 (502) 509-5145
Radio Eye broadcasts the reading of current news, public service and general interest programming to listeners and others who are blind and print-disabled. Radio Eye, which serves Lexington, Louisville and parts of Eastern Kentucky, strives to produce high-quality programming designed to help the listening audience lead enriched, productive and independent lives.
www.radioeye.org
Silver Circles, Inc.
2396 New Shepherdsville Road Bardstown, Ky., 40004 (859) 489-7773
Catherine C. Barnes, Director & Irlen Diagnostician
The Irlen Method uses colored overlays and precision tinted filters, worn as glasses, to reduce or eliminate perceptual difficulties and light sensitivity. www.silvercirclesinc.com
Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS)
Greater Louisville
1906 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, Ky., 40218 (502) 636-3207 / (888) 636-8477
Central Kentucky
350 Henry Clay Blvd., Lexington, Ky., 40502 (859) 276-0335 / (888) 254-8477
The mission of Visually Impaired Preschool Services is to offer appropriate services to infants, toddlers and preschoolers who are visually impaired or blind and to their families; and to maximize each child’s development potential through direct services, advocacy and community education. VIPS staff includes certified teachers who specialize in early childhood education, visual impairment, O&M, and special education. Several staff members are also parents of visually impaired children. www.vips.org n
ties through full integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of United States society.
The Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities will create systemic change in the Commonwealth of Kentucky that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve full citizenship and inclusion in the community through advocacy, capacity building and systemic change. The CCDD will enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of community life.
