Exceptional Family Magazine Summer/Fall 2023

New CCDD Executive Director

Callebs Off to Good Start

By John Lynch

Johnny Callebs is earning high marks in his few months on the job as the CCDD’s Executive Director while he educates himself about the workings of the Council and he strengthens relationships with key partners.

“I think he’s doing an amazing job,” Council Chairperson Regina Watts said.

“He’s easy-going, very open and creative. If something needs to be fixed, he will figure out a way to fix it.

“I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from people who are impressed with his performance. I think he is a great choice for this job.”

Callebs, who started on April 1, has ideal credentials for the job.

He has worked in the disability field in Kentucky for more than 30 years. He also had been executive director of three organizations before taking the CCDD post.

Through the years, he also has worked with Council and staff members so he was familiar with some of the personnel.

Callebs recognized when he started that he faced a learning curve and has been grateful for the help he has received.

“Everybody has been kind and welcoming as I learn the workings of the Council,” he said. “People have been patient with me and I’m appreciative of that.”

He has reached out to other disability groups and other partners with common priorities.

“We are working to strengthen those relationships so we can collaborate on issues to improve the lives of people with disabilities,” he said.

Callebs, along with CCDD Vice-Chair David Allgood and Justin Jeter, the

CCDD’s Public Policy Coordinator, have met with many legislators to educate and inform them on what the Council does and to offer the group as a resource.

Callebs is well aware that the waiting list for Medicaid waivers such as the Michelle P. and the Supports for Community Living waivers have a combined waiting list of more than 11,000 Kentuckians.

He also learned at the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities conference in Orlando in July that waiting lists are a problem nationwide.

The other major national issue addressed at the conference was the workforce crisis.

“People with disabilities have an extremely difficult time getting and keeping caregivers,” Callebs said.

As someone new on the job, the timing of the conference was ideal for Callebs, who attended with Council members Watts, Jake Cruz, Kelly Jones and Mark Rothel.

“The conference was really informative and helpful to me starting out as a

new executive director,” Callebs said.

“I met with fellow EDs from around the country and with federal officials, who were very helpful and approachable. They want Councils to succeed.

“It was also interesting to learn about all the great work going on in our field. “I also enjoyed spending time with the Council members and getting to know them better.”

Callebs has praised the Council for its dedication to the mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities.

He’s been equally impressed with the CCDD staff, which has worked under duress since Callebs arrived.

In December, pipes broke in the building and flooded the CCDD office. Water damage to the walls, carpet, equipment and all electrical devices was extensive.

Walls were stripped down to the studs, ceiling tiles were missing and Internet connection was spotty. That’s why Council meetings in May and August were held at the Capital Plaza in Frankfort and the Clarion Hotel in Lexington, respectively.

But workers have made progress at the CCDD office. Ceiling tiles have been replaced. Walls have been covered with drywall and the Internet connection has improved.

Bathroom renovations and HVAC repairs were to be completed by the end of August.

With those issues getting resolved, Callebs is fully focused on the task at hand -- fulfilling the Council’s mission.

“I’m still in learning mode but we’ve been busy tending to the relationships with our partners,” he said. “We have a good Council and staff, and the teamwork has been fantastic.

“This is rewarding work and I’m glad to be doing it.” n

Johnny Callebs

Letter From the CCDD Council Improves Lives of Others

RRegina Watts, a CCDD Council member for two years, has worked with people with disabilities since she was a 12-year-old volunteer at Riverside Good Counsel in Covington (now called New Perceptions).

Four years later, she was hired and she worked there through the end of high school.

After moving away, she returned to Kentucky in 1990 as an instructional aide at Holmes High in Covington.

During her 10 years there, she founded the school’s Functional Mental Disability classroom.

For the past 16 years, Watts has worked at The Point in Covington as an IT Manager and Activities Director.

Watts helps clients learn social skills – and have fun along the way. She has taken groups on numerous vacations including to Gatlinburg and Florida.

All of which has prepared Watts to be ideally suited to be a CCDD Council member. She is a member of the policy and executive committees. The Council’s work has impressed Watts. The Council supported a bill

Regina Watts

benefit agencies that help people with disabilities have a more rounded life,” she said. “It’s been amazing to watch that.”

Meeting with lawmakers and the governor has been a highlight for Watts.

“They listen to me because I’m a constituent but also because I represent the Council,” she said.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

Perhaps, the best part of Council membership are the relationships forged with other Council members and the networking opportunities that lead to new ideas.

If you are a self-advocate or family member of a person who has a 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

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

Watts has sisters with learning disabilities and a granddaughter with sotos syndrome, a genetic disorder that is characterized by excessive physical growth during the first few years of life.

As Activities Director at The Point,

that recently became law that bans discrimination in organ donations. Watts also supports the Council’s sponsorship of projects such as Mattingly Edge’s work to create more affordable and accessible housing.

“The Capacity Building team has funded many different projects that

“I’m excited to bring these ideas and resources back to northern Kentucky to help the people in our part of the state,” she said.

The Council needs more people like Watts to do the important work of advocating for people with disabilities throughout Kentucky.

Why should you join?

“You will become a better advocate for yourself and family members,” Watts said, “and help improve the lives of people with disabilities in our state.” n

JOIN OUR TEAM

The Council consists of people like you. Members include people with developmental disabilities plus family members and guardians of people with developmental disabilities.

The mission of the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities 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.

If you want to affect policy, influence legislators and advocate for change, the CCDD is the place for you. Call today to learn how you can make a difference.

(877) 367-5332

Meet the CCDD Staff

Carol Ann Tudor - Policy Analyst & Operations

Carol.Tudor@ky.gov | 502-782-8606

Carol Ann has been with the Council since 2005. She serves as the main contact for inquiries, including submission of funding requests and requests for publications. She oversees office operations and provides administrative and clerical support. She coordinates meeting logistics and supports Council members in making meeting arrangements and reimbursement. She is staff to the Council Affairs Committee.

Tim.Moore@ky.gov | 502-564-7841

Tim has been with the Council since 2011. He serves as the front desk receptionist and also assists organizations in accessibility concerns by reviewing websites and documents. Tim completes special projects for staff and records meeting minutes when needed.

Nicole Maher - Advocacy & Communications Director

Nicole.Maher@ky.gov | 502-782-8616

Nicole is the Council’s coordinator for advocacy initiatives. She facilitates the Self-Advocacy work team to achieve the goals and objectives in the Five Year Plan. She also facilitates the Kentucky Partners in Policymaking program. She shares advocacy issues via social media and is responsible for the Council’s monthly newsletter. Nicole, a UK graduate, has been with the Council since 2018 and has worked in the disability field for over 20 years in various capacities. She has a daughter who has Down syndrome.

Justin.Jeter@ky.gov | 502-782-0696

Justin has been with the Council since 2021. He helps develop relationships with Kentucky’s legislature, monitors potential legislation, and shares policy updates with the Council and advocates. He has a sister-in-law who has Down syndrome and is passionate about encouraging state lawmakers to pay attention to disability rights.

Vicki.Goins@ky.gov | 502-782-8604

Vicki first joined the Council in 1999, leaving in 2006 to work for the State Budget Office. She came back to the Council in 2018 and now serves as the Council’s Federal Financial Manager. Vicki manages contracts, tracks Council Budget and assures compliance with grant management regulations. She has worked in disabilities since 1993.

Jennifer.Hicks@ky.gov | 502-782-8608

Jen manages federal planning and reporting, including the Five Year Plan, State Plan Amendments, annual Program Performance Report, and Annual Work Plans. She facilitates Council work teams to help them achieve the objectives in the Five Year Plan. Jen has been with the Council for 7 years. Before that she worked in the State ADA office and has over 10 years in the disability field. She holds the national professional certification ADA Coordinators.

Reader Survey WINNER!!!

Ashlee Jones

The winner of a $250 cash prize in the latest Reader Survey contest for this magazine is Ashlee Jones of Flemingsburg.

Jones is a Social Service Specialist with the Department of Community Based Services, which is part of the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Jones has worked for the Cabinet for 11 years. She has undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work and will receive her doctorate in 2024.

“I like Exceptional Family Magazine because of all the resources in it. The more resources we have, the more we can help our families grow,” she said.

Jones hands out the magazine at the DCBS annual conference, the Northeastern Child Abuse Prevention Conference. She plans to donate her $250 winnings to the conference.

“I was so happy to win and give this money to the conference,” she said.

“We strive to make the conference better because we want the best of the best for people in our field.” n

Vicki Goins - Fiscal Manager

Justin Jeter - Public Policy Coordinator

Tim Moore - Front Desk Manager

Jennifer Hicks - Program Director

CCDD Council Welcomes Five New Members

Donna Fox

It’s been a long road of defying expectations for Donna Fox. At age 5, Fox was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.

Doctors told her family all of the things that Donna would not be able to do. They said she would not graduate high school, or be able to marry and have children. The medical experts were wrong on all counts.

Not that her illness, especially in childhood, was a cakewalk. She underwent eight surgeries by the time she was 18, including a rare jaw replacement surgery.

But she persevered. She earned a sociology degree from the University of Louisville. She married and has two grown sons who have given her three grandchildren.

She enjoyed a career as a travel agent and worked in the hospitality business in Louisville.

But her “aha” moment came when she was asked in 1998 to volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation.

“I got to meet people like me, people with juvenile arthritis who are now adults,” she said.

As a volunteer working with young people, she formed FACES (Facing Arthritis With Compassion, Encouragement and Support.)

In 2010, she started working for the Center for Accessible Living in Louisville as a program coordinator. There, she ran the YES (Young Empowered Self-Advocates) Group. YES worked with high school students with disabilities up to age 21. The program also offered a community meeting for adults of all ages.

The pandemic nearly shut down that program, and last year Fox joined Options Unlimited Inc., in Shepherdsville where the YES program was revived and renamed Forever YES.

Although her arthritis has been a battle, Fox can get around without so much as a cane.

She feels honored and excited to join the Council where she wants “to help people with disabilities to be their best.

“People with disabilities are the largest minority in the state but we’re often the hidden people,” she said. “We need to speak up and be vocal. The Council will help give me that voice to help others.” n

Kelly Jones

Kelly Jones of Fort Thomas is a mental health therapist, mother of three and advocate for her middle child, Linus, who has Down syndrome.

Jones also was recruited to run for state representative in Ft. Thomas. She ran on a platform of inclusion, education for all and raising awareness about disability.

She didn’t win but the next thing she knew she was appointed to the CCDD Council.

“I’ll never regret running for office and I learned a lot about myself,” Jones said. “But just when I thought one door was closing, I’m so happy that this window was left open for me.

“The Council directly impacts my family and so many families that I adore. How empty my life would be without the disability community. It’s such a wonderful community to be part of.”

Jones earned bachelor’s degrees in English and sociology at UK and her master’s in mental health counseling at Northern Kentucky University.

She is a therapist at Mainspring Wellness & Counseling in Covington. She also works with high school and elementary school students.

“I think I bring a unique perspective to the Council,” she said. “I have an understanding of how systems work.

“I see places where we can push and advocate. This opportunity fits perfectly with what I teach people every day in my job: how to use their voices and advocate for themselves.”

Jones is a member of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. She serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The group’s annual Buddy Walk is the largest in the country.

She also belongs to an informal group of mom advocates in the Ft. Thomas school district who meet monthly.

Linus, who starts middle school in the fall, has played miracle league baseball and TOPSoccer but loves theater the most. He loves the musicals “Hamilton” and “Matilda,” makes up his own shows and has a wicked sense of humor.

He also has a skilled, passionate advocate for a mother. n

The fifth new member of the Council is Meagan Brannon, who is profiled on PAGE 14

Danny Slaton Amy Smith

Danny Slaton, a new member of the CCDD Council, did not know that his second child would be born with Down syndrome until Lila’s birth eight years ago.

And that was quite a birth.

Danny and his wife, Elizabeth Fitzgibbons, raced to the hospital in southern Indiana.

They got within a few hundred feet from their destination when Lila decided it was time to arrive in this world.

Danny pulled the car off the highway and helped his wife deliver Lila in the front seat of the car.

The parents were unprepared for a child with Down syndrome. But their fears were calmed when Diana Merzweiler, then the long-time leader of the group, Down Syndrome of Louisville, made a home visit.

“She gave us the confidence we needed,” Slaton said. “Suddenly we realized there was a whole community of families just like ours.”

Slaton is a professional lobbyist so he was recruited to join the board of Down Syndrome of Louisville and is in line to be president by 2025.

He also serves as the secretary of the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children, which is run by the Kentucky Department of Education.

Slaton works for Top Shelf Lobby and has been a lobbyist since 2006. But that’s not how his career started.

Raised in Madisonville, Ky., he graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 2002 and then pursued a career as a chef in Boston until he returned to Kentucky in 2004.

He tried unsuccessfully to break into the restaurant business in Louisville. He then took an internship at a lobbyist firm and got hooked on the business.

At Top Shelf Lobby, he recently worked on a bill that prohibits discrimination in organ donation. Through this work he met Justin Jeter of the CCDD. The Council was also helping to make this law a reality for people who have disabilities.

Slaton currently is working on legislation to make sure that people with disabilities have full parental rights.

“I was completely honored and blown away to be selected to the Council,” Slaton said.

“I’m excited to use my expertise to make meaningful improvements in the lives of people with disabilities.” n

Amy Smith of Frankfort learned about the CCDD Council when she took the Kentucky Partners in Policymaking (KPIP) program.

KPIP trains participants in advocacy and disability best practices.

A graduate of the 2021-22 class, Smith already considered herself an experienced advocate for her son, Brendan, 17, who has autism.

“I loved it and thought it was a great experience,” Smith said about KPIP.

“I didn’t realize how much more there is to learn. I’m a much stronger advocate now.”

Smith started the group Capital Area Autism Parents 10 years ago. It now has over 400 members.

The group has worked with law enforcement officials to teach them how to interact better with people with autism.

Smith also volunteers for the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism.

Smith has a degree in education from Midway University and master’s degrees from Ball State (educational psychology) and University of the Cumberlands (school counseling).

She is working on her doctorate in education.

She has worked for the state for 17 years and is currently the Executive Staff Advisor for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Her inspiration for all her efforts is Brendan. Along with autism, he also has ADHD and sensory processing disorder.

Brendan plans to study engineering in college and already has taken dual-credit classes at Frankfort High.

Smith said it is an honor to be selected to the CCDD Council where she will serve on the policy committee.

“The Council already is doing the work that will improve lives of people across the commonwealth,” she said.

“Too often people fail to presume competence in people with disabilities. I’d like to see that framework change. I see the positives in people with disabilities, who are capable of so much more.” n

Transportation Woes Plague Disability Community

ALLISON BORDEN (Ft. Thomas):

Advocate for daughter.

SITUATION: Mallory, 21, has cerebral palsy. She is fully ambulatory but has cognitive and vision issues. She is a high school graduate, has attended community college and works at a preschool a few miles from her home where she lives with her parents. Her work hours are 7-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-6 p.m.

OBSTACLES: Public bus routes have been cut back and the bus stop is too far from her home. RAMP (Regional Area Mobility Program) is a free door-to-door service but requires a 30-minute waiting period. Service is inconsistent. For four of Mallory’s trips to work each day, her family provides at least three of the rides.

COMMENTS: “RAMP staff are very kind and I believe they try hard to do their jobs right, yet there have been late arrivals, no shows or going to the wrong location,” Allison said. “Sometimes, I can’t reach anyone on the phone. More transparency is needed. Self-advocacy is hard and exhausting, and it takes a toll on this population.”

JEWEL GASPARD (Bowling Green)

Self-Advocate.

SITUATION: Jewel, 38, is a widow who became blind at 23 when drain cleaner was put in her face. She worked as a nanny before losing her vision and has lived around the country.

She moved to Bowling Green in January and will enroll at Western Kentucky University in the fall. She plans to become an occupational therapist. She lives in student housing three miles from campus.

OBSTACLES: She can walk to both the public and campus bus stops, but neither system drops her off safely on campus. The city bus drops her off on a busy street, and the campus bus stops at a busy intersection. Neither is safe for a blind person.

COMMENTS: “I just want to get to class and study groups and clubs, but this has frustrated me to tears. I may have to take classes online. But what else is new? People with disabilities get left out all the time. This is much harder than it should be.”

KAREN HERDINA

(Ft.

Thomas): Advocate for sons, Jose 41, Andy, 39.

SITUATION: Both sons have Fragile X syndrome. Jose lives in a group home in Burlington (Boone County), and Andy lives with a house father in Shelbyville.

OBSTACLES: Herdina, who is from New York City, taught Jose how to use the bus system and he loved the freedom it gave him. Where her sons live now, public transportation is limited, like it is in most of Kentucky outside of large cities.

COMMENTS: Herdina sits on the HB 144 Commission and just convinced the state agency that oversees developmental disabilities to include six questions about transportation on its annual survey. “We need to educate people about what is available with transportation because nobody is telling them.” Herdina is working with TANK (Transit Authority of NKY) to help connect families as they start testing their new app for paratransit program. The app will let families schedule their trips online and track their buses in real-time.

ELIZABETH HERNANDEZ

(Lexington): Self-Advocate.

SITUATION: Hernandez, 54, contracted Guillain-Barre disease when she was 18. A few years later she needed to use a wheelchair. She is the past chairperson of Protection & Advocacy’s Developmental Disability Board. She is a mother and has two grandchildren.

OBSTACLES: In January, she was in her wheelchair near a busy intersection when she was hit by a semi-truck. She was in the street because there was no sidewalk. She suffered a head injury and was in the hospital for a week. She uses the public bus and Wheels, run by Lextran.

COMMENTS: “Because Wheels is unreliable, I mostly use my wheelchair to go places. They treat people with disabilities like giving them service is doing them a favor.” Sometimes she can’t ride the public bus because the driver won’t ask a rider to move to allow Hernandez to park her wheelchair. “This is an ongoing problem. They need to have disabled people involved in the decision-making process.”

Mallory Borden

Advocates, Self-Advocates Tell Their Stories

FRANKIE HUFFMAN (DeMossville): Self-Advocate.

SITUATION: Huffman has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. He was named a Kentucky Colonel because of his advocacy. He is working with the Kentucky legislature to pass a law in his name to establish the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Huffman, 27, lives in his own home and volunteers at a local hospital.

OBSTACLES: DeMossville is a rural community with no public transportation. The Regional Area Mobility Program (RAMP) does not come to where he lives. Medicaid pays for medical visits but service is inconsistent. He uses Federated Transportation of the Bluegrass to get to work six days a week. When he calls Federated to schedule, he’s often on hold for long periods.

COMMENTS: “My mom has a van that she can transport me but she works. If I want to go to a movie and you don’t have public transportation, Medicaid doesn’t pay for that. It’s a full-time job just planning your transportation.”

DARRELL MATTINGLY (Lexington): Self-Advocate.

SITUATION: Mattingly has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. CP affects his speech and mobility. Mattingly, 51, is a college graduate and works for UK’s Human Development Institute. Fortunately, he can work from home. He’s a member of numerous advocacy boards and the CCDD Council.

OBSTACLES: He has a wheelchair accessible van but can’t find a reliable driver. Public bus stops are far from his house. He uses Wheels for medical and some personal trips, but service is inconsistent. He often uses his wheelchair to cover long distances on public sidewalks.

COMMENTS: “One day Wheels will be fine, the next day they will be five hours behind. Wheels does not go outside Fayette County, so what happens if I need to go to a meeting in Louisville? I no longer go to UK basketball games because of transportation. I work from home so my issues are about social trips. But when I hear that somebody misses work because of transportation, that bothers me. That’s what motivates me to advocate.”

CHRIS RYDER (Lexington): Self-Advocate.

SITUATION: Ryder, 42, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. He has an associate’s degree from BCTC. He heads the Chesser Self-Advocacy Group that meets once a month. He lives by himself in an assisted technology apartment.

OBSTACLES: Ryder just switched jobs from an entertainment arcade in downtown to one closer to his home in the south end of town. At his downtown job, he used Wheels and often spent 2-3 hours a day on the bus. His commute is shorter now but Wheels is still inconsistent. He lives close to the Jessamine County line but Wheels is not allowed to cross county lines.

COMMENTS: “Wheels is the same. They can be good some days, and sometimes the wait is 2-3 hours. They’re getting better, but it still can be a mess. I’ve heard stories about people being left at dialysis appointments. I’m homebound a lot and I wish there were more options. I’m concerned about families who can’t get together because of transportation.”

Transportation Resources

Transportation is a necessary part of daily life for all of us. From going to school, health care appointments, buying groceries, getting to work, attending religious services, visiting friends and family, and participating in the community – so much of our lives depend on being able to get from place to place.

The Transportation Initiative is a project of the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute and made possible through a grant from the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The goal of the Transportation Initiative is to provide information and resources on transportation options to assist Kentuckians with disabilities.

Through this initiative, we have shared information on a variety of transportation services such as Medicaid NEMT, public transit, ADA paratransit, travel training, accessible vehicle loan programs, driver training programs, accessible transportation grants, and others.

The above programs are explained on the Transportation Initiative’s website, https://transportation.hdiuky.org, which also includes educational videos, audio files and printable resource guides.

-- by Maria Kemplin

American Rescue Plan Act

KDE Uses Federal Funds To Improve Postsecondary Lives FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

By John Lynch

Most people know that at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that pumped $1.9 trillion of economic stimulus into the economy.

That bill included direct aid to Kentucky counties to the tune of approximately $867.5 million.

One focus of that aid was education, including students with disabilities.

The charge was to address the impact Covid had on students with disabilities, and then use this funding to create innovative programs that improve post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities.

The changes started with the vision of Gretta Hylton, the Associate Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning.

She hired a group of Postsecondary Transition Specialists who implemented the following programs.

The results have been dramatic and transformative.

gether on a prototype for O-ring counters at the Lexington manufacturing plant for Parker Hannifin, an international corporation and leader in its field.

(For the full report of this Challenge, see story on next page.)

Wheatley, a KDE Postsecondary Transition Specialist.

“Our hope was that the financial award would negate some of the financial burden on students who planned on entering postsecondary settings.

In two years, the KDE Office of Special Education and Early Learning used federal funding to award $982,500 in scholarships to 393 students with disabilities in 116 school districts.

“An additional goal of the scholarship program was to provide an opportunity that intentionally sought to recognize and celebrate instances of postsecondary readiness for students receiving special education services throughout the state.”

Danyelle Tucker, a recent graduate of Southern High School in Jefferson County, was one of the 87 statewide recipients in the program’s first year. Tucker plans to pursue a four-year degree at Bellarmine University in Louisville.

In the Challenge, teams of students from Woodford County High and Berea Independent designed and developed a manufacturing work cell prototype that puts workplace accessibility for people with disabilities at the forefront.

The teams combined students from Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Special Education programs to work to-

The first year, 87 Kentucky students received $217,500. This year, those numbers increased to 306 students who received a combined $765,000.

Each nonrenewable scholarship was for $2,500 to be used at any in- or outof-state college or university, training program or postsecondary educational opportunity.

Local boards of education were able to nominate up to two students per public school district.

“We recognized that the pandemic limited opportunities for students receiving special education services to gain job experience and financial support through paid work experience,” said Jason L.

“I was diagnosed with autism at age 2, so I have been striving to overcome many challenges in my life related to socialization and communication,” she said. “But with my faith in God, and a lot of family love and support, I have arrived where I am today.”

With a goal of CTE for all, the American Rescue Plan efforts strive to provide special education students with more access and support to participate in the current 16 CTE pathways such as nursing, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, etc.

To help facilitate that, KDE is using American Rescue Act funds to send 20 special education teachers to the CTE conference held every summer in Louis-

“The work coming out of this funding is changing and improving lives, and giving communities resources and opportunities they’ve never had before.”

- Jason L. Wheatley

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND CTE TEACHER COLLABORATION

ville. This is the first time that special education teachers attended this conference.

Each special education teacher received $700 to cover the costs of the weekend conference including registration fees, travel and meals.

“We want special education teachers and CTE teachers to collaborate better so they can serve students better,” Wheatley said.

IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY

For the upcoming school year, KDE is launching a multi-million dollar statewide initiative to equip 30 CTE centers with immersive virtual reality technology.

With this technology, students interested in healthcare, for instance, can experience seeing their hands enter a patient and performing a medical procedure.

A carpentry student can virtually use the tools and skills necessary for that trade.

If a student wants to experience what it’s like to work atop a wind turbine, the virtual reality technology will make that possible while the student is standing in her own classroom.

“For students with disabilities, this is another opportunity to practice and prepare for the real thing to see if this is a career they want to pursue,” Wheatley said.

SCHOOL DISTRICT SELF ASSESSMENT

KDE is supplying $5 million of federal money to partner with 39 school districts to evaluate their own transition planning and programming for students with disabilities.

Each school district will develop a team that will assess the district’s student transition programs.

The teams would then design an action plan to improve post-school outcomes.

This action plan would include sending students with disabilities into the community to better assess their transition readiness.

“This funding will have a positive impact on every community in Kentucky,” Wheatley said. “The work coming out of this funding is changing and improving lives, and giving communities resources and opportunities they’ve never had before.” n

American Rescue Plan Act

Students Impress Lexington Company With Design Of ACCESSIBLE WORK CELL

By John Lynch

Students at two Central Kentucky high schools exceeded all expectations in the Purpose in Action Design Challenge, which is a new joint initiative between the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning, Parker Hannifin and the surrounding community.

Parker Hannifin (Parker), located in Lexington, is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. The Challenge used federal government American Rescue Plan funding and was designed to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on postsecondary transition for students with disabilities. It also emphasized inclusion and accessibility in the work place.

Students at Berea Independent and Woodford County High worked with Parker Hannifin’s O-Ring and Engineered Seals Division manufacturing plant. They designed a work cell that was fully accessible and functional.

Both high schools formed teams that included Special Education and Career and Technical Education (CTE) students.

The teams toured the Parker plant and received coaching and engineering training from the company and Berea Makerspace, a 501(c) collaborative community

workspace.

Parker used grant money to supply Makerspace with the tools and technology necessary for the students to design and create a work cell for O-Ring counting.

Students worked on the project during the 2022-23 school year and then made a presentation in the spring to the company. The results? A resounding success.

Parker’s engineers were so impressed that they are at work combining the best elements of each school’s design to create a new work cell that meets the needs of the company and is also fully accessible. In addition, the company will give a copy of the prototype cell to each school so students can train on it, become certified, and then be eligible for employment at Parker. This provides a path for students with disabilities to enter the workforce at a job that is assured to be accessible. At the same time, Parker, facing staffing shortages, can tap into an underused source of employees to meet manufacturing demand.

Parker officials call the program groundbreaking, and educators at the two schools raved that the project was the most exciting thing they’ve worked on in their careers.

All agree with Tom Cook,

an engineer

Please see Design Challenge, Page 15

The Woodford County High team (left) combined with Berea Independent to create a fully accessible prototype for a work cell at Parker Hannifin in Lexington.

Meagan Brannon with her son Ben, who has severe autism

By John Lynch

eagan Brannon was not the perfect person to open a bakery in Maysville: she knew nothing about business and didn’t know how to bake.

But she opened one anyway in part because of her 15-year-old son who has severe autism.

Brannon is one of the newest members of the CCDD Council. Her son, Ben, is nonverbal, has low intellectual ability and exhibits aggressive behavior.

When puberty and Covid hit Ben at the same time, his behavior escalated. Brannon and her husband Charles had to watch Ben every minute.

The family decided that it was no longer safe for him to live at home with Brannon, her husband and their 11-year-old twins Emma and Will.

Because Germantown, where the Brannons live, lacks services, and Kentucky has few residential facilities for children, Ben now lives at NeuroRestorative, a provider of subacute and post-acute rehabilitation services in Clearwater, Fla.

Ben has his own apartment in a com-

munity living setting. He has one-on-one care 24/7, attends school there and receives speech and occupational therapy.

His family visits him once a month. But his spirit remains in Maysville in the form of Sprinkles of Hope, the bakery that Brannon co-founded and opened five years ago.

The inspiration for the business was not food. Instead, the mission was to start a business that employed people with disabilities, like Ben.

Seven years ago, Brannon met for dinner with her friend Mary Jo Shepherd, a special education teacher at the time.

Brannon, who has worked as a nurse, is the IDD director at Comprehend Community Mental Health Agency in Maysville.

Over dinner, they decided to open a nonprofit business that employed and empowered people with disabilities.

Because they knew nothing about business, they used the services of the local entrepreneur center. For two years, they worked on a business plan and raised money.

Along the way, they realized that downtown Maysville needed a bakery. Brannon then had to learn to bake.

In 2018, they opened for business with one bakery case. The business took off and a year later they moved to a second location in downtown and started taking specialty orders.

Six months later, Norbert Gallenstein, owner of The Downtown Store, a Maysville institution that sold sandwiches and odds

and ends, was ready to retire and offered his location to Sprinkles of Hope.

He loved Brannon’s mission and joined the non-profit Board.

Sprinkles of Hope expanded its menu to include sandwiches and is now open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Why not weekends? Business-wise it would make sense.

“We’re not there to just be a café,” Brannon said. “We’re about inclusion and employment for people with disabilities. We’re not open on weekends because that’s when our employees want time to themselves.”

Sprinkles of Hope has 12 part-time and full-time employees. The manager, Heather Cooper, is a retired state employee who previously had not worked with people with disabilities.

“She has fallen in love with our mission and our employees,” Brannon said.

Sprinkles of Hope has won the Maysville non-profit-of-the-year award two times in a row and has been selected the best bakery in town by the local newspaper three straight years.

“The experience has been amazing,” Brannon said. “It’s everything we dreamed of and more, and it’s because the community has supported us. Customers take time to get to know our employees by name.

“I still don’t feel like I’m qualified to run a business. We’ve had so much help along the way. My name gets mentioned but it’s a collective effort.”

Ben is 15 and has completed eighth grade in Florida. This is his second out-of-state residential center. Previously, he stayed for 10 months at a facility in Atlanta.

He made progress there and returned home. But with his supports gone, his behavior got worse.

The Brannons were forced to check him into Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center until they could find another residential facility.

Again, Kentucky had nothing to offer unless the Brannons signed away their custodial rights as parents.

Instead, in April, they found NeuroRestorative where Ben can stay for the rest of the year. But it’s understood that residential homes are temporary. At the end of the year, he will be evaluated. He can stay in a pediatric residential home until he is 18.

“If he could be home, that’s where we want him to be,” Brannon said. “I have to constantly remind myself that he is where he needs to be, where he can get the care he needs.

“But going to sleep every night with him not at home is something we didn’t want. We never dreamed that we’d be faced with this reality.”

Design Challenge

Continued From Page 13 who helped train the students that “students with disabilities had a real voice and were at the center of the project.”

Becky Cook, Human Resources manager at Parker, who also happens to be married to Tom, echoed those sentiments.

“Because Parker Hannifin is building these newly designed work cells, we have created a talent pipeline and can hire people with disabilities and give them full access to the manufacturing plant,” she said.

When students visited the plant, they drew a crowd of curious Parker employees who followed them around during their visit.

“Everyone was excited about this project,” Becky Cook said. “Employees were bubbling with excitement after the students visited. That is the type of experience we want our employees to have.”

On the education side, enthusiasm ran just as high. Lynn Petrey is a Post Secondary Transition Specialist with KDE and has 20 years of experience as a special education teacher.

“This is something that I had never experienced in education before,” he said. “What the kids were able to produce, I think everybody was knocked out. Even engineers at Parker Hannifin were surprised by what students suggested.

“Students with disabilities felt heard not only by their classmates but by the community.”

CCDD Member Profile

Improving service options for rural Kentuckians like herself is only one of the issues Brannon hopes to address as a member of the CCDD Council.

Ben has a Michelle P. Waiver but the waiting list for this and other Waivers in Kentucky can be years long.

“The people on the waiting list for Waivers, what are they to do in the meantime?” Brannon said. “Everybody who needs the Waiver should have it. And the services need to be available or what good is the Waiver?

“There are legislative changes that need to be made. These are the issues I hope to address while I’m on the Council.

“I’m so excited to be on the Council and blown away that I was asked. I want to share our story and the stories of friends and families I know. I’m happy to represent rural Kentucky.” n

The start of this project can be attributed to an accident of geography. Petrey lives in the same neighborhood in Madison County as the Cooks, and the neighbors became friends.

“Lynn talked all the time about how to bring people with disabilities into the work place,” Becky Cook said. “At the time during the pandemic, Parker Hannifin was facing an employee shortage.”

Cook sold the company on the project, and Parker supplied grant money to train the students and equip Makerspace.

In charge of the training was Tom Cook, who worked as an engineer for 20 years with Corning Incorporated.

“The instruction was very structured. We combined engineering and business skills with the disability aspect,” he said.

For Tom, the project was a labor of love, inspired by the students.

“Now I know what a truly accessible work place looks like,” he said. “I have traveled the world with my company, but because of this project I was appointed a Kentucky Colonel and this project is my legacy.”

Educators who worked on the project voiced similar reactions.

Tracey Francis is the Woodford County School District Director of Special education with 21 years experience as an educator.

“The students were so professional, it was mind-blowing what they accomplished,” she said.

After the students made a presentation of the project to the school board and were featured on local news programs, the “stu-

dents became stars,” Francis said.

“It was amazing to see the level of communication between students and the work teams,” she said.

Students felt the same way. Gavin Barrows is a Woodford County High graduate and will attend Campbellsville University in the fall. He was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

“It was surreal that high school students from a little town in Kentucky could make this big of an impact,” he said. “I was amazed with myself and everybody in the project. It brought people together from all walks of life. I don’t think I’ll ever lose these friendships.”

His classmate, Gabby Villarreal, who also uses a wheelchair, was nearly brought to tears by the project. When students visited the Parker plant in Lexington, they made suggestions about how the plant could be more accessible.

The company not only listened but made commitments to accept and implement the students’ recommendations.

“I was able to speak my truth as much as possible,” Villarreal said. “The company listened to us, and our classmates listened to us too. It was very emotional for me.”

Students and teachers at Berea Independent had a similar experience.

Jennifer Whitt is the Director for Exceptional Children’s Services for Berea Independent. She pointed out that of the 44 students in the project, 33 were students with disabilities.

“In my 22 years at Berea, the Purpose

Please see Design Challenge, Page 17

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Some Have Taken Steps To Train Therapists To Treat People With Developmental Disabilities

By John Lynch

With the increasing incidence of mental health issues such as depression, self-harm and suicide in our culture, much attention is being paid to this societal problem.

But even with this added attention, an entire population remains overlooked and underserved – people with developmental disabilities.

“It’s not acceptable to have entire sections of the population who lack access to appropriate and effective treatment because of things they have no control over – in this case, an intellectual or developmental disability,” said Marcie Timmerman, Executive Director of Mental Health America Kentucky.

One of the chief reasons for this oversight is a lack of training. Mental health professionals are not taught how to treat people with disabilities. With no training, most therapists feel ill-equipped to take on these patients.

The result? People with disabilities have few places to turn to if they need mental health treatment.

Kelly Jones of Ft. Thomas is a mother of three, including Linus, 9, who has Down syndrome. Jones is a trained therapist. She works with teens and adults in private practice, and with elementary and high school students in a school setting.

“Because of a lack of training, therapists don’t feel confident about treating people with disabilities,” Jones said. “Meanwhile, kids are falling through the cracks. People with disabilities are like everyone else. They have emotional needs too.”

Even though she works in the field, Jones said, she wouldn’t know where to turn if her son needed mental health treatment.

Heather P. Hatchett is a clinical psychologist and has been teaching at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College since 2010 in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department.

She also has a son with autism and ADHD.

“There is a tendency to dismiss complaints of depression and other signs of emotional disturbance as merely part of autism,” Hatchett said. “You hear professionals say, ‘Is he like this because of autism?’”

Timmerman of Mental Health America Kentucky tells a harrowing story of an 18-year-old Kentuckian with a diagnosis of autism who showed signs of psychosis. He said he was hearing commanding voices.

“Because of his prior diagnosis of autism and the ignorance of mental health providers, he was not hospitalized nor was his psychosis at all treated,” Timmerman said.

HEATHER P. HATCHETT KELLY JONES

MARCIE TIMMERMAN

These three professionals have sounded the alarm that because of a lack of training, mental health therapists are unprepared to treat people with disabilities.

NORB RYAN Passes Away at 76

Norb Ryan, a legendary, lifelong advocate for people with disabilities and the former Kentucky ADA Coordinator and member of the CCDD Council, passed away in June at the age of 76.

Born with cerebral palsy, Norb accomplished much in his life.

His long list of awards and honors includes induction into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, he worked at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, the Child Development Center of the Bluegrass and the Human Development Institute at UK.

As state ADA Coordinator, he was relentless in his work to ensure accessibility and equality in every space, from state parks and libraries to airports and voting booths.

He also became legendary for his Disability Etiquette Powerpoint presentation. Sample point: Using a wheelchair is not a tragedy – it represents independence to the user.

He also was known for his sense of humor, often at his own expense.

“Norb had a wonderful, disarming sense of humor,” said Jen Hicks, Norb’s No. 2 at the state ADA office who later served as his successor. She currently works as Program Director for the CCDD.

Over the course of his career, which

included six years on the CCDD Council, Norb built a small army of admirers.

MaryLee Underwood, former Executive Director of the CCDD, was one of them.

“He was fearless and unflappable and had a profound effect on people as a mentor and as an advocate,” Underwood said.

Added Hicks: “Norb always made sure his voice was heard. He was a great example to self-advocates, and had the ability to parse out right from wrong and speak so eloquently about those issues.”

Norb Ryan is survived by his wife Barbara; his daughter, Jen (George Rousos) Ryan of Lexington; a son, Matt (Cori Bryan) Ryan of Louisville.

A sister, Meaghan Ryan of Ohio; a brother, Pat (Sharon Kelley) Ryan of Ohio; and his grandchildren, Melina Rousos, Maya Rousos, and Joe Ryan. n

workplace,” he said. “Shooting the video gave me a better grasp of the project as a whole.”

Continued From Page 15

in Action project has been the most exciting transition-focused opportunity we have participated in for so many reasons,” she said. “Most of the time a person with disabilities has to request accommodations. With this project, accessibility came first, sort of like reverse engineering.

“It amazed me what this learning opportunity turned in to. Students have grown in so many different ways, gaining new knowledge and skill sets, and gaining confidence.”

Rita Payne is the school district’s 21st Century Grant Director with more than 30 years experience as an educator.

“I’ve had some of the best conversations I’ve had with students on this project, which has been amazing,” she said. “This took learning outside the walls of school. When you step back and let students direct their learning, it’s mind-blowing.”

Isaac Skidmore is a rising senior at Berea Independent and has ADHD. As the project’s videographer, he created a video that will be shown at a national inclusion conference in the fall.

“I learned about people with disabilities and their place in the

Zachery Lapanne, a special education student and recent graduate of Berea Independent, was one of the student engineers who helped with the design and building of the work cell prototype. Lapanne frequently collaborated with students with physical disabilities to get valuable input from them that he incorporated into the design. This made sure that the work cell truly was compliant for people with physical limitations.

“I helped build the final design and I had never done anything like this before,” he said.

How did he feel about the project? “I loved it. It was very exciting.”

That seems to be the takeaway from everyone involved in this innovative and pioneering project.

Said Francis, Woodford County’s Director of Special Education: “To see how the students grew socially and emotionally, and how this project empowered the students… I can’t say enough about this project. We had no idea the impact this would have on all of us.” n

Norb Ryan

Advocacy Works

From Berea Independent (l to r): Amber Lutes, Summer Damrell and Isaac Skidmore

Resource List 2023

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

The Arc of the United States

2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C., 20006 / 202-534-3700

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

The Arc of Kentucky 706 East Main St., Suite A, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 875-5225 / (800) 281-1272 arcofky@arcofky.org

The Arc of Kentucky is the largest statewide community-based volunteer organization advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The Arc works tirelessly to uphold the vision that every individual and family living with I/DD in Kentucky has access to the information, advocacy and skills they need to support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

The Arc of Kentucky Chapters Barren County: Allison Curasi thebcarc@gmail.com

Central Kentucky: Marie Allison (859) 351-0728

Logan County: Thomas Thompson (270) 726-2218

Louisville Area: Serena Jacobs (502) 939-8273

Elizabeth Hernandez gets ready to board a bus at the Transit Center in downtown Lexington. Please see story about transportation challenges on Page 10.

Northern Kentucky The Point: Judi Gerding (859) 491-9191

The Arc of Kentucky Self Empowerment Network: Selfempowerment@arcofky.org

Self Empowerment Network: The Chesser Advocacy Group (The Arc of Central Kentucky) Alva Covington (312) 502-8217

Self Empowerment Network: Different Abilities South Central Kentucky: Renee Hathaway (270) 432-5938

Self Empowerment Network: The Arc of Greater Louisville Area: Dale Arnett (606) 224-0240

Best Buddies Kentucky

3044 Bardstown Road, Suite 1274, Louisville, Ky., 40205 (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

P rov i d i n g m e a ni n g f u l ex p e r i e n c e s a n d op p o r t un i t i e s f o r i n d i v i dua l s w i t h

I n t e l le c t ua l a n d D

evelop m e n t a l D i s a b il i t i e s .

A t N ew V is t a ou r g oa l

is t o he lp in dividua ls live

a n d pa r tic ip a t e in t h eir

co m mu ni t y. We pr o mot e

pe rso n - c e n t ere d c ar e, pr ovidin g se r vic es t h a t

su p po r t a n in dividua l ’s

e mo tiona l, m e n t a l, a n d

p hysica l we ll- b ein g

We see t h e g ood a hea d .

Resource List 2023

developmental disabilities.

www.bestbuddies.org/kentucky

Best Point (Formerly Children’s Home of Cincinnati)

5050 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45227 (513) 272-2800

Best Point is a private, non-profit social service agency that improves the lives of children and their families through services in four areas: adoption, early childhood, education and mental health. Best Point serves children of all ages and their families, including adoptive children, new parents needing support and guidance, children with special education needs, and children with mental health diagnoses.

www.tchcincy.org

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 148, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 / (513) 421-4120

www.bigsforkids.org

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 / www.bbbstristate.org

Impact Mentoring

1 South Main Street, Madisonville, Ky., 42431 (270) 821-0688

Committed to building strong, trusting and caring relationships that will have a positive impact and change the lives of those children who need it most through mentoring with an adult volunteer.

www.Madisonvillebbbs.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

Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky

7321 New La Grange Road, Suite 100, Louisville, Ky., 40222 / (502) 493-0609

Serves those affected by brain injury through advocacy, education, prevention, service and support. www.biak.us

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 (859) 221-6689

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 S. Second St., Suite 200, Louisville, Ky., 40202 (502) 589-6620 / (888) 813-8497 webinfo@calky.org / www.calky.org

Murray Location

1051 N. 16th St., Suite C, Murray, Ky., 42071 (270) 753-7676 / (888) 261-6194 calmur@calky.org / 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 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

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.

2358 Nicholasville Road, Suite 180, 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

Mental Health Crisis

Continued From Page 16

The family attempted to manage his increasingly dangerous behavior and symptoms for at least 10 days. He ended up hospitalized for treatment because the parents insisted, after they’d been forced to file a 202a – a mental health inquest warrant due to his now-dangerous statements and actions – and even that took a day or two longer.

“At MHA Kentucky, we talk about early intervention, but in this case the family attempted to get that at the onset of symptoms and didn’t receive any treatment other than being told it’s his autism,” Timmerman said. “It wasn’t, and hearing commanding voices isn’t an autism symptom.

“This was an advocate family that has lots of people to talk through this with. What would happen to a family in this situation who had a lesser understanding of the system?”

The source of the problem starts at the university level where “there is a hole in the educational system,” Hatchett said. “I don’t know of any universities that offer this kind of training that addresses mental illness and developmental disabilities simultaneously.”

In the industry, credentials exist for a wide variety of

specialties such as clinical and counseling psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, and addictions counseling.

But no industry-recognized credential or licensure exists for people with developmental disabilities.

Hatchett is addressing the problem within her own certificate at Cincinnati State, which offers a 24-credit credential in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Classes include an introduction to IDD, including symptoms and the diversity of IDD. A second class teaches students about community resources and agencies that are available.

A third class deals with legal issues, and the fourth class is a practicum where students work directly with people with disabilities seven hours a week for a semester.

There is a sprinkling of similar types of certificates at colleges across the country, but such training is an exception and doesn’t provide graduate level expertise in treating individuals presenting with “dually diagnosed” mental illness.

Meanwhile, there may be sympathetic therapists willing to provide professional help. That effort is appreciated, said Jones, who added, “Well-intentioned does not mean well trained.”

And therein lies the problem. n

Resource List 2023

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 / 1-800-CHILDREN 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. Being a parent can be tough. For FREE, confidential information and support, call the helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN. 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.

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

Kenton County (Covington):

(859) 962-4062

www.kentonlibrary.org/outreach/homebound

Laurel County Public Library (London): (606) 864-5759

www.Laurellibrary.org/services/outreach-services/ Lexington: (859) 231-5500

www.lexpublib.org/outreach

Louisville: (502) 574-1611

www.lfpl.org/bookstoyou.html

Warren County (Bowling Green): (270) 535-4886

https://warrenpl.org/using-the-library/ Daviess County (Owensboro) (270) 691-1886

www.dcplibrary.org/books-to-you

Paul Sawyier (Frankfort): (502) 352-2665

www.pspl.org/outreach-services

Hardin County (Elizabethtown): (270) 769-6337

www.hcpl.info/services.asp

Safe Kids Worldwide

1 Inventa Place, Sixth Floor West, Silver Spring, Md., 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

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 Street 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 888-4-TOURET (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

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

316 Main St., Shelbyville, Ky., 40014

(502) 633-4484 / 211 Help Line

PO Box 431, La Grange, Ky., 40031

(502) 222-7172 / 211 Help Line

Fights for the education, health, housing and financial stability of every person. / www.metrounitedway.org

(L to R): Regina Watts, Andrea Bartholome, Donna Fox, Kelly Jones, Meagan Brannon, Mark Rothel, Darrell Mattingly, Jacob Cruz, Ronnie O’Hair, Leigh Van Hooser, Laura Smith Butler, Mark Leach, Danny Slaton, Amy Smith, Chad Hunt

Not Pictured: Casey Allen, David Allgood, Camille Collins, Scott Collins, Blaire Handshoe, Tammie Isenberg, Barb Locker, Sharon Raymond

If you want to affect policy, influence legislators and advocate for change, the CCDD Council is the place for you. Call today to learn how you can make a difference.

Council members

Resource List 2023

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) 564-5198 / (866) 878-2626

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

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.

chfs.ky.gov/agencies/ccshcn/Pages/about.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-B Westport Road, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 (270) 766-5370 / (800) 995-6982

Serving Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties.

Hazard

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, Floyd, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Magoffin, Mason, Menifee, Morgan, Montgomery, Pendleton, Robertson and Rowan counties.

Owensboro

1600 Breckenridge St., Suite 1200, Owensboro, Ky., 42303 / (270) 687-7038 / (877) 687-7038

Serving Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Union and Webster counties.

Paducah

The HIPP Building, 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

Office for

Children with Special Health Care Needs

The mission of the OCSHCN is to enhance the quality

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.

Are We Missing Resources?

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.

First Steps Point of Entry Services

312 Whittington Pkwy., Suite 200, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 429-1249 (800) 442-0087

Our 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

Serving Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties.

Family to Family Health Information Centers

310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 200, Louisville, Ky., 40222

Sondra Gilbert / (270) 993-9430

Located at the offices of the Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Family to Family HICs are family-run 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. https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/ccshcn/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, Fulton, Graves, Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union and 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, Butler, Cumberland, Daviess, Edmonson, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Logan, Meade, Metcalf, Monroe, Nelson, Ohio, Simpson, Taylor and 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, Franklin, Gerrard, 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) 564-5560 / dmsweb@ky.gov

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/hcbwaiver.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 December 2022: The KATLC will be going through a reorganization. As a part of this process, KATLC will be looking for a new lending partner. The Board of Directors anticipate this being a six to nine month process.

https://katlc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Kentucky Education & Labor Cabinet

500 Mero St., 4th floor, 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) (877) 524-4718 / TTY/TDD: (877) KCHIP-19 (877) 524-4719

Hispanic Interpreter: (800) 662-5397

K-CHIP’s mission is to provide free health insurance to low income, uninsured children in Kentucky. The K-CHIP staff understands that access to health care is important and that preventive care is a large part of health care. kidshealth.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx

Zero V (formerly Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

111 Darby Shire Circle, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 209-5382

In addition to providing a safe, secure environment for victims/survivors and their children, programs now also offer a variety of support services to residents and non-residents, including legal/court advocacy, case management, safety planning, support groups, individual counseling, housing assistance, job search and children’s groups. / www.OV.org

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

Publicly-funded community services are provided for Kentuckians who have problems with mental health, developmental and intellectual disabilities, or substance abuse, through Kentucky’s 14 regional Boards for Mental Health or Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (Regional MHID Boards). Regional MHID Boards are private, non-profit organizations established by KRS Chapter 210 (see Related Links) which serve residents of a designated multi-county region. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dpo/bpb/Pages/cmhc.aspx

Regional Offices:

Adanta MH / MR Board

130 Southern School Road, Somerset, Ky., 42501 (606) 679-4782

Serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, Wayne counties. www.adanta.org

Communicare, Inc.

107 Cranes Roost Court, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 (270) 765-2605

Serving Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Washington counties. www.communicare.org

Comprehend, Inc.

610 Elizaville Ave., Flemingsburg, Ky., 41041 (606) 849-2212

Serving Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, Robertson counties. / www.comprehendinc.org

Cumberland River Behavioral Health

1203 American Greeting Card Road, Corbin, Ky., 40702 / (606) 528-7010

Serving Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, Whitley counties. / www.crbhky.org

Four Rivers Behavioral Health

425 Broadway, Suite 201, Paducah, Ky., 42001 (270) 442-7121 / 24-hour Line (800) 592-3980

Serving Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Gallatin, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, McCracken,Marshall counties. www.4rbh.org

Ky. River Community Care

115 Rockwood Lane, Hazard, Ky., 41701 (606) 436-5761

Serving Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, Wolfe counties. krccnet.com

Lifeskills

380 Suwanee Trail St., Bowling Green, Ky. 42103 (270) 901-5999

Serving Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Warren counties. www.lifeskills.com

Resource List 2023

Mountain Comprehensive Care Center

104 S. Front Ave., Prestonsburg, Ky., 41653 (606) 886-8572

Serving Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, Pike counties. www.mtcomp.org

New Vista

1351 Newtown Pike, Building 5, Lexington, Ky., 40511 (859) 253-1686 / (859) 272-7483

24-hour help line (800) 928-8000

Serving Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, Woodford counties. newvista.org

NorthKey Community Care

502 & 503 Farrell Drive, Covington, Ky., 41011 (877) 331-3292

Serving Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, Pendleton counties. www.northkey.org

Pathways, Inc.

1212 Bath Ave., Ashland, Ky., 41101 (606) 329-8588

Serving Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, Lawrence, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Rowan counties. www.pathways-ky.org

Pennyroyal MH / MR Board

3999 Fort Campbell Blvd., Hopkinsville, Ky., 42240 (270) 881-9551

Serving Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Lyon, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg counties. www.pennyroyalcenter.org

RiverValley Behavioral Health, Inc.

1100 Walnut St., Owensboro, Ky., 42302 (270) 689- 6500

Serving Davies, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, Webster counties. / www.rvbh.com

Seven Counties Services

10401 Linn Station Road, Suite 100, Louisville, Ky. 40223 / (502) 589-1100

Serving Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble counties. / www.sevencounties.org

Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

275 E. Main St., 4W-F, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-4527

The department oversees services in Kentucky to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use disorders. 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

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) 678-1879

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

400A 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

Kentucky IMPACT is a statewide program that coordinates services for children with severe emotional disabilities and their families. IMPACT serves children and youth of all ages.

https://dbhdid.ky.gov/dbh/kyimpact.aspx

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) assists Kentuckians with disabilities to achieve suitable employment and independence. The organization recognizes and respects the contribution of all individuals as a necessary and vital part of a productive society.

https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation

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) 564-1647 / (855) 459-6328

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; Kentucky Transitions. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/default.aspx

Career and Technical Education

300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4286 ext. 4249 https://education.ky.gov/CTE/Pages/default.aspx

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an essential component of the high school curriculum. It is a critical component in meeting the needs of students in academic achievement, career exploration, career preparation and leadership development.

Personal Care Attendant Program Department for Aging and Independent Living

275 E. Main St., 3E-E, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-6930

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. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/pcap.aspx

Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 / www.ssa.gov

Regional Offices: https://www.benefitsoffices.com/state/index. php?st=KY&page=1

Ashland

1405 Greenup Ave., Room 132, Ashland, Ky., 41101 (866) 269-3993

Bowling Green

2724 Chandler Drive, Bowling Green, Ky., 42104 (877) 801-0817

Campbellsville

101 Hiestand Farm Road, Campbellsville, Ky., 42718 (877) 828-1695

Corbin

159 Future Drive, Corbin, Ky., 40701 (877) 405-0470

Danville

103 Belinda Blvd., Danville, Ky., 40422 (877) 512-3850

Elizabethtown

591 Westport Road, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 (866) 596-7123

Florence

7 Youell St., Florence, Ky., 41042 / (800) 772-1213

Frankfort

140 Flynn Ave., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (866) 964-1724

Harlan

189 Village Center, Harlan Ky., 40831 (888) 590-2707

Hazard

122 Reynolds Lane, Hazard, Ky., 41701 (877) 405-0491

Henderson

2000 North Elm, Henderson Ky., 42420 (855) 628-1593

Hopkinsville

1650 Marie Drive, Hopkinsville, Ky., 42240 (877) 405-7656

Jackson

850 KY-15 N., Jackson, Ky., 41339 (866) 366-4920

Lexington

2241 Buena Vista Road, Lexington, Ky., 40505 (866) 530-7754

Louisville

10503 Timberwood Circle, Louisville, Ky., 40223 (888) 280-5851

Louisville

601 W. Broadway, Louisville, Ky., 40202 (866) 716-9671

Madisonville

4431 Hanson Road, Madisonville, Ky., 42431 (877) 626-9912

Mayfield

1526 Cuba Road, Mayfield, Ky., 42066 (866) 931-8366

Maysville

509 Market Place Drive, Maysville, Ky., 41056 (855) 807-8802

Middlesboro

10 S.E. Tech Dr., Middlesboro, Ky., 40965 (877) 619-2853

Owensboro

4532 Lucky Strike Loop, Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (866) 836-5834

Paducah

125 Brett Chase Road, Paducah, Ky., 42003 (866) 614-7905

Pikeville

333 Hambley Blvd., Pikeville, Ky., 41501 (888) 676-2942

Prestonsburg

1897 Ky. Route 321, Prestonsburg, Ky., 41653 (888) 450-4538

Richmond

1060 Gibson Bay Drive, Richmond, Ky., 40475 (866) 838-8945

Somerset

3975 U.S.-27, Somerset, Ky., 42501 (877) 714-0375

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 / ask@uky.edu

Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) is an awardwinning program that utilizes innovative training modalities and inclusive support group practices to meet the needs of foster, adoptive, relative, and fictivekin caregivers throughout the Commonwealth. https://socialwork.uky.edu/centers-labs/trainingresource-center/adoption-support-for-kentucky/

The Bair Foundation

2393 Alumni Drive, Suite 205, Lexington, Ky., 40517 (859) 519-3273 / www.bair.org

Bair Foundation is a therapeutic Foster Care agency in the process of getting the certification for caring for medically complex children. Bair Foundation foster care families are specially trained to care for children with medical and behavioral needs. Bair Foundation provides trauma-informed care for all children, helping them face challenging behaviors, and provides them with stable environments while focusing on the child’s strengths.

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

Resource List 2023

Best Point (Formerly Children’s Home of Cincinnati)

5050 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45227 (513) 272-2800 / (513) 808-9632

Best Point is a private, non-profit social service agency that improves the lives of children and their families through services in four areas: adoption, early childhood, education and mental health. Best Point serves children of all ages and their families, including adoptive children, new parents needing support and guidance, children with special education needs, and children with mental health diagnoses. www.tchcincy.org

Kentucky Faces

275 East Main St., 3C-E, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-7043.

DCBS/Adoption Service

https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyfaces

Key Assets Kentucky

961 Beasley St., Suite 160 &170, Lexington, Ky., 40509 / (859) 226-5022

Key Assets provides support for specialized foster parents who care for children with developmental delays or autism. / 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

601 College St., Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (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 underserved 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 multimodal 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/

The SHINE House

402 North Main St., Somerset, Ky., 42501 (606) 416-5380

The SHINE House is a non-profit community arts center whose goal is to provide instruction in a variety of visual arts forms in a creative educational space developed with inclusion in mind. www.theshinehouse.com

Wildwood Music Therapy

2375 Professional Heights Dr., Suite 134C Lexington, Ky., 40503 / (859) 212-3260

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

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

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.

https://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: December 2022: The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation will be going through a reorganization. As a part of this process, KATLC will be looking for a new lending partner. The Board of Directors anticipate this being a six to nine month process. 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 / www.redwoodnky.org

Wendell Foster Resource and Technology Center

815 Triplett St., Owensboro, Ky., 42302 (270) 683-4517 / https://wendellfoster.org

AUTISM

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)

P.O. Box 75, Milford, Ohio, 45150 (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

Rebecca Thompson, Kentucky Resident Contact (502) 263-5708 / 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 selfadvocates, 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

Child & Adolescent Psychological Evaluations

Matt Lowry, LPP

120 Sears Ave., Suite 202, St. Matthews, Ky., 40207 (502) 265-6790

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

Provides a full range of professional services in one location for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays.

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

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/

Life Works at WKU

1328 Adams St., Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 715-1380

LifeWorks at WKU is a non-profit, living and learning community that empowers young adults on the autism spectrum to successfully transition to lives of independence, productivity and employment. www.lifeworksatwku.org

PACT: Police Autism Community Training

PACT is a non-profit program aimed at educating and raising autism awareness within Kentucky’s law enforcement departments. PACT seeks to increase awareness and knowledge through a classroom session focused on improving miscommunication among law enforcement officials and individuals with autism. www.pactautism.com

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. The camp is open to children with disabilities.

maysvilleinitiatives.com/camp-discovery/

Camp Hendon

Resource List 2023

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 / dreamridersofkentucky@gmail.com

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

Legacy All Sports

261 Ruccio Way, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 977-8862

Carousel Kidz is a program to meet your child’s special needs with one-on-one gymnastics lessons. http://legacyallsports.com/about-us/

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

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

P.O. Box 6402, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42702-6402 (270) 312-1540 / info@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 / 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, Georgia, 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 Street 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

College Planning Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities

506 2nd Ave., Seattle, Wash., 98104 (800) 203-5102

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 in-person 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-forstudents-with-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

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 or P.O. Box 654, 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) 564-3141 / education.ky.gov

Ky. 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

Maysville Community and Technical College

Accessibility Services

1755 US 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

Louie B. Nunn Dr., 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

Family Resource and Youth Services Centers

Cabinet for Health and Family Services

275 E. Main St., 3C-G, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-4986 / mysti.white@ky.gov

Nearly all public schools in the state have Parent Resource Centers, which are divided into 11 Regions. The mission is to remove nonacademic barriers to

Resource List 2023

learning as a means to enhance student academic success. The Centers are also places where families of children with special needs can receive parent-to-parent counseling on special education issues and concerns. Families are welcome to visit and preview materials from the lending library, which has many books, videotapes and periodicals related to disability. The staff can connect parents to resources and support groups and also help with online research. https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dfrcvs/dfrysc/Pages/ regions.aspx

Regional Offices:

Region 1: Program Manager William Owen (270) 339-2192 / william.owen@ky.gov

Counties Served: Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Graves, Fulton, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Muhlenberg, Todd, 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, Hancock, Henderson, Logan, McLean, Ohio, Simpson, Union, Warren, Webster

Region 3A: Program Manager Naela Imanyara (502) 271-7720 / naela.imanyara@ky.gov

Region 3B: Program Manager Andrea Pike-Goff (270) 980-9134 / andrea.pikegoff@ky.gov

County Served: Jefferson

Region 4: Program Manager Betty Pennington

(859) 227-8206 / betty.pennington@ky.gov

Counties Served: Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Henry, Kenton, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Trimble

Region 5: Program Manager Paul Cookendorfer

(859) 230-2104 / paul.cookendorfer@ky.gov

Counties Served: Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Franklin, Grant, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Pendleton, Scott, Woodford

Region 6: Program Manager Maggie Myers

(859) 200-7777 / maggie.myers@ky.gov

Counties Served: Bullitt, Boyle, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Garrard, Lincoln, Marion, McCreary, Nelson, Pulaski, Russell, Spencer, Taylor, Washington, Wayne

Region 7: Program Manager Doug Jones

(606) 207-4287 / wdouglas.jones@ky.gov

Counties Served: Bath, Boyd, Bracken, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Johnson, Lawrence, Lewis, Martin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Robertson, Rowan

Region 8: Program Manager Teresa Combs

(606) 272-7031 / teresa.combs@ky.gov

Counties Served: Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Wolfe

Region 9: Program Manager Russell Jones

(606) 545-2110 / russell.jones@ky.gov

Counties Served: Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, Whitley

Region 10: Program Manager Lisa McKenzie

(859) 661-9629 / lisa.mckenzie@ky.gov

County Served: Fayette

Region 11: Program Manager Sherrie Baughn Martin / (270) 505-6533 / sherrie.martin@ky.gov

Counties Served: Adair, Allen, Barren, Breckinridge, Edmonson, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Meade, Metcalfe, Monroe.

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

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 DIFFERENCES

Dyslexia Association of the Pennyrile 538A Noel Ave., Hopkinsville, Ky., 42240 (270) 885-5804 / www.hopkinsvilledyslexia.com

The International Dyslexia Assn. – Ky. Branch P.O. Box 22006, Louisville., Ky., 40252 (502) 276-5153 / kentuckybranchida@gmail.com ky.dyslexiaida.org

LD Online

The world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD. / www.ldonline.org

Learning Disabilities Association of Kentucky 2210 Goldsmith Lane, Suite 118, Louisville, Ky., 40218 / (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

Ohio Valley Branch of the International Dyslexia Association OVBIDAtutorline@yahoo.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

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: c/o Imani Family Life Center

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

Financial Planner & Chartered Special Needs Consultant

2096 Cream Ridge Road, Junction City, Ky., 40440 David.morris@tfaconnect.com / (859) 516-1024

Financial strategies for families with children with special needs.

ElderLaw

McClelland & Associates, PLLC

Lexington: 1795 Alysheba Way, Suite 2102, 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 Millcreek Park, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (800) 372-2988 / (502) 564-2967

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.

www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/nickwallace

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 Dr., 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 Dr., Masonic

Resource List 2023

Home, Louisville, 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: 205 Frankfort St., Suite 3, Versailles, Ky., 40383 / (859) 279-0252

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

1035 Strader Drive, Suite 150, Lexington, Ky., 40505 (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 is committed to serving those affected by brain injury through advocacy, education, prevention, outreach, service and support. / www.biak.us

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/specialneeds/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: 722 Harvard Drive, Owensboro, Ky., 42301 / (270) 240-1842

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

Resource List 2023

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

Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment Special Services (EPSDT)

Dept. of Medicaid Services, Children’s Health Services

275 E. Main St., 6C-C, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (800) 635-2570 / TTY (800) 775-0296 (502) 564-9444

The EPSDT Screening Program provides routine physicals or well child check-ups for Medicaid eligible children at certain specified ages. EPSDT can also provide speech/language, physical and/or occupation therapy, and specialized durable medical equipment for children who qualify and need those services. www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/provider/Pages/ epsdtservice.aspx

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 Street, Paducah, Ky., 42001 (270) 444-9687

https://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

7511 New La Grange Road, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 423-1151

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 Rehab Institute

UofL Health, 200 Abraham Flexner Way, Louisville, Ky., 40202 / (502) 582-7400 / (502) 587-4011

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

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 multi-disciplinary 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, 1800 Rose St., Lexington, Ky., 40536 / (859) 323-5000 / (800) 333-8874

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-childrenshospital

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

1101 Herr Lane, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 210-5538 / info@thekidzclub.com

Bowling Green: 1347 Kentucky Hwy. 185, Suite 2,

Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 / (270) 746-0333

Erlanger: 527 Watson Road, Erlanger, Ky., 41018 (859) 727-0800

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 facility that provides skilled nursing care in a daycare setting for children who are medically fragile. Kidz Club children range from having highly complex medical conditions to kids who simply need to be monitored or have medication delivered. The Kidz Club provides educational enrichment, therapy followthrough, field trips and activities in a fun social setting. Transportation can be provided. Medicaid and private insurance accepted. There are no costs to children or their family. / www.thekidzclub.com

The Kid SpOt Center (Pediatric Therapy)

Campbellsville: 50 Gene Cash Road, Campbellsville, Ky., 42718 / (270) 465-7768

Elizabethtown: 107 Financial Dr., 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

Grayson: 308 Horton Street, Suite B, Grayson, Ky., 41143 / (270) 283-3845

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: 3450 Richmond Road, Suite 130 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 Dr., Richmond, Ky., 40475 (859) 444-5330

Offers occupational and speech therapy for Lexington and surrounding counties. The practice accepts EPSDT, most private insurance plans, participates with Kentucky First Steps, and offers payment plans and provides need-based scholarships from birth to age 21.

https://marshallpediatrictherapy.com

Multiple Sclerosis Society

Indiana-Kentucky-Tennessee Chapter

214 Overlook Circle, Suite 153 Brentwood, Tenn., 37027 / (800) 344-4867

https://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

UofL 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

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/nortonchildrens-hospital

Passport Health Plan

5100 Commerce Crossings Drive, Louisville, Ky., 40229 / (800) 578-0603 / TDD (800) 691-5566

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

Shriners Hospitals for Children

110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, Ky., 40508 (859) 266-2101

Shriners Hospitals for Children 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

234 Natchez Trace Ave., Bowling Green, Ky., 42103 (270) 715-5437

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

M ENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS

360 Mental Health Services

1517 Nicholasville Road, Suite 302, Lexington, Ky., 40515 / (859) 948-9471

tim@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 (859) 221-6689

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

100 S. Main St., Harrodsburg, Ky., 40330 (859) 733-9241

Additional offices in Lexington, Danville, Richmond and Stanford

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, afterschool programs, adult day training, case management and more.

www.cafcainc.com

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

Resource List 2023

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.

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) 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) 225-6264 / www.namiky.org

Regional Offices:

Bowling Green

Rebecca Coursey: (270) 772-2779

Butler County

Christy Havens: (270) 999-0633

Deborah Weed & Larry Gregory: (270) 796-2606

Heartland

Melony Cunningham: (859) 225-6264

Jessamine County

Venkat Sudharshan: (859) 913-1047

Amberosya King: (859) 272-7891

Lexington

Dr. Fareesh Kanga: (859) 229-7128

Phill Gunning: (859) 272-7891

Julie Caudill: (859) 245-4442

Louisville

Steward Bridgeman: (502) 588-2008

Nancy Brooks: nancy.brooks@namilouisville.org

Madison County

Rob Milde: (859) 893-5279

Montgomery County

Veronica Crump: (859) 398-3710

Morehead

Carol Mauriello: (606) 356-9194

Mountain Region

Mary Prater: (606) 319-3115

Murray

Brenda Benson: (270) 748-6133

Northern Kentucky

Susan Faris: (859) 308-9212

Mitch Haralson: (859) 392-1730

Owensboro

Mindi Peay: (270) 702-6076

Vanessa Roff: (502) 415-3586

Paducah

Jana Wilson: (270) 816-2671

Phyllis Nunn: (270) 519-3414

Nicole Champion: (270) 970-3641

Rachel McCary: (270) 205-0602

Grant McCary: (270) 727-1643

Somerset

Steven Hoeck: (606) 282-3793

Winchester

Brenda Harrington: (859) 749-3702

NAMI University Locations:

Eastern Kentucky University

Megan Thomas: (606) 922-4285

University of Kentucky

Julie Neace: (859) 323-8487

Western Kentucky University

Jana Wilson: (270) 816-2670

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 110, 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

1101 Herr Lane, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 210-5538 / info@thekidzclub.com

Bowling Green: 1347 Ky. Hwy. 185, Suite 2 Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 / (270) 746-0333

Erlanger: 527 Watson Road, Erlanger, Ky., 41018 (859) 727-0800

Lexington: 2200 Regency Road, Lexington Ky., 40503 / (859) 224-0799

Louisville: 1517 Gagel Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40216 (502) 409-5316

Louisville: 225 N. 25th St., Louisville, Ky., 40212 (502) 365-2426

Louisville: 7140 Preston Highway, Louisville, Ky., 40219 (502) 368-9318

The Kidz Club is a prescribed pediatric extended care facility that provides skilled nursing care in a day care setting for children who are medically fragile. Kidz Club children range from having highly complex medical conditions to kids that simply need to be monitored or have medication delivered. The Kidz Club provides educational enrichment, therapy followthrough, field trips and activities in a fun, social setting. Transportation can be provided. Medicaid and private insurance accepted. There are no costs to the child or their family. 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

Cincinnati Reading Center

9402 Towne Square Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242 (513) 531-7400 / jeff@langsfordcenter.com

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., 40041 Located on the Masonic Homes Kentucky campus (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

Resource List 2023

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

Paws With Purpose

P.O. Box 5458, Louisville, Ky., 40255 (502) 689-0804 / Info@PawsWithPurpose.org pawswithpurpose.org

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

SERVICE PROVIDERS (COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTIAL)

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 (800) 866-0860 / (502) 394-2100

Provider of comprehensive home and communitybased health services to complex populations in need of specialized care.

www.brightspringhealth.com

Cedar Lake

9505 Williamsburg Plaza, Suite 200 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

Resource List 2023

of how they can best support these individuals to live a life filled with abundant possibilities. www.cedarlake.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 (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

P.O. Box 790, Ashland, Ky., 41105 (606) 324-1141 / (800) 562-8909

Pathways assists in obtaining individual and family-determined 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

501 Park Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40208 (502) 585-1911

REACH 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

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.redwoodnky.org

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

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

Heuser Hearing Institute

117 E. Kentucky St., Louisville, Ky., 40203 (502) 584-3573

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

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 (800) 372-2907 / kcdhh@mail.state.ky.us

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 non-biased 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 speechlanguage 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

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

Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky

Kosair Charities, 982 Eastern Parkway, Suite 18 Louisville, Ky., 40217 (502) 637-7363 / sbak@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 Hospitals for Children

110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, Ky., 40508 (859) 266-2101

Shriners Hospitals for Children 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

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

1906 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, Ky., 40218 (502) 509-5184

Eastern Kentucky: (606) 233-1330 sharon.cornett@radioeye.org

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

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 campus-like environment where the Center remains dedicated to adults and youth who are blind or visually impaired. clovernook.org

Neuro-Visual Performance Institute

105 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://eyedoctor.io/optician/childrens-vision-andlearning-center-psc-versailles-ky/

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 selfsufficiency 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 Kentucky Department of Education

Office of Special Instructional Services

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.

https://www.ksb.kyschools.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.kyschools.us/Content/36

Silver Circles, Inc.

2396 New Shepherdsville Road, Bardstown, Ky., 40004

(859) 489-7773 / (812) 273-6986

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 (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.