Exceptional Family Magazine Winter/Spring 2019 by Lexington Family Magazine

"Shaping Children for Their Futures" Services: Speech Therapy, O ccupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Positive Behavior Supports, ABA, M ental Health Coun seling, Community Living Supports, Social S kills, Targeted Case Ma nagement, Medic ation Management, Ne uropsychology Evaluations

4 Clinic Locations: Campbellsville Bowling Green Somerset Elizabethtown

Call TODAY for more info!

(270) 465-SPOT (7768) www.thekidspotcenter.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION: FOR MORE INFORMATION: 502- 564- 7841 502-564-7841 WWW. CCDD. KY. GOV WWW.CCDD.KY.GOV 656 Chamberlin Ave Suite C. Frankfort, KY 40601

WINTER/SPRING

2019

INDEPENDENCE

INTEGRATION

INCLUSION

Accessible Playgrounds New Ones Are Popping Up All Over, Thanks to Grassroots Efforts... and One Unique Mom

6 Letter from the CCDD

14 Laureen Vassil

7 Meet the CCDD

15 Lyndsey Crunk Act

9 Reader Survey

17 Self-Empowerment

10 HDI CHEER Project

20 Resource List

CCDD Council Member Erin Tiemeier Explains What The Council Means to Her

The Council Consists of People Just Like You - Advocates and Self-Advocates

Wings for All

Program Provides Air Travel Rehearsal For People on The Autism Spectrum

Need More Copies?

Complete a Short Survey and Get A Chance to Win $250 Statewide Initiative Helps People With Disabilities Get Into Shape

For Additional Free Copies, Call:(859) 223-1765 or email: john@lexingtonfamily.com

Editor..........................John Lynch

of Lexington Family Magazine

Graphic Artist...............Blake Barber

of Lexington Family Magazine 4

www.lexingtonfamily.com

A CCDD Member, Laureen Is a Mother of a Child With Epilepsy and Is a Tireless Advocate Kentucky’s Seizure Smart School Law Is the First of Its Kind in the Country

The Arc of Kentucky’s New Program Promotes Self-Advocacy From Autism to Vision Issues, Statewide List Provides Information You Need

Hablas Espanol? For the Spanish Version of the Magazine, visit lexingtonfamily.com

2019 Exceptional Family Ky is published by Lexington Family Magazine, Central Kentucky’s premier parenting publication. 138 E. Reynolds Rd. # 201 • Lexington, Kentucky 40517 (859) 223-1765 • www.lexingtonfamily.com • info@lexingtonfamily.com

Letter

Advocacy Works

From the CCDD By Erin Tiemeier

Now I Can Advocate for Others am 31 years the Springer School in Cincinnati. them. I mucked stalls and groomed old and for the The school specializes in helping the horses, and that really helped first time have people like me who have learning me. my own apartment, issues. I was there from fifth through After high school, I was in and out in Fort Mitchell, and eighth grade and it was awesome. of group homes. I couldn’t do the I like my part-time Then I enrolled in a public high same things as people my age and job at Kmart. My life is in a school and my freshman year was that made me angry, so I acted out good place. horrible. again. That wasn’t I had trouble controlalways the case with ling my behavior. It was me. my situation and I didn’t I struggled in know how to handle it. Members include people with developmental school. My peers I finally realized that I disabilities as well as family members and guardians and even teachers needed help. My famof people with developmental disabilities. called me dumb. ily helped me get the Council members are expected to attend quarterly I have ADD and right medication and I meetings that last two to three days, and other ADHD, and math received equine therapy. events throughout the year. was my learning Everything has been A member serves a three-year term and is limited disability. better since then. to two terms of service. Growing up, I And now I’m a also suffered from Info: www.kyccdd.com or 1-877-367-5332. member of the Comdepression, anxiety monwealth Council on and impulse control Developmental Disabiliissues. People made fun of me and I acted ties, which is very exciting because I I also lost my mother when I was 8 out because I was so unhappy. My can help others. years old. I lived with grandparents biggest peeve is when people look It’s important that people see the for five years before I moved in with down on those with disabilities. That “able” and not the label. aunt and uncle. makes my heart hurt. If I can help move an issue along Mary Ann and Larry Tiemeier are In high school, I went to a group like getting transportation for people now my parents. home for the first time. That was in the community, that makes me I feel blessed. Because I had family difficult because you can’t have visits feel good. I didn’t have to go into the system. but that was the first time I worked Now that I’m older and more confiI also was blessed because I moved with horses. dent, I can advocate for others. This from Catholic and public schools to I got to ride them and take care of is a great opportunity for me. n

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

www.lexingtonfamily.com

Meet the CCDD

Council members (L to R): Norb Ryan, David Merdian, Paul Hitchcock, Camille Collins, Lela Hale, Mark Rothel, Karen Brammell, Erin Tiemeier, Sherry Pickett, Laura Lyle, Grant Gupton, Claudia Johnson, Jennifer Duinskie, David DeSanctis, Roxanne Holbrook, Laureen Vassil, Joseph Miller and Jennifer Ulbricht Front: Joe Cowan, David Allgood Not pictured: Jan Bright, Elaine Eisenbaum, Michele Williams. 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.

Come Join Us! 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.

(877) 367-5332

www.ccdd.ky.gov 2019 Exceptional Family KY

Advocacy Works

Meet New CCDD Staff Members

University of Kentucky graduate, Paige Harder has joined the CCDD staff as the new communications and marketing coordinator. Previously, Harder worked for the Cooperative Extension program at UK and currently is studying instructional systems Paige Harder design in the master’s program at her alma mater. Since she was hired in October, Harder has focused on redesigning the CCDD brand and website, maintaining the Council’s presence on social media, and designing and producing a monthly e-newsletter for CCDD stakeholders and partners. “I am new to the DD world and I love my job because you can see the difference we are making in the lives of Kentuckians,” she said. “I always wanted a job where I can help people, and the work being done here is amazing.” Harder may be new to the DD world but not to the concept of inclusion, which she witnessed firsthand in Harrodsburg. “I saw inclusion from an early age in my town,” she said. “In school everybody learned at the same time, including students with disabilities. It was a very positive experience.” She says the same about her time so far at the CCDD. “We fund so many good projects that better the lives of Kentuckians,” she said. “The CCDD is making advances in employment and housing, and funding better transportation opportunities. “My job is to help get the word out about all the great things we are doing toward the overall goal of inclusion where everyone is equal.” n

T Kim Grider 8

imberlee Ratzlaff brings years of experience in government work to her new position as the CCDD’s financial director. A graduate of Wichita State University with a master’s in public administration from Kentucky State, Ratzlaff kimberlee ratzlaff worked for 15 years in the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Department of Transportation before joining the CCDD staff in November. In fact, her first day on the job coincided with a CCDD Council meeting. “That was absolutely fascinating and extremely interesting,” she said. “It was great to come in to that on my first day. There was so much good discussion and great effort by everybody. “The Council was putting in place things that they want to do for the people of Kentucky. “I saw the nature trail at Kentucky State that had sensory friendly activities. Projects like that are really cool.” Now a grandmother of a 2-year-old and an avid quilter, Ratzlaff started her career as a department store manager in Kansas and has worked in finances her whole career. She will develop budgets, work with vendors and set up policies and procedures for the Council. The big change for her is that now she can see the benefits of her work. “I don’t usually get to see how my works impacts the community, but I will with this job,” she said. “That’s the part that I’m really looking forward to.” n

outreach

CCDD Seeks to Help Hispanics With Disabilities The Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities is seeking adults with disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities in the Hispanic community. The CCDD is interested in discovering how it can help you to advocate for needed services. Info: Please contact Nicole Maher at nicole. maher@ky.gov or (502) 226-0784. n

New Website The CCDD’s revised website can keep you current with Council news and activities. The website includes a calendar of Council meetings plus information on CCDD-funded projects and public policy positions. You can also learn about self-advocacy initiatives and resource and partner information. Please visit https:// ccdd.ky.gov n

Reader Survey Winner of $250

he winner of the latest Exceptional Family Magazine Reader Survey prize of $250 is Kim Grider. Grider is in her second year as a counselor at Coleridge Taylor Montessori School in Louisville. Previously, she worked as a Family Resource Center director for 20 years in Louisville. She plans to use the money to purchase visual timers and other sensory integration materials for her

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students such as pads for sensory friendly classroom chairs. Grider appreciates the statewide resources listed in each issue of Exceptional Family. “I’m a huge advocate for our parents to plug in to resources not just locally but regionally,” she said. “I love the magazine for our families and I’m super grateful to be able to offer it to them.” n

Be among the first 50 to enter a drawing for $250 Fill out the form below and mail it in or take this survey online at: www.lexingtonfamily.com/exfam-survey/

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ARE YOU A: Person with a developmental disability

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HDI-Led CHEER Project Helps Kentuckians...

Advocacy Works

Round Into Shape

By John Lynch

challenges faced by Kentuckians, particularly for people with mobility or cognitive limitations.” ecause individuals with Two of CHEER’s greatest success stories disabilities are three times more likely to experience heart disease, are linked to partnerships with Kentucky’s Department of Public Health CARE stroke, diabetes and cancer, Kentucky is Collaborative and the Markey Cancer Center tackling these health disparities through a at UK. Centers for Disease Control Disability and The CARE Collaborative is an educational Health grant called Project CHEER. program aimed to increase awareness of the Project CHEER (Community Health effects healthy lifestyle choices can have on Education and Exercise Resources) is a blood pressure. collaborative effort between the Division of CHEER showed health professionals that Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities people with cognitive and physical and the University of Kentucky’s disabilities could not only Human Development access the blood pressure Institute. tool but that people with Kentucky is especially mobility issues could hard hit by this be active. problem because the Cody Woolums state has one of the of Garrard County, country’s highest who suffered a rates of disability spinal cord injury at 33.2%. at 15, is the Project CHEER is a CHEER Fitness statewide, capacityCoordinator building initiative Cody Woolums works his ”When I first that supports the way into shape. started exercising after disability community my injury I didn’t have by providing access to resources or anyone to ask healthy resources while also for help,” he said. providing health professionals “So this project is a great way to help with strategies for successful inclusion. people learn how to be healthy in a way that CHEER includes educational programs works for them and not feel so overwhelmed focused on nutrition and healthy lifestyle on not knowing where to start or what to choices; adapted exercise programs and videos promoting increased physical activity; do.” Lindsey Mullis, Inclusive Health Director, and community partnerships that promote a with HDI is encouraged by comments like healthy lifestyle for all individuals. that. These programs have significantly “Project CHEER has grown beyond our expanded the HealthMatters curriculum expectations,” Mullis said. “We have seen under HDI’s existing Health and Wellness this program make a difference in people’s Initiative that has served people with lives. I saw one person with an intellectual disabilities in Kentucky since 2014. disability lose close to 100 pounds.” That effort trained close to 100 program administrators and reached over 600 t the Markey Cancer Center, individuals with intellectual disabilities Project CHEER worked with the across the state in making positive health Center’s community outreach changes in exercise and nutrition. director, Melissa Hounshell, who travels “HDI is pleased to be part of this across the state promoting healthy lifestyle innovative and much needed project,” HDI choices with the “Get Fit, Be Smart, Don’t Executive Director Kathy Sheppard-Jones Start” campaign. said. Hounshell reached out to Project CHEER “We recognize the significant health

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for assistance when she realized that the program was not inclusive of individuals with disabilities. Through this partnership, Project CHEER helped Hounshell create universally designed resources, visuals and presentation skills that allowed her to seamlessly begin providing her presentation to disabilitybased organizations. Hounshell also began co-presenting with HDI’s employee self-advocate, Morgan Turner, to offer an even broader and more inclusive presentation. In addition, Project CHEER connected with the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network and accomplished two meaningful goals: the creation of a disability awareness webinar series and the inclusion of disability demographics in the center’s Needs Assessment. Project CHEER’s initial goal was to advocate for the inclusion of six disability demographic questions taken from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. These questions will help gain information about unique disability-related barriers that may be experienced by patients. The plan was to create a separate assessment using universally designed strategies, but discussion quickly demonstrated how incorporating universal design adaptations created a tool that allows for greater access for all individuals. Thrilled with this development, Project CHEER added several visual scales, visual cues and simplified the wording of several questions in order to create a universally designed final product. The 85 evidence-based questions were piloted with self-advocates and universal design experts on the HDI team. “The ability to participate in regular physical activity is a common barrier that individuals with disabilities face due to lack of guidance and inaccessible equipment,” Mullis said. “There is a drastic disparity in health for people with disabilities and we have a true passion to close that gap.” For more information on the work of Project CHEER or to view inclusive health resources, go to www.wellnness4ky.org n

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000

IT’S THE LAW! On October 30, 2000, Congress Passed Law 106-402. It States:

Congress finds that – (1) disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently, to exert control and choice over their own lives, and to fully participate in and contribute to their communities through full integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of United States society.

OUR MISSION 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.

GET INVOLVED TODAY – Join the CCDD Info: (877) 367-5332 or visit www.kyccdd.com

Advocacy Works

t h g FliHOOL SC

Wings for All Event Provides Air Travel Rehearsal for People on the Autism Spectrum By John Lynch hen 18-year-old Sam Morris, his mom and step-dad board a flight to Orlando for a Disney World vacation in March, they can thank the Wings for All event sponsored by The Arc of Kentucky for making their trip possible. The Nicholasville family has been to Disney World before but always traveled by car – an arduous trip by any standard but especially with a son who has autism. Beth and Charles Williams feared that their son would never board a plane. But that changed on Nov. 3 after the family attended Wings for All at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington. Wings for All is an airport rehearsal program specifically designed for people on the autism spectrum, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Kentucky partnered with Blue Grass Airport, TSA and Delta Air Lines for the Lexington event, which was also sponsored by the Arc of Central Kentucky, the Autism Society of the Bluegrass and Employment Solutions of Lexington. From checking bags, navigating airport security to boarding a plane, participants experienced the full process of air travel, short of actually flying to a destination. For three hours on a Saturday afternoon, Sam and his parents were among the nearly 80 people who participated in the event, the second of its kind in Kentucky following a similar one in September in Louisville. “It was good for Sam to experience the sights and sounds of what it’s like to be on a plane at an airport,” Charles Williams said. “This was a very valuable experience.” His wife, Beth, echoed those sentiments, saying, “He loved it and he handled everything well. Now we know we can fly to Disney World.” Sam had his own rooting gallery in the person of Tina Brown, a TSA manager with 16 years experience. Prompted by Sam’s behavioral therapist Abeer Bateh, Brown had met Sam and his family previously at the airport. At that meeting, Brown reviewed procedures with Sam and his family. And then, on her day off, she arrived at the airport for Wings for All just to encourage Sam. How did he do? “Let me tell you what, Sammy did great,” Brown said. “We rehearsed the body position for going through the body scanner and we weren’t sure he would able to do that. But he did it.” Brown had not worked with someone with autism before but she connected with Sam. During the security check-in process, Sam reached out and touched her. “His mother said, ‘Oh, look at that, he trusts you,’” Brown said. “Afterward, when I saw his parents faces light up, that was so rewarding.”

S Photos By: Bill Straus 12

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tories like Sam’s were the order of the day at Wings for All. Carter Curtsinger, a homeschooled 13-year-old with autism from Louisville, arrived at the airport with his grandparents, Angie and Bob Underwood. Carter checked his bags, made it through the security process but stopped short when everyone boarded the plane. The rest of the group explored the plane, sat in the seats, even visited the pilot in the cockpit who fired up the plane’s engines to everyone’s

surprise and delight. After the group de-planed, Carter boarded the plane but never did take a seat. He volunteered to hand out surveys to adults. Afterward, Delta Captain Jim Deneef, the pilot, thanked Carter for his help and said to him, “I’m so proud of you. You were very brave.” “This was a good day for him, and he made a lot of friends,” his grandfather said about Carter. “It was a real breakthrough for him.” At an airport reception afterward, participants shared stories of making friends and knocking down barriers. Many families realized their boundaries had just been expanded. “The old expression that practice makes perfect is not very inspiring, but this event showed that practice makes things possible that otherwise were impossible,” said State House member Kelly Flood, who represents the 75th district. “Many kids were anxious today but that’s why we are here. To tell them that their fears are natural. We all have them.” Wings for All marked an advance for inclusion, normalizing everyday experiences for all in the community and helping to make the Bluegrass a more autism friendly place. Kasey Waddell, a graduate student at the University of Kentucky majoring in applied behavior analysis, volunteered her time to help… and also to learn. “This helped me understand what my families need,” she said. “This was a wonderful event because it makes people

with autism feel more a Carter Curtsinger, part of things. “This aids the whole 13, of Louisville, inclusion effort.” wears the pilot’s Blue Grass Airport cap and jacket at officials were pleased… Wings for All at and not just because Blue Grass Airport Wings for All helped so in Lexington. Cartmany families. “Air travel can be er’s grandfather, intimidating for even Bob Underwood, the traditional traveler, called the event a so to have an event breakthrough for like this where people Carter. could rehearse the whole experience was an awesome opportunity Photo By: for all these families,” Bill Straus said Tiffany Hart, marketing director at Blue Grass Airport. “But this was a great experience for our whole team as well. We learned so much.” Before participants arrived, Sherri Brothers, executive director of the The Arc of Kentucky, led an hour-long training said Sara Spragens, Autism Society of the session for airport personnel, educating Bluegrass president. “It’s telling that our them on what to expect from people on the open space filled up so quickly. autism spectrum. “People who need to travel have issues That’s a crucial part of the experience, that prevent the entire family from which has been repeated at airports all over traveling by plane. That can make travel the country. onerous if not impossible.” Since 2014, the Arc of the U.S., which Spragens cited families who had traveled has more than 650 chapters, has held 120 exclusively by car before this event. Wings for All events at 55 different airports She also offered support beforehand to with 13 airlines. anxious children who clearly needed air This effort has helped more than 13,000 travel practice. people. Those individuals were much less anxious All participants, many of whom were afterward. That’s why Brothers knew children, received a backpack that included that the event was an unqualified success a keepsake T-shirt, a stress toy in the even before she reviewed all the surveys shape of an airplane, a set of wings and a completed by participants. picture book that a family can “I thought it was fabulous, review together, all provided extraordinary,” she said. “Once everyone Sam Morris, by Employment Solutions of got on the plane, individuals got to talk 18 of NicholasLexington. to air traffic controllers and the flight attendants. ville, with Beth “They sat on the jump seats and when and Charles ings for All they got to the cockpit, the pilot really went Williams, his in Lexington beyond the call of duty. When he started mother and filled up almost the plane, it was really exciting. stepfather. immediately after it was “The whole thing was a very interactive TSA manager announced, demonstrating experience, just like we expected it to be. a gaping, community need. “Individuals who had never been on a Tina Brown The Delta Air Lines plane was plane before got to see what it’s all about.” attended Wings large enough to accommodate And don’t worry if you and your family for All on her 39 people with disabilities missed this event. day off just to and one family member each. The Arc is scheduling another event in support Sam. “It was a wonderful turnout, Louisville this spring and planning a future which is really gratifying,” event at Blue Grass Airport. n

2019 Exceptional Family KY

Advocacy Works Epilepsy

CCDD Member Profile: Laureen Vassil

“Advocacy Is My Thing” Mom of Daughter With Epilepsy Stays Strong

By John Lynch

aybe it’s her buoyant personalover 1% of the U.S. population ity, her unflagging spirit or her and there is no known cause dedication to advocacy. Or mayor cure. One in three cases are be it’s just her Long Island Medium New like Allison’s where no treatment York accent. Any way you look at it, it’s all works. but impossible to forget Laureen Vassil. Diagnosed with primary generalized She stands only 5-foot-2 but casts a long epilepsy, Allison regularly endures tonicshadow in the epilepsy support commuclonic seizures (formerly grand-mal). She nity. Her influence reaches well beyond the attends school in a special education room. Bluegrass to the rest of Kentucky and even She can’t read and has the intellectual Washington, D.C. development of a 5-year-old. She will leave It’s no wonder that in 2015 she was the high school in May with a certificate of second person honored with the National completion. Epilepsy Foundation’s Sara Stubblefield But Allison is a happy person. “Her glass Advocacy Award for her tireless service as is always half full,” Laureen says. Allison the Volunteer Advocacy Coordinator of the loves movies (especially ones with a Disney Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. princess), board games and Uno. Laureen received the award “She’s feisty, mostly a happy at the Epilepsy Foundation’s kid. She is always positive,” “Laureen Public Policy Institute in WashLaureen says. “Her goal now is carries a ington, D.C. to get a job and make money. Along with a part-time job as heavy heart She will correct you. She wants a bedside nurse at the Uniget a job and make lots of and just does to versity of Kentucky Hospital, money.” not allow Laureen is the mother of two Allison plays softball in Spechildren. Matthew, 22, is a cial Olympics and is a member her situation graduate of St. Louis Univerof the unified track and field to bring her team at Tates Creek High. Her sity and works as an ACT prep instructor. He lives at home events are the 100 meter dash, down.” in Lexington with his parents. long jump and shot put. Laureen and Michael, an IBM computer But because of her epilepsy, Allison programmer, have been married for 25 cannot be left alone and requires constant years this June. supervision, including help in the bathLaureen’s other child is Allison, a room. And seizures are dangerous. Allison 20-year-old student at Tates Creek High. crashes to the floor when one hits, and Allison suffered her first epileptic seizure she’s exhausted afterward. when she was 5 years old and the seizures Her caregivers – and guardians – are have not stopped despite every possible Laureen and Michael treatment: medications, a Ketogenic diet, Laureen works many weekends at the a Vagus Nerve Stimulator implanted in hospital so Michael can be home with Alliher chest, clinical trials for the medication son when he’s not at the office. As Laureen epidiolex, a visit to the Mayo Clinic and says, “Epilepsy affects the whole family.” finally, in 2017, brain surgery, a partial She and Michael have missed work, given corpus callosotomy. up family vacations and alternated missing Nothing helped. Epilepsy affects a little Matthew’s youth baseball games. If Michael 14

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Laureen Vassil with her daughter Allison, 20, who has epilepsy with severe seizures. attended a game, Laureen stayed home with Allison and vice versa. “Matthew got dragged to hospitals and doctor’s offices, but he wasn’t really denied anything,” Laureen said. “He’s always been empathetic and willing to help Allison.” The Vassils have paid a financial price too. Had they received the Michelle P. Waiver, they would have qualified for Medicaid and had help with medical expenses as well as personal care. Allison now receives SSI and is on Medicaid. “It’s been hard but you do what you got to do,” Laureen says.

aureen’s colleagues admire her optimism considering her family’s circumstances. “No matter what situation she and her family face, Laureen is so full of strength and grace,” said Deb McGrath, the executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. “She could be angry, she could be a negative person but she chooses not to be. “She carries a heavy heart and just does not allow her situation to bring her down. She models empathy and models conviction for people facing difficult situations. Helping others is important to her.” One of those people she has helped is

Please see LAUREEN, Page 17

Lyndsey Crunk Act

Epilepsy

Advocacy Works

Seizure Smart School Law Is First of Its Kind in U.S. By John Lynch

hen it comes to health nation’s first epilepsy-friendly law for issues such as obesity, diaschools. betes and heart disease, Her efforts came to fruition in April you can count on Kentucky for ranking 2018 when Gov. Bevin signed HB 147 near the bottom in the U.S. into law. Lyndsey went to Frankfort But here’s the flip side to that dubilast summer for a ceremonial signous track record – Kentucky is the first ing with the governor. state in the country to adopt a Seizure Lyndsey, her mother Cyndi Smart School law, which is named after and Deb McGrath, the executive 16-year-old Lyndsey Crunk of Georgedirector of the Epilepsy Foundatown. tion of Kentuckiana, connected Lyndsey was diagnosed with Juvewith Kentucky lawmakers Phillip nile Myoclonic Epilepsy when she was Pratt of Georgetown and Mark 12. Hart of Falmouth. She has been seizure free for three The lawmakers shepherded the bill years thanks to a battery of medicathrough the legislature. It helped that tions she takes daily, but her side efboth men’s wives were teachers. fects include anxiety, depression, hair The heart of the law falls into three loss, eating issues and fatigue. categories: train school personnel “Epilepsy is not just about seizures, about epilepsy and how to handle which are terrible in and of themseizures; develop a seizure action plan selves, but the remnants they leave for students with epilepsy; and ensure behind,” said Lyndsey’s mother, Cyndi that students with epilepsy are not deCrunk. nied access to medications prescribed “There are more than 40 types of to them. seizures and I didn’t know how deThe Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckstructive this disease can be. It’s iana is in the process of creating a horrible. People don’t know training video, which should enough about epilepsy.” be completed by early That is about to spring. change, at least at KenThe Foundation also tucky schools, thanks to will reach out to school Lyndsey. principals, teachers The effort to enact and counselors to legislation in Kentucky make them aware of grew from her experithe training when it is ence in 2016 with the available. national Epilepsy Founda“It blows my mind every tion’s Teens Speak Up advosingle day knowing that we cacy program. have this law,” Lyndsey said. Lyndsey Crunk “Epilepsy has always been “People with epilepsy with Gov. Bevin in the shadows and I wanted will feel a lot safer now that to get it out of the shadows,” Lyndsey teachers will know how to handle a said. seizure.” So despite the side effects from Said Cyndi: “I feel it’s the first step epilepsy medication, she fearlessly toward justice for people with epispearheaded the effort to pass the lepsy.”

Lyndsey and Cyndi Crunk helped get a Seizure Smart School law passed

in Kentucky.

McGrath of the local Epilepsy Foundation echoed those sentiments. “Lyndsey chose to bring more awareness in the school setting and to see the Lyndsey Crunk Act come to fruition is an amazing story.” And the story keeps growing. The national Epilepsy Foundation has been so impressed with the work in Kentucky, the group has launched a national campaign along the same lines. The Foundation created a poster with Lyndsey’s image with the slogan “Let’s Use Our Brains to End Epilepsy.” The Foundation released a digital version of the poster for the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. “We’re just thrilled beyond words,” McGrath said, “that Kentucky and Lyndsey are leading the charge for this important cause.” n 2019 Exceptional Family KY

Advocacy Works

‘It Isn’t Fair’ Shawna Lee Cornett Fought Reverse Ageism When Seeking Rehab for a Serious Bone Disease

By Shawna Lee Cornett

simple truth – I am 32 years old and live in Lexwas too young. ington. I was born with a physiNursing homes cal disability called Spina Bifida, wouldn’t accept which has confined me to a wheelchair me because I was since birth. My mother was my sole under 55 years caregiver my entire life. old. I have overcome many obstacles in This just isn’t my life. But on September 2, 2016 I fair. faced my biggest fear of all when I unI have had these questions ever expectedly lost my mother to a brain since: What is a person with a disaneurysm. Leann Cornett Nyland was ability to do when they have lost their 51 when she died. support system? Where do they go? Right after her death, I was hospiWhat options do they have? talized with a life-threatening bone It was very hard to deal with the infection. While in the hospital, I was death of my mother. Not having assigned a case worker whose task was my support system close to help me to find me a nursing home with rehab through this incredible loss was the facilities. hardest thing I Little did I know have faced in my how complicated already challengfinding nursing After going through life. home level care all this, as tough as it ingI finally received for an extended was, I know that I am an Emergency period of time for Support for Coma young woman strong enough to munity Living like me would be. overcome anything. waiver that has alWhile I was lowed me to make searching for my life whole proper care, I apagain. plied for an Emergency Support for I now live in a residential home in Community Living waiver and landed Lexington that has put me close to my on the waiting list. I could not live support system again. with family or friends while on that I’m also looking to work again. I relist. ceive SSI payments and have Medicaid The issue we discovered while tryand Medicare health insurance. Previing to access nursing care was one 16

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ously, I worked at Staples and have done volunteer work with the Red Cross and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. After going through all this, as tough as it was, I know that I am strong enough to overcome anything. This ordeal has pointed out a big flaw in our system: there are no immediately accessible facilities with nursing home level care that can accommodate young adults with disabilities who have lost their support system. I feel this is a critical gap that needs to be addressed to ensure that young people like me are well cared for. I plan to continue research into these issues and hope that sharing my experience will help bring about positive change. People need to seriously think about what they would do if this happened to their child, because no one is promised tomorrow. We need to ensure that there will be a place young adults with disabilities can go when they need high level care. n

The Arc of Kentucky

Self Empowerment Network Promotes Self-Advocacy

hawna Lee Cornett is vice president of The Arc of Kentucky’s Self Empowerment Network, which was formed in June 2018 to promote and protect the rights of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Up to 60 members attend meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. to noon or noon to 2 p.m. at the Eastside Branch of the Lexington Public Library. Self advocates plan and run meetings, which include a speaker and workshops. The president is Chris Ryder. In the fall, approximately 20 legislators and candidates attended a meeting and an-

swered questions from members. “Members came with hard questions about transportation, housing and community access,” said Sherri Brothers, Executive Director of The Arc of Kentucky. “Self-advocates have a good handle on what is needed. So they asked questions about supported decision-making, Medicaid, guardianship, employment rights and fair wages.” Self Empowerment Network members also helped choose workshop topics for The Arc of Kentucky’s annual conference, scheduled for Feb. 21 and 22 at the Crown Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel.

CCDD Member Profile: Laureen Vassil Continued from Page 14

Cyndi Crunk, whose teenage daughter Lyndsey has a much milder case of epilepsy than Allison. Still, the news of her daughter’s diagnosis hit Cyndi hard. That’s when Laureen reached out a helping hand. “Laureen was my inspiration for becoming an advocate,” Cyndi Crunk said. “She was so instrumental in us starting our advocacy. She is amazing, the strongest advocate that I ever met in my life.” Laureen is proud of her advocacy and her list of contributions is impressive. Consider: She helped start the Central Kentucky Epilepsy Support Network, a support group that meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at UK Hospital. The group has a web site and Facebook page and arranges social outings for members along with its advocacy work. She urged UK and the University of Louisville to research Epidiolex (a medical marijuana drug) and then lobbied state legislators who agreed that if and when the FDA approves medical marijuana nationwide that it would be allowed in Kentucky.

The Network relies solely on fundraising and donations to pay for meetings and create promotional materials to further the message of equality, inclusion and empowerment. “Network members are the vision and the voice of The Arc,” Brothers said. “We need to hear from them about what is important. “They are out in the community and see what the needs are. They are the reason I do what I do.” For more information, visit http:// arcofky.org/self-advocates/ or call The Arc of Kentucky at (502) 8755225 or (800) 281-1272. n

For the 2019 legislative session, Laureen will be part of the effort to advocate for improvements to make employment and transportation more accessible to Kentuckians. “Advocacy is my thing and it makes me really feel good to help other people,” Laureen said. And you can bet she will be advocating with a smile on her face. “Knowing what Laureen goes through every single day inspired me to speak up about epilepsy,” Cyndi Crunk said. “Every time I see Laureen, she has a smile on her face. Despite her challenges, she lives her life to the fullest.” n

She also worked on the national effort to ensure that the Drug Enforcement Administration schedule a new drug within 90 days after it receives Food and Drug Administration approval. “That’s powerful,” Laureen said, “because Allison had to wait 18 months to get a medication even after the FDA approved it. That won’t happen anymore.” Working with others in the state epilepsy foundation, Laureen helped along HB 147 that passed in April 2018. The Seizure Smart School legislation, named for Lyndsey Crunk, called among other things for school personnel to undergo epilepsy training so that students are safer in school. Since 2017, Laureen has expanded her advocacy efforts to include the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities. Laureen was appointed to the Council and works on the advocacy committee. “We have a tremendous organization,” Laureen said. “We are promoting systems change and helping people become as inde- Laureen Vassil with her son Matthew, daughter Allison, and husband Michael. pendent as they can be.” 2019 Exceptional Family KY 17

Power Behind Accessible Playgrounds: A Unique Mom

Advocacy Works

Inclusion

Finest

at Its

By John Lynch

Photos by Kari Broughton

Jessamine County Accessible Playground Provides Playtime for All Kids

ears flooded her eyes when Sabrina Toney saw her 8-year-old son Brody join his friends for the first time on the playground at City-County Park in Nicholasville. Born with cerebral palsy, Brody uses a wheelchair and could never access a playground in his hometown – until Jessamine County opened its first accessible playground in 2018. Front and center at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 4 was Brody, who then joined his friends on the merry-go-round. “There aren’t really words for how I felt,” Sabrina said. “He had never been able to do that before. To see the excitement on his face was worth all the hard work.” Sabrina and Brody worked with a group of supporters from the All Abilities Drama Camp, who launched the effort to build an accessible playground in Nicholasville. The group drew inspiration from Harrodsburg, which opened a similar playground in the spring of 2017. The Jessamine County group contacted Crimson Claycomb of Mercer County, who was the driving force behind the Harrodsburg 18

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playground and has become the Johnny Appleseed of accessible playgrounds in Kentucky. (Please see story this page.) The All Abilities Drama Camp group raised $700 in an hour and quickly raised $30,000 before approaching county officials. County officials embraced the idea and funded the rest of the project. “They were cooperative, which was a big help,” said Anna Brannen, a teacher at Jessamine Early Learning Village and cofounder of the All Abilities Drama Camp. “I’m very proud of the drama camp and our county for opening this world of play for all kids. Before, this one child’s version of play was watching a YouTube video.” No children will be relegated to the sidelines any longer. The playground is encircled by a fence and sits on a smooth flat surface. The highlights are a huge pirate ship that is accessible to all along with a large teeter totter. Wheelchair swings are available for all ages and sit next to swings for typical kids. A merry go round sits near the giant slides in the pirate ship and kids can make music on giant chimes, a piano

or inspiration for her work with the foundation that has helped open four accessible playgrounds in Central Kentucky, Crimson Claycomb need only gaze at her daughter Kendyl, the namesake of the Kendyl and Friends Foundation. Kendyl’s story is the stuff of dreams. Five days after her birth eight years ago on Thanksgiving Day, Kendyl’s left eye twitched and she started sleeping nearly 24 hours a day. While doctors were mystified, Crimson insisted that her daughter was suffering seizures. When convulsions started, doctors hit on a diagnosis – meningitis. When Kendyl slipped into a coma, doctors feared the worst. “They told me that even if she comes out of the coma, she will be brain dead,” Crimson said. After Kendyl lay comatose for a month in the hospital, Christmas arrived. Crimson left the hospital for a few hours to run errands and was convinced that her daughter would recover. Sure enough when Crimson returned to the hospital, Kendyl awakened. “I experience a living miracle every single day because we were told she was not going to make it. She is an angel,” Crimson said. Doctors estimated that Kendyl had suffered thousands of mini-strokes. She is partially blind in both eyes, has no muscle tone and no use of her extremities. She communicates with her eyes and can nod her head yes and no. “She is the happiest child I’ve ever been around,” Crimson said. “We have adapted and she has made a big impact in her community.” Crimson wondered with four different playgrounds at Anderson Dean Park in Harrodsburg why none were inclusive. Crimson did more than wonder.

Quarterly Council Meetings

2019 Calendar

• Feb. 14-15, 2019

• May 23-24, 2019

• Aug. 22-23, 2019

• Nov. 21-22, 2019

CCDD Office: 656 Chamberlin Ave, Suite C, Frankfort, Ky.

Other Notable Dates: February 13: CCDD Day at the Capitol February 21-22: ARC Conference March: Developmental Disabilities Month March 6: 874K Day April 8-10: National Disability Policy Seminar, Washington, D.C. June 16-19: National ADA Symposium, Grapevine, Texas

She asked county officials for no money, just land to build an accessible playground. With that permission in hand, she started fund-raising. From cake sales and car washes to knocking on the door of every business in town, Crimson raised Crimson Claycomb with daugh- $350,000 – in ters Kaydance, 10, and Kendyl, 8 five months and 22 days. Shortly thereafter, Anderson Dean Park opened the area’s first accessible playground. Crimson used a similar formula to lead campaigns that have led to four more accessible playgrounds (Jessamine County, Burgin Independent Schools, Liberty Elementary in Casey County and Georgetown with three more in the works.) “She is the expert,” said Anna Brannen, who helped lead the campaign to open an accessible playground in Nicholasville. “This has become her life’s work.” n

June 18-20: National APSE Conference, St. Louis July 10-11: National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Annual Conference, New Orleans October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month October 11-14: ARC National Convention, Washington, D.C.

keyboard and drums. Along with a bilingual sign (English and Spanish), there’s a Braille and sign language alphabet And the group is not done yet. Phase Two of the project will feature an all-inclusive splash pad. That will add to the joy experienced by Sabrina and Brody Toney, and families like theirs. In fact, Brody celebrated his eighth birthday at the park. “If you saw all the kids there playing together, you’d realize how great this has been for our family,” Sabrina said. This effort is all about inclusion and opportunity to all children. “My life’s passion is to make our communities more inclusive,” Brannen said. “At the park, kids just naturally include each other and play with each other because the equipment makes it natural.” As Brannen and her colleagues say, this project is inclusion at its finest. n

Brody Toney, 8, and Kendyl Claycomb, 8, at the ribbon cutting ceremony Photos by Kari Broughton 2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019

GENERAL

Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities 656 Chamberlin Ave., Suite C, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (877) 367-5332 / (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 (800) 433-5255 / 202-534-3700 / info@thearc.org The national organization of and for people with intellectual disabilities and related developmental disabilities and their families. www.thearc.org The Arc of Kentucky Sherri Brothers, 706 East Main St., Suite A, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 / (502) 875-5225 / (800) 281-1272 sherri@arcofky.org The Arc of Kentucky believes that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are contributing

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members of schools, work places, churches, synagogues, neighborhoods and their communities. The Arc values services and supports that enhance the quality of life through interdependence, friendship, choice, and respect for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. www.arcofky.org Kentucky ARC Chapters Barren County: James Cheely / (270) 590-9013 Breckinridge County: Mark Grimes/Sandra Moyer P.O. Box 37, Harned, Ky., 41044 Central Kentucky: Sherri Brothers / (502) 517-6511 Sherri@arcofky.org Floyd County/Prestonsburg: Barbara Sword (606) 478-9803 & Deborah Hall / (606) 478-5249 or (606) 477-3479 Ashland: Toni Mullins / (606)694-1797 toni@guidedlivingllc.com Counties served: Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Rowan, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, Lawrence. Hardin County: Clara Harrison / (270) 300-6659 Logan County: Thomas Thompson / (270) 726-2218 Louisville Area: Serena Jacobs / (502) 939-8273 Meade County: Beatrice Moore / (270) 422-3778 Northern Kentucky The Point: Judi Gerding (859) 491-9191 Owensboro: Sally Phillips / (270) 577-8866 Office / (270)-685-2976 Warren County: Joy Baum / (270) 303-0311 Best Buddies Kentucky 1911A Bardstown Road, Louisville, Ky., 40205

(502) 742-1698 Best Buddies Kentucky, founded in 2009, is dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism and traumatic brain injuries. www.bestbuddieskentucky.org Big Brothers Big Sisters Organizations The mission of BBBS is to help all children reach their full potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships. Bluegrass 436 Georgetown Street, Lexington, Ky., 40508 www.bbbs-bluegrass.org Greater Cincinnati Reading Road Suite 148, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 www.bigsforkids.org Kentuckiana 1519 Gardiner Lane, Louisville, Ky., 40218 (877) 588-2300 / (502) 587-0494 / www.bbbsky.org Madisonville-Hopkins County 1 South Main Street, P.O. Box 305, Madisonville, Ky., 42431 / www.Madisonvillebbbs.org Tristate P.O. Box 1844, Ashland, Ky., 41105 www.Bbbstristate.org Brighton Center Inc. 741 Central Ave., Newport, Ky., 41071 (859) 491-8303 Non-profit organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to create

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2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019 opportunities for individuals and families to reach selfsufficiency through family support services, education, employment and leadership. Brighton Center creates and encourages mutual respect and maximizes resources. www.brightoncenter.com Build Inclusion, Inc. 1050 Chinoe Road, Suite 106, Lexington, Ky., 40502 (859) 221-6689 An organization created by parents, self-advocates and industry professionals to facilitate natural networks and community access for individuals with disabilities through education, engagement and employment. www.buildinclusion.org Centers 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 / Toll Free (888) 813-8497 webinfo@calky.org / www.calky.org Murray Location 1051 N. 16th St., Suite C, Murray, Ky., 42071 (270) 753-7676 / Toll Free (888) 261-6194 calmur@calky.org / www.calky.org Northern Kentucky Location P.O. Box 12304, Covington, Ky., 41012 (859) 940-3843 / rthompson@calky.org / www.calky.org Cerebral Palsy Group 3506 Summerport Village Parkway, Windermere,Fla., 34786 / (866) 510-0717 Cerebral Palsy Group is an online resource for anyone who has been affected by cerebral palsy, brain injuries or birth injuries. The goal is continue to provide the most up-to-date information from trusted sources as it becomes available. cerebralpalsygroup.com Children’s Home of Cincinnati 5050 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45227 (513) 272-2800 / (513) 808-9632 The Children’s Home of Cincinnati is a private, nonprofit social service agency that improves the lives of children and their families through services in four areas: adoption, early childhood, education and mental health. The Home 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.thechildrenshomecinti.org Christian Appalachian Project 2528 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40509 (859) 269-0635 / (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

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101 Burch Court, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (800) 456-3452 / (502) 875-5863 Community Action Kentucky (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.kaca.org Easter Seals Cardinal Hill 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 367-7217 / www.cardinalhill.org West Kentucky 801 N. 29th St., Paducah, Ky., 42001 / (270) 444-9687 www.eswky.easterseals.com

KARRN (Kentucky Appalachian Rural Rehabilitation Network) phkitz1@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 P.O. Box 4028, Frankfort, Ky., 40604 (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

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

Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children, Inc. 207 Holmes St., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 875-1320 / (800) 369-0533 kpfc@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

Hospice of the Bluegrass (Bluegrass Care Navigators) 2312 Alexandria Drive, 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. Hospice of the Bluegrass provides care in 32 central, northern and southeastern Kentucky counties. www.hospicebg.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

Human Development Institute University of Kentucky, 114 Mineral Industries Building, Lexington, Ky., 40506 (859) 257-4356 HDI’s mission is to promote the inclusion, independence and contributions of people with disabilities and their families throughout the life span. HDI achieves that mission through education, research and evaluation, information sharing, leadership and advocacy across the state and the nation. www.hdi.uky.edu

Kentucky Youth Advocates 11001 Bluegrass Parkway, Suite 100, Jeffersontown, Ky. 40299 (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

Independence Place, Inc. 2358 Nicholasville Road, Suite 180 Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 266-2807 / (866) 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 assist people with disabilities to achieve their potential for community inclusion through improving access and equal opportunity. www.ipky.org

Kerrington’s Heart, Inc. P.O. Box 911074, Lexington, Ky., 40591 (859) 509-9857 Dedicated to the education, support and encouragement of children with heart disease, their families and caregivers. www.kerringtonsheart.org The Molly Johnson Foundation P.O. Box 215, Fisherville, Ky., 40023 (502) 724-0067 The Molly Johnson Foundation was created to assist families of children with special needs in a variety of ways,

Resource List 2019 including financial help, supplying medical equipment, home accommodations and travel expenses for services. The Molly Johnson Foundation desires to make a difference in the lives of these families in the best way possible. / www.themollyjohnsonfoundation.org A Mother’s Rest 32 W. Main St., New Market, Md., 21774 Organizes year-round small group respite retreats for families with children (youth or adult) with disabilities. 2019 Locations include Versailles and Mammoth Cave. www.amothersrest.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 www.bcpl.org/docs/library/we-deliver.pdf Campbell County (Newport): (859) 572-5035 www.cc-pl.org/services/adult-outreach-services Kenton County (Covington): (859) 962-4000 www.kentonlibrary.org/outreach/homebound Lexington: (859) 231-5500 www.lexpublib.org/outreach Louisville: (502) 574-1611 www.lfpl.org/bookstoyou.html Warren County (Bowling Green): (270) 781-4882 https://warrenpl.org/using-the-library/ Daviess County (Owensboro): (270) 684-0211 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 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 Fayette County Coalition Kentucky Children’s Hospital, 800 Rose St., Lexington Ky., 40536 / (859) 323-1153 www.ukhealthcare.uky.edu/safekids Kentucky Coalition Kentucky Department of Health, 333 Waller Ave., Suite 242 , Lexington, Ky., 40504 / (859) 323-6194 Louisville and Jefferson County Coalition Norton Children’s Hospital, 315 E. Broadway, Louisville, Ky., 40202 / (502) 629-7335 TASH Disability Advocacy Worldwide (202) 540-9020 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

Are We Missing Resources?

ur goal at Exceptional Family Magazine is to provide a comprehensive, statewide list of resources for folks with disabilities. Since we first published this magazine in 2009, each year 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) 223-1765 or email at john@lexingtonfamily.com. n Kentucky Chapter Located in Louisville Leslie Lederer (502) 239-4805 www.tash.org/chapters/kentucky-tash/ Tourette Syndrome Association Lexington Support Group (606) 225-0946 Louisville Support Group (502) 235-0704 www.tsa-usa.org United Way Bluegrass 100 Midland Ave., Suite 300 Lexington, Ky., 40508 211 Information Line / (859) 233-4460 / www.uwbg.org Kentucky P.O. Box 4653, Louisville, Ky., 40204 334 E. Broadway, Suite 308, Louisville, Ky., 40204 (502) 589-6897 / www.uwky.org Metro P.O. Box 4488, Louisville, Ky., 40204 (502) 583-2821 / Fax (502) 292-5673 Fights for the education, health, housing and financial stability of every person. www.metrounitedway.org WHAS Crusade for Children 520 West Chestnut St., Louisville, Ky., 40202 (502) 582-7706 The WHAS Crusade for Children, established in 1954, raises money for agencies, schools and hospitals to better the lives of children with special needs. The Crusade Advisory Panel, an independent board of interdenominational ministers, decides how donations are distributed each year. / www.whascrusade.org

STATE RESOURCES Brain Injury Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver 275 E. Main St. 6W-B, Frankfort, Ky., 40621

(502) 564-5198 / Toll Free (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. dmsweb@ky.gov www.chfs.ky.gov/dms/Acquired+Brain+Injury 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. www.chfs.ky.gov/dail/braintrust Cabinet for Health and Family Services Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs The Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs has received a grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration to create Family to Family Health Information Centers throughout the commission offices. The centers will be staffed by mentors who are parents of children with special needs and will provide support to families of individuals with special needs. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to connect with another parent or caregiver with a similar situation or special health care need. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/ccshcn/Pages/about.aspx Regional Offices: Central office / Louisville 310 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 429-4430 / Toll Free (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,

2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019 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. Louisville 310 Whittington Parkway Suite 200, Louisville, Ky. 40222 / (502) 429-4430 Sondra Gilbert Sondra.GIlbert@ky.gov / (270) 852-5533 Eastern Region (Including Louisville) Debbie Gilbert DebbieA.Gilbert@ky.gov / (502) 429-4430 - Ext. 2069 www.fv-ncfpp.org/index.php/f2fhic/contactf2fhic/?stateId=ky

Charles Gillock of Morehead sits in a swing that was commissioned by D&S Community Services in Morehead after D&S staff recognized that some people with disabilities miss out on the simple pleasures in life. D&S sought out a local contractor to construct an inclusive swing for the Day Training program. The swing is all-inclusive and self-propelled to allow individuals who use wheelchairs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a friend or two â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to enjoy this simple pleasure. Photo by LeeAnn Creech D&S Community Services Executive Director Knox and Whitley counties. Bowling Green 2040 Louisville Road, Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 746-7816 / (800) 843-5877 Serving Allen, Barren, Butler, Christian, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Todd and Warren counties. Elizabethtown 580 Westport Road, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 (270) 766-5370 / (800) 995-6982 Serving Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties. Hazard 103 Town and Country Lane, Suite M, Hazard, Ky., 41701 (606) 435-6167 / (800) 378-3357 Serving Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe counties. Lexington 333 Waller Ave., Suite 300, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 252-3170 / (800) 817-3874 Serving Anderson, Bourbon, Boone, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Grant, Harrison, Jessamine, Kenton, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford counties. Morehead 214 W. First St., Morehead, Ky., 40351 (606) 783-8610 / (800) 928-3049 Serving Bath, Boyd, Bracken, Campbell, Carter, Elliot,

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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, Muhlenber, Ohio, Union and Webster counties. Paducah 400 Park Ave., Bldg. D, Paducah, Ky., 42001 (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, Pike counties. Somerset Professional Plaza, 401 Bogle St., Suite 104, Somerset, Ky., 42503 (606) 677-4120 (800) 525-4279 Serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor and Wayne counties. Family to Family Health Information Centers Western Region Located at the offices of the Commission for Children

Hart-Supported Living Program (844) 689-6620 The Hart-Supported Living program is for Kentuckians with disabilities to request grants so they can live in, contribute to and participate in their communities. Any Kentuckian with a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is eligible to apply for a HartSupported Living grant. www.chfs.ky.gov/dail/hartsupportedliving Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCB) (502) 564-5560 The Home and Community-Based Waiver program provides Medicaid coverage to eligible persons who are aged or disabled and would otherwise require nursing facility level of care. Services include but are not limited to the following: assessment and reassessment, case management, homemaker services, personal care services, respite care, minor home adaptations, attendant care and adult day health care. www.chfs.ky.gov/dms/hcb Kentucky ADA Office 501 High St., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-1835 The State Office of the Americans with Disabilities Act provides technical assistance, consultations and training for state government employees. ADA Coordinator: Donna Shelton www.personnel.ky.gov/Pages/ada.aspx Other Kentuckians should contact the Southeast ADA Center at 1419 Mayson St. NE, Atlanta, Ga., 30324 (800) 949-4232 / www.adasoutheast.org Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corp. 275 East Main St., Mail Drop 2 E-K, Frankfort, Ky. 40621 (877) 675-0195 The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low interest loans for qualified applicants with disabilities for assistive technology. Working with its lending partner, Fifth Third Bank, KATLC can provide loans for modified vehicles, hearing aids, adapted computers, mobility devices, augmentative communication devices or any other type of equipment or home modification that will

Resource List 2019 improve the quality of life or increase the independence of Kentuckians with disabilities. / www.katlc.ky.gov Kentucky Cabinet for Workforce Development Connecting Kentuckians to employment, workforce information, education and training. www.kcc.ky.gov Kentucky Children Insurance Program (K-CHIP) (877) 524-4718 / chfs.kchip@ky.gov 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. www.kidshealth.ky.gov/en 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.kcadv.org Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 632 Versailles Road, Frankfort, Ky., 40601

(502) 573-2604 (V/TTY) / (800) 372-2907 (V/TTY, in Kentucky only) / kcdhh@mail.state.ky.us www.kcdhh.ky.gov/ Kentucky Community Mental Health Centers 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, nonprofit organizations established by KRS Chapter 210 (see Related Links) which serve residents of a designated multicounty region. www.dbhdid.ky.gov/cmhc/centers.aspx Regional Offices: Adanta MH / MR Board 259 Parkers Mill Road, Somerset, Ky., 42501 (606) 679-4782 Serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, Wayne counties. www.adanta.org Bluegrass 1351 Newtown Pike, 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 www.bluegrass.org Centerstone Kentucky

The Autism Society of the Bluegrass serves as resource and support for people in Central Kentucky who care about autism.

es Conferenc nal o ti & Educa Lectures

Annual ss Bluegra Autism Walk

Reso ur Lend ce ing Libra ry

Monthly Meetings Monday of Held the last 6:30pm each month, l’s e at St. Micha urch h Episcopal C te Dr. n 2025 Bellefo Lexington http://bluegrassautismwalk.org/ Find Us on YouTube!

asbg.org • facebook.com/Autism-Society-of-the-Bluegrass

101 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, Ky., 40202 (502) 589-8600 Serving Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble www.centerstoneky.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. 611 Forest Ave., Maysville, Ky., 41056 (606) 564-4016 Serving Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, Robertson counties. www.comprehendinc.org Cumberland River Comprehensive Care 175 Peachtree Ln, Corbin, KY 40701 (606)-526-9459 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 and Marshall counties. www.4rbh.org

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Free! To Request Free Copies for You, Your School or Organization Call (859) 223-1765 Click www.lexingtonfamily.com Email john@lexingtonfamily.com 2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019 Ky. River Community Care P.O. Box 794. 178 Community Way, Jackson, Ky., 41339 (606) 666-7591 Serving Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, Wolfe counties. krccnet.com Lifeskills 380 Suwanee Trail St., P.O. Box 6499, Bowling Green, Ky. 42102-6499 / (270) 901-5000 Serving Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Warren counties. www.lifeskills.com Mountain Comprehensive Care Center 104 S. Front Ave., Prestonsburg, Ky., 41653 (606) 886-8572 Serving Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, Pike counties. www.mtcomp.org NorthKey Community Care 502 Farrell Drive, P.O. Box 2680, Covington, Ky., 41011 (859) 578-3200 / Toll Free (877) 331-3292 Serving Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen and Pendleton. www.northkey.org Pathways, Inc. P.O. Box 790. 1212 Bath Ave., 8th floor, Ashland, Ky., 41101/ (606) 329-8588 ext. 4078 www.pathways-ky.org Serving Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, Lawrence, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Rowan counties. Pennyroyal MH / MR Board 3999 Fort Campbell Blvd., Hopkinsville, Ky., 4220 (270) 886-2205 Serving Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Lyon, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg counties. www.pennyroyalcenter.org River Valley Behavioral Health, Inc. 1100 Walnut St., P.O. Box 1637, Owensboro, Ky., 42301 (270) 689 6500 Serving Davies, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, Webster counties. www.rvbh.com Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-4527 / (502) 564-7700 The department oversees services in Kentucky to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use disorders. www.dbhdid.ky.gov/kdbhdid Kentucky First Steps State Lead Agency 275 E. Main St., HS2W-C, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (877) 417-8377 First Steps is a statewide intervention system that provides services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 3 and their families. Administered by the Department for Public Health in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, First Steps offers comprehensive services through community agencies and service disciplines. Children who participate in early intervention have significant improvement in development and learning. Helping to decrease the problems early in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development can reduce or prevent costly educational

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programs in the future. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dmch/ecdb/Pages/ firststeps.aspx Reginal Offices: 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 343 Waller Ave., Suite 201, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (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 P.O. Box 568, Corbin, Ky., 40702 (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 P.O. Box 290, 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., 42301 (270) 852-2905 / (888) 686-1414 Counties served: Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, Webster Kentuckiana District Point of Entry 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 020, 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 108 New Glendale Road, P.O. Box 2609, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42702 / (270) 737-5921 / (800) 678-1879 Counties served: Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue,

Marion, Meade, Nelson, Washington Northern Kentucky District Point of Entry North Key: 718 Columbia St., Newport, Ky., 41071 (859) 308-5963 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. The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 275 E. Main St., Mail Stop 2E-K, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-4440 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. www.ovr.ky.gov Regional Offices: Ashland (606) 920-2338 Bluegrass (859) 246-2537 / (888) 211-7276 Bowling Green (270) 746-7489 / (800) 443-6055 (800) 246-6193 (TTY) Carl D. Perkins Center (800) 443-2187 Covington (859) 292-6513 / (866) 380-3450 Danville (859) 239-7885 / (800) 795-8481 Elizabethtown (270) 766-5121 / (866) 883-0001 Florence (859) 371-9450 / (877) 371-9451 Lexington (859) 246-2185 / (859) 246-2540 (877) 246-2185 Louisville (502) 595-4173 / (800) 456-3334 Middletown (502) 426-0145 / (866) 304-1958 Owensboro (270) 687-7308 / (800) 241-5821 (TTY) (888) 640-2811 West Kentucky (270) 575-7304 West Liberty (606) 743-7978 / (606) 743-7551 (800) 440-2530 Whitesburg (606) 633-2568 Kentucky Transitions (Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant) 275 East Main St., 6 W-B, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-0330 or (877) 564-0330 Using funding from the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant, the Department for Medicaid Services assists eligible individuals to transition from institutional settings back into the community. Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services Division of

Resource List 2019 Community Alternatives resources.hdiuk.org/directory/ky-transitions-money-followsthe-person-demonstration-grant/ 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. www.dbhdid.ky.gov/ProviderDirectory/ProviderDirectory. aspx Michelle P. Waiver Division of Community Alternatives 275 E. Main St. 6 W-B, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (855) 459-6328 / (502) 564-1647 / (502) 564-4527 A Medicaid program that helps people live in the community or return to the community after living in an institution. The Michelle P. Waiver is for anyone with an intellectual or a developmental disability who is eligible to receive services at an Intermediate Care Facility. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/default.aspx Pathways to Careers and Special Programs 300 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4770 Donnalie Stratton, Program Consultant education.ky.gov Personal Care Attendant Program Department for

Aging and Independent Living 275 E. Main St., 3E-E, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-6930 Ext 3477 Attendant services are provided for people 18 and older with functional loss of two or more limbs and who have the ability to hire and supervise an attendant. Services include assistance with personal care, housekeeping, shopping, travel, self-care procedures, meal preparation, and other daily activities. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/pcap.aspx Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 / www.ssa.gov Regional Offices: Ashland 1405 Greenup Ave. Suite 132, Ashland, Ky., 41101 Bowling Green 2724 Chandler Drive, Bowling Green, Ky., 42104 Campbellsville 101 Hiestand Farm Road, Campbellsville, Ky., 42718 Corbin 159 Future Drive, Corbin, Ky., 40701 Danville 103 Belinda Blvd., Danville, Ky., 40422 Elizabethtown 591 Westport Road, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 Florence 7 Youell St., Florence, Ky., 41042 Frankfort 140 Flynn Ave., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 Hazard

P protecting rights encouraging E inclusion optimizing O supports promoting P choice lifting L expectations educating E communities

122 Reynolds Lane, Hazard, Ky., 41701 Hopkinsville 1650 Marie Drive, Hopkinsville, Ky., 42240 Jackson 850 KY-15 N., Jackson, Ky., 41339 Lexington 2241 Buena Vista Road, Suite 110, Lexington, Ky., 40505 Louisville 10503 Timberwood Circle, Suite 50, Louisville, Ky., 40223 Madisonville 4431 Hanson Road, Madisonville, Ky., 42431 Maysville 509 Market Place Drive, Maysville, Ky., 41056 Owensboro 4532 Lucky Strike Loop, Owensboro, Ky., 42303 Paducah 125 Brett Chase Road, Paducah, Ky., 42003 Prestonsburg 1897 Ky. Route 321, Prestonsburg, Ky., 41653 Richmond 1060 Gibson Bay Drive, Richmond, Ky., 40475 Somerset 3975 US-27, Somerset, Ky., 42501 Supports for Community Living Waiver Branch 275 E. Main Street 4CF, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-7700 The Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver Branch of the Division of Developmental and Intellectual

The Arc of Kentucky is statewide grassroots organization that works to ensure a quality life for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We do this by focusing our efforts on P.E.O.P.L.E! The Arc enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering programs including Health & Fitness for All, Special Education Camps, Resources, Wings for Autism/All, Future is Now, Advocates in Action, Self-Empowerment Network, and the Best Practices Annual Conference.

The Arc continues to address the needs of Kentucky individuals in the areas of employment, wages, Medicaid, transition, community access, transportation, safety, inclusion, selfdetermination, early childhood, self-advocacy and education.

Over sixty years of advocating, supporting and empowering people with disabilities & their families

The Arc of Kentucky

706 E. Main Street Frankfort

502-875-5225 • 1-800-281-1272 www.ArcofKY.org • sherri@arcofky.org 2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019 Disabilities (DDID) provides staff support for and oversight of the Supports for Community Living waiver program. The SCL waiver program is a home- and community-based program funded by the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services and administered by DDID. dbhdid.ky.gov/ddid/scl.aspx

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

Adoption Support for Kentucky UK College of Social Work 1500 Bull Lea Road Ste. 194, Lexington Ky., 40511 (859) 257-7361 / adoptky@uky.edu Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) is a statewide program that specializes in the utilization of support groups to offer pre- and post-adoptive support and services to both foster and adoptive parents. ASK provides the opportunity to share resources, suggestions, frustrations and successes with those who share this unique experience. ASK strives to prevent pre-adoption disruption and post-adoption dissolution through peer-led support and training. There is no cost and any and all are welcome. www.uky.edu/trc/ask The Bair Foundation 2393 Alumni Drive, Suite 205, Lexington, Ky., 40517 (859) 519-3273 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. www.bair.org Benchmark Family Services Therapeutic Foster Care, Kentucky Administrative Office 118 Dennis Drive, 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, Lexington, Louisville, Madisonville, Morehead, Owensboro, Owenton, Paducah, Prestonsburg, and Somerset. www.benchmarkfamilyservices.org Children’s Home of Cincinnati 5050 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45227 (513) 272-2800 / (513) 808-9632 The Children’s Home of Cincinnati 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. The Home

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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.thechildrenshomecinti.org Key Assets Kentucky 961 Beasley St., Suite 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 Special Needs Adoption Program 275 East Main St., 3C-E, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (800) 928-4303 DCBS/Adoption Service prdweb.chfs.ky.gov/kape/index.aspx

THE ARTS All Abilities Drama Camp Jessamine Early Learning Village 851 Wilmore Road, Nicholasville, Ky., 40356 aadramacamp@gmail.com Embracing the gifts of all campers through the arts by celebrating difference, skills, personalities and abilities. www.allabilitiescamp.blogspot.com Allegro Dance Project (715) 252-6137 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 Latitude Artist Community 734 National Avenue Suite 110, Lexington 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. Available are sensory friendly performances, 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/ Music for Life: Music Therapy and Music Education Patricia Guobis, M. M., MT-BC (502) 767-8308 The SHINE House 402 North Main Street, Somerset, Ky., 42501 (606) 416-5380 The SHINE House is a nonprofit 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 VSA Arts of Kentucky P.O. Box 3320, Bowling Green, Ky., 42102 (270) 904-7019 Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing inclusive arts and education programs for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, in addition to professional development for artists and teachers in schools and communities statewide. Offers an under-served population equal opportunity to explore the arts in a way that is fully accessible. Through participatory involvement with trained professionals and volunteers, people with disabilities learn new creative and social skills that open doors to new opportunities www.vsartsky.org

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center 5659 Main St., Thelma, Ky., 41260 (606) 788-7080 The mission of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center is that persons will achieve sustainable competitive integrated employment, maximize independence, and yet gain self-respect through the provision of comprehensive services. Consumers may live on our campus in dormitory housing or can commute to the Perkins Center each day they are scheduled for classes and/or therapy. www.cdpvtc.ky.gov Enabling Technologies of Kentuckiana (enTECH) at Spalding University 812 S. Second St., Louisville, Ky., 40203 (502) 992-2448 / www.entech.spalding.edu HDI Center for Assistive Technology Services 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,

Resource List 2019 The Eastern Regional Center for the Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network. www.hdi.uky.edu/HDICATS www.facebook.com/HDICATS

Photos by Kari Broughton

KATS (Ky. Assistive Technology Service Network Coordinating Center) 8412 Westport Road, Louisville, Ky., 40242 (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 / info@ projectCARAT.org A program of KATS, CARAT enables underserved individuals with disabilities in the Appalachian region of Kentucky by collecting, refurbishing and redistributing assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME) 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 ProjectCARAT Hotline (800) 327-5287. www.katsnet.org/projectCARAT

Jessamine County last fall opened an accessible playground, thanks to a local grassroots effort sparked by the All Abilities Drama Camp. The group relied on the Kendyl and Friends Foundation to help plan and build the playground. Similar playgrounds have opened around Kentucky because of the Kendyl and Friends Foundation. For that story, please see Page 18.

Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation 275 East Main St., / Mail Drop 2 E-K Frankfort, Ky., 40621 / (877) 675-0195 The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low interest loans for qualified applicants with disabilities for assistive technology. Working with its lending partner, Fifth Third Bank, KATLC can provide loans for modified vehicles, hearing aids, adapted computers, mobility devices, augmentative communication devices or any other type of equipment or home modification that will improve the quality of life or increase the independence of Kentuckians with disabilities. www.katsnet.org/ Kentucky Department of Education Exceptional Children 300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor, Frankfort, Ky., 40601

(502) 564-4770 www.education.ky.gov/specialed/Pages/default.aspx Kentucky Assistive Technology Guidelines 8412 Westport Road, Louisville Ky., 40242 (800) 327-5287 www.katsnet.org/publications/aitis/index.html Redwood Assistive Technology Center 71 Orphanage Road, Ft. Mitchell, Ky., 41017 (800) 728-9807 / www.redwoodnky.org Western Kentucky Assistive Technology Center Wendell Fosterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Campus 815 Triplett St., Owensboro, Ky. 42302 / (877) 932-2678 / www.wkatc.org

AUTISM The Kelly Autism Program Western Kentucky University Clinical Education Complex, 104 Alumni Ave. Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 745-4KAP (4527) www.wku.edu/kellyautismprogram Wendell Fosterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kelly Autism Program 815 Triplett St. / P.O. Box 1668, Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (877) 932-2678 www.wfcampus.org

2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019 Autism Society of the Bluegrass P.O. Box 24212, Lexington, Ky., 40524-241 (859) 299-9000 / saraspragens@gmail.com Autism Society of the Bluegrass, an all-volunteer parent advocacy group, was established in 1991 and is a chapter of ASA. Its mission is to provide education, advocacy and support to families, educators and health providers affected by ASD in the Bluegrass. www.asbg.org

support groups for families and individuals, newsletters and public speakers. www.autismcincy.org

Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati P.O. Box 58385, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45258-0385 (513) 561-2300 / info@autismcincy.org ASGC works to promote awareness and education about autism. ASGC provides information packets,

Families for Effective Autism Treatment 1100 E. Market St., Louisville, Ky., 40206 (502) 596-1258 www.featoflouisville.org

Autism Society of Kentuckiana P.O. Box 21895, Louisville, Ky., 40221-0895 Rebecca Thompson, Kentucky Resident Contact (502) 263-5708 www.ask-lou.org

Hopebridge 1300 E. New Circle Road, Suite 150, Lexington, Ky. 40505 / (859) 685-1019 5215 Commerce Crossings Drive, Louisville, Ky., 40229 (502) 251-7002 2427 Russellville Road Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 936-7472 Provides a full range of professional services in one location for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays. www.hopebridge.com Kentucky Autism Training Center at Kosair Charities University of Louisville 1405 E. Burnett Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40217 (502) 852-4631 / (800) 3348635 ext. 852-4631 www.louisville.edu/education/ kyautismtraining Lake Area Autism Families Support Group Michelle Schoremak (270) 978-0680 / laaf.msu@ gmail.com PACT: Police Autism Community Training (513) 394-1813 / amlove2@ uky.edu PACT is a non-profit program run by a sibling of an individual with autism aimed at educating and raising autism awareness within Kentuckyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.loveabigaila2.wixsite.com/ pact

Photos By: Bill Straus At Blue Grass Airport in Lexington in November, folks gathered for Wings for All, an airport rehearsal program specifically designed for people on the autism spectrum, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc of Kentucky partnered with Blue Grass Airport, TSA and Delta Air Lines for the Lexington event, which was also sponsored by the Arc of Central Kentucky, the Autism Society of the Bluegrass and Employment Solutions of Lexington. (Please see story on Page 12.) 30

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Weisskopf Child Evaluation Center 571 South Floyd St., Suite 100, Louisville, Ky., 40202 (502) 588-0907 Provides center-based and outreach diagnostic evaluations and treatment to infants and children with, or at risk for, developmental disabilities, congenital anomalies, genetic disorders, autism, organic behavior disorders (ADHD) and learning disabilities, as well as genetic counseling to adults. louisville.edu/medicine/ departments/pediatrics/divisions/ weisskopf

Resource List 2019

CAMPS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Special Populations Division 225 E. Third Ave., Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 393-3484 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 goalball), and social gatherings (holiday parties, movie nights, dances and more). www2.bgky.org/bgpr/specialpopulation.php/ Camp Discovery A three-day all female camp designed to teach women in wheelchairs physical fitness and form lasting relationships. Sports such as wheelchair tennis, SCUBA diving and horseback riding as well as whole body wellness such as art therapy, nutrition classes, cooking and massage are all incorporated throughout the weekend. maysvilleinitiatives.com/camp-discovery/ Camp Hendon 1640 Lyndon Farm Court, Suite 108, Louisville, Ky., 40223 / (502) 272-2370 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 / 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 P.O. Box 13155, Lexington, Ky., 40583 (859) 231-7066 / lauriston@ckrh.org Operated at the Kentucky Horse Park Under the guidance of trained teachers, volunteers and medical people, 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 Easter Seals Adaptive Recreation 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 246-8816 / 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. Cedar Fire Farms www.cedarfire.net 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. www.legacyallsports.com Lexington Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Recreation 469 Parkway Dr., Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 288-2900 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 to 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 clwasses. 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. www.bestparksever.com

LYSA’s TOPSoccer Program 404 Sporting Court, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (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 / (800) 633-7403 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 Street, Lexington, Ky. 40507 / (859) 254-9622 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 YMCA of Central Kentucky (859) 254-9622 / www.ymcaofcentralky.org

DOWN SYNDROME Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky 1050 Chinoe Road, Suite 204, Lexington, Ky., 40502 (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 Green River Area Down Syndrome Association Owensboro and surrounding area P.O. Box 2031, Owensboro, Ky., 42302

2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019 Lyndsey Crunk, 16 of Georgetown, helped the movement that led to Kentucky’s Seizure Smart School law, the first of its kind in the country. The National Epilepsy Foundation used Lyndsey as part of its national campaign. The poster below was on display during last year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. For more on Lyndsey’s story, please see Page 15.

(270) 681-5313 / 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. www.downsyndromeoflouisville.org Down Syndrome Association of South Central Kentucky 522 State St., Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 (270) 796-5002 / info@dssky.org www.dssky.org

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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 our community. Generally, meetings are on the 3rd 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 (800) 232-6372 / (770) 604-9500 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) (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

The Council for Exceptional Children 2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, Virginia, 22202-3557 (888) 232-7733 / TTY (866) 915-5000 The largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. www.cec.sped.org

EKU Center for Student Accessibility 521 Lancaster Ave., Whitlock Building, Room 361 CPO 66, Richmond, Ky., 40475 (859) 622-2933 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 Adult Education Council on Postsecondary Education 1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 250 Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 573-5114 V/TTY / www.kyae.ky.gov Kentucky Department of Education: Division of Exceptional Services 300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4970 Oversees funding, special education programs, data collection, personnel development, monitoring of school districts, curriculum development and more. www.education.ky.gov/specialed/excep/Pages/default.aspx Kentucky Education Rights Center, Inc 256 Abbey Road, Versailles, Ky., 40383 (859) 983-9222 / kerc@edrights.com Kentucky PTA 148 Consumer Lane, Frankfort Ky., 40601 or P.O. Box 654, Frankfort, Ky., 40602-0654 (502) 226-6607 / kentuckypta@bellsouth.net www.kypta.org Kentucky State Department of Education 300 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 Rebecca Blessing / (502) 564-3141 education.ky.gov Kentucky State University Disability Resource Center 400 E. Main St., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 597-5076 / diane.robinson@kysu.edu Room 241 of the Academic Services Building www.kysu.edu Morehead State University Disability Service Adron Doran University Center, Suite 202, Morehead, Ky., 40351 (606) 783-5188 / e.day@moreheadstate.edu This office ensures that the university’s programs, activities, services and the campus itself are accessible to all students and visitors. www.moreheadstate.edu/disability Northern Kentucky University Office of Disability Services Student Union, Suite 303, Highland Heights, Ky., 41099 (859) 572-5401 NKU provides learner-centered assistance and resources to students with disabilities in their transition to Northern Kentucky University. inside.nku.edu/disability.html

Resource List 2019 Programs for Children with Disabilities 300 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4970 Division of Extended Learning Office of Academic and Professional Development (Ages 3 through 5) education.ky.gov Public School Parent Resource Centers, Cabinet for Health and Family Services 275 E. Main St. Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-4986 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 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. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dfrcvs/dfrysc/Documents/ AdmininstratorsGuidebook.pdf Regional Offices: Region 1: Coordinator Teresa Dixon teresa.dixon@ky.gov Counties Served: Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Graves, Fulton, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg Region 2: Coordinator Dianne M. Arnett diannem.arnett@ky.gov Counties Served: Butler, Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Logan, McLean, Ohio, Simpson, Union, Warren, Webster Region 3: Coordinator Naela Imanyara naela.imanyara@ky.gov Counties Served: Jefferson Region 4: Coordinator Betty Pennington betty.pennington@ky.gov Counties Served: Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Henry, Kenton, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Trimble Region 5: Coordinator Paul Cookendorfer paul.cookendorfer@ky.gov Counties Served: Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Franklin, Grant, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Pendleton, Scott, Woodford Region 6: Coordinator Barbara Pettus barbara.pettus@ky.gov Counties Served: Bullitt, Boyle, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Garrard, Lincoln, Marion, McCreary, Nelson, Pulaski, Russell, Spencer, Taylor, Washington, Wayne Region 7: Coordinator Doug Jones 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: Coordinator Teresa Combs teresa.combs@ky.gov Counties Served: Breathitt, Estill, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Magoffin, Wolfe Region 9: Coordinator Russell Jones

russell.jones@ky.gov Counties Served: Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, Whitley Region 10: Coordinator Mary Jennings mary.jennings@ky.gov Counties Served: Fayette, Floyd, Pike Region 11: Coordinator Sherrie Baughn Martin sherrie.martin@ky.gov Counties Served: Adair, Allen, Barren, Breckinridge, Edmonson, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Meade, Metcalfe, Monroe. Charles L. Shedd Kentucky Association 4801 Sherburn Lane, LL1, Louisville, Ky. 40207 (502) 656-4453 / sheddtutoring@gmail.com The Shedd Program provides educational remediation through highly structured teaching methods and materials utilizing a multisensory approach and one-to-one instruction. Special Needs Homeschooling A blog written by a mother with special needs children, the author provides resources she has found helpful in homeschool 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 Resources for prospective and current students and parents. www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/DisabilityResourceCenter University of Louisville Disability Resource Center 119 Stevenson Hall, Louisville, Ky., 40292 (502) 852-6938 / askdrc@louisville.edu UofL provides support for students with documented disabilities by promoting equal access to all programs and services. / www.louisville.edu/disability Western Kentucky University 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 Student Accessibility Resource Center Downing Student Union, First Floor, 1074 (270) 745-5004 WKU coordinates services and accommodations for students with documented disabilities. www.wku.edu/sarc

EPILEPSY Epilepsy Council of Greater Cincinnati 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 982 Eastern Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40217 (502) 637-4440 / (866) 275-1078 www.efky.org

LEARNING DIFFERENCES Dyslexia Association of the Pennyrile 583 A Noel Ave., Hopkinsville, Ky., 42241 (270) 885-5804 / www.hopkinsvilledyslexia.org The International Dyslexia Assn. - Ky. Branch P.O. Box 2011, Lexington, Ky., 40588 (502)-783-7323 / ky.dyslexiaida.org LD Online The world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD. www.ldonline.org/ldresources/local_org/kentucky Learning Disabilities Assn. of Kentucky 2210 Goldsmith Lane, Suite 118, Louisville, Ky., 40218 (502) 473-1256 / (877) 587-1256 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 317 East Fifth St., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 (513) 651-4747 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 Dyslexia Tester. Specializing in tutoring children with Dyslexia www.progressiveeducationalprogram.com Wilson Pediatric Therapy 401 Lewis Hargett Circle, Suite 120, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 475-4305 / (859) 899-7323 Working with children with dyslexia and other learning differences. / www.wilsonpediatric.com

LEGAL & FUTURE’S PLANNING Attorney Karen L. Perch 2333 Alexandria Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40504

2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019 Life Plan of Kentucky, Inc. 2333 Alexandria Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 514-6073 Life Plan is a pooled special needs trust serving people with disabilities and their families in Kentucky who have countable resources in excess of $2000.00 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

MEDICAL AND THERAPY SERVICE PROVIDERS Allison Vassil of Lexington wears a grin and a colorful costume, left, and gives the thumbs up signal, right. Allison has epilepsy and her mother, Laureen Vassil, has been a tireless advocate for her daughter and others with the disease. For their story, please see Page 14. (859) 224-0513 Karen Perch and her staff are dedicated to helping clients with their legal matters regarding Wills, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, including Special Needs Trusts, Qualifying Income Trusts (Miller Trusts) and Family Trusts and Estate Administration. www.perchlaw.com Attorney Robert McClelland, LLM, CELA McClelland & Associates, PLLC, 1795 Alysheba Way Suite 2102, Lexington, Ky., 40509 (859) 543-0061 / (800) 773-4040 Robert L. McClelland is a certified elder law attorney, special needs trustee and guardian with Elder Law Lexington the firm of McClelland & Associates, PLLC. He is a member of the Special Needs Alliance, a national alliance of special needs attorneys who focus their practice on benefits planning and caring for those with family members who have special needs www.elderlawlexington.com Children’s Law Center Covington Office: 1002 Russell St., Covington, Ky., 41011 / (859) 253-3353 / info@childrenslawky.org Lexington Office: c/o Imani Family Life Center 215 W. Short St., Suite 205, Lexington, Ky., 40507 (859) 431-3313 / rbdiloreto@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 (CASA) Kentucky CASA Network 1640 Lyndon Farm Court Suite 108, Louisville, Ky., 40223

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(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 Kentucky Division of Protection and Permanency 275 E. Main St., 3E-A, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (502) 564-6852 / Fax (502) 564-4653 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. 1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331. 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. www.ag.ky.gov/about/branches/OVA 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

Associates in Pediatric Therapy Louisville Area: (502) 633-1007 Lexington Area: (859) 899-2022 Indiana Area: (812) 542-2771 Bowling Green Area: (270) 467-7700 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 The Kid SpOt Center (Pediatric Therapy) Locations 50 Gene Cash Road, Campbellsville, Ky., 42718 (270) 465-SPOT (465-7768 529 Westport Road, Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 (270) 763-8225 944 Fields Drive, Suite 102, Bowling Green, Ky., 42104 (270) 495-1312 200 Tower Circle, Somerset, Ky., 42503 (606) 416-5139 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. Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky 7321 New LaGrange Road, Suite 100, Louisville, Ky., 40222 / (800) 592-1117 BIAK is committed to serving those affected by brain injury though advocacy, education, prevention, outreach, service and support. www.biak.us Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504

Resource List 2019 (859) 254-5701 Outpatient Services (859) 367-7125 Home Care (859) 367-7148 cardinalhillhealthsouth.com/ Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center MLC 7009 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229 (513) 636-4200 / TTY (800) 344-2462 www.cincinnatichildrens.org Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America Kentucky Chapter P.O. Box 573, Prospect, Ky., 40059 (877) 283-7513 / Kentucky@ccfa.org www.ccfa.org/chapters/kentucky/ Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment Special Services (EPSDT) Dept. of Medicaid Services, Children’s Health Services (800) 635-2570 / TTY (800) 775-0296 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. chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dpqo/dcmb/Pages/epsdtscreenings.aspx Easter Seals Cardinal Hill 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 367-7217 Creative Beginnings Child Development Center (859) 246-8815 Cardinal Hill Adult Day Health / (859) 367-7178 HorseAbility / (859) 367-7217 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 Frazier Rehab Institute 220 Abraham Flexner Way, Louisville, Ky., 40202 (502) 582-7400 Known for world-class care in comprehensive acute rehab, Frazier Rehab Institute provides extensive therapy across a number of specialties for inpatient and outpatient rehab needs. www.kentuckyonehealth.org/rehabilitationcarefrazier Health Point Family Care, Covington 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/ Horn and Associates in Rehabilitation 2412 Greatstone Point, Lexington, Ky., 40504 4127 Todds Road, Lexington, Ky. 40509

(859) 224-4081 HRA offers assessments and intervention from a multidisciplinary team including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, psychology, developmental intervention, social work and case management. HRA provides independent evaluation and intervention services. www.horntherapy.com Kentucky Children’s Hospital University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St., Lexington, Ky., 40536 / (859) 257-1000 / (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. www.ukhealthcare.uky.edu/KCH Kids Center Pediatric Therapies 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 sees over 300 children facing challenges such as autism, Down syndrome, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy. www.kidscenterky.org The Kidz Club Erlanger: 527 Watson Road, Erlanger, Ky., 41018 (859) 727-0700 Lexington: 2200 Regency Road, Lexington Ky., 40503 (859) 224-0799 Louisville: 7140 Preston Highway, Louisville, Ky., 40219 (502) 368-9318 Louisville: 225 N. 25th St., Louisville, Ky., 40212 (502) 365-2426 The Kidz Club is a prescribed pediatric extended care facility that provides skilled nursing care for children who are medically fragile in a day care setting. 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 follow-through, field trips and activities in a fun and social setting. Transportation can be provided. Medicaid and private insurance accepted. There are no costs to the child or their family. www.thekidzclub.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. Marshall Pediatric Therapy 109 Wind Haven Drive, Suite 100, Nicholasville, Ky., 40356 / (859) 224-2273 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 needbased scholarships from ages birth to 21. www.mptcares.com Multiple Sclerosis Society Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter 1201 Story Ave., Suite 200, Louisville, Ky., 40206 (502) 451-0014 www.nationalmssociety.org www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/KYW/About-thisChapter/Staff NorthKey Community Care 502 Farrell Drive, P.O. Box 2680 722 Scott Blvd, Covington, Ky., 41011 (859) 578-3200 / (877) 331-3292 NCC is paving the way to a community 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 Passport Health Plan 5100 Commerce Crossings Drive, Louisville, Ky., 40229 (800) 578-0603 EST / 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.passporthealthplan.com 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 Hospital 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 orthopaedic or neuromusculoskeletal disorders and diseases within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment. www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org SKY Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Mandy Ashley, DMD, MsEd, MS 727 US-31 W. Bypass, Suite 101, Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 / (270) 715-5437 Dentistry for children and teens with special needs. www.skypediatricdentistry.com

2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019 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 Robert A. Underwood, Ph.D. & Byron White, Psy.D: Edelson and Associates, PSC 7511 New La Grange Road, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 423-1151 Neuropsychological, ADHD, Learning Disability, Autism and Psychological Disorder Evaluations. www.edelsonandassociates.info University of Louisville 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/news/clinics/university-of-louisville/ Verbal Behavior Consulting, Inc. PO Box 216, Lexington, Ky., 40588 (859) 899-9200 Established in 2007, VBC provides treatment solutions to families, schools and agencies regarding techniques and procedures guided by the science of Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior literature. Providing services through Board Certified Behavior Analysts, VBC offers experience, training and expertise in working with children with language delays and problem behavior. www.vbcaba.com

MENTAL 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 Bluegrass (Bluegrass.org) 1351 Newtown Pike, Lexington, Ky., 40511 (859) 253-1686 / (859) 272-7483 24-hour help line (800) 928-8000 Bluegrass celebrates more than 50 years of service to

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17 Central Kentucky counties. The mission of the non-profit organization is to help individuals and families live their best life. Bluegrass provides services for community members in the areas of intellectual and developmental disability, mental health and substance use. www.bluegrass.org Creative Psychiatry P.L.L.C. Dr. F. Allen Walker P.O. Box 23509, Louisville, Ky., 40223 (502) 384-ADHD (2343) / drwalker@louisvilleadhd.com www.louisvilleadhd.com The Kentucky Association of Regional Programs 152 West Zandale Drive, Suite 201, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 272-6700 A state association whose members are 11 of the 14 community mental health centers in Kentucky. KARP can connect citizens to their local community mental health center for information about services and support. www.sites.google.com/site/kentuckycmhcs Mental Health America (MHA) MHA is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. The work is driven by a commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal. Regional Offices: Mental Health America of Kentucky 216 E. Reynolds Road, Suite F, Lexington, Ky., 40517 (859) 684-7778 / mhaky@kih.net / www.mhaky.org Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky & Southwest Ohio 912 Scott St., Covington, Ky., 41011 (877) 361-4518 / (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 Regional Offices: Kentucky (606) 677-4066 / (800) 257-5081 namiky@bellsouth.net / http://namiky.org/ Bowling Green Deborah Weed / (270) 796-2606 or (270) 796-2600 Wc2600@outlook.com Buffalo Trace Sharon Darnell / (606) 584-2716 Sharon@namibuffalotrace.org Cumberland River Wayne Bullock / (606) 256-9250 nami.mtvernon@crccc.org Danville Lauren Clements / (859) 412-1886 lauren.clements89@gmail.com Green River Jeff Cox / namigreenriver@gmail.com (270) 619-2461

Hazard Jamie Goins / (606) 216-8066 Namihazard@yahoo.com Heartland Gary Barr / (502) 471-4064 gary.barr@geappliances.com Lexington Anita Hartsfield / (859) 245-4442 Achart2@email.uky.edu Phill Gunning / (859) 272-7891 pgunning@namilex.org Louisville Nancy Brooks / (502) 588-2008 Nancy.brooks@namilouisville,org Madison County Olivia Hays / (859) 986-6301 oliviahays@catholichealth.net Madisonville Beverly Jones / (270) 664-2101 Bjones.nami@att.net Morehead Carol Mauriello / (606) 356-9194 camauriello@moreheadstate.edu Mountain Region Mary Prater / (606) 349-3115 mary.prater@mtcomp.org Murray Brenda Benson / (270) 748-6133 brenda.benson@murraystate.edu Northern Kentucky Dorothy Best / (513) 205-4118 dbest@namiky.org Owensboro Marla Payne / (270) 302-3113 namiowensboro@gmail.com Paducah Jennifer Lewis / (270) 443-3448 namipaducah@yahoo.com Somerset Lori Ollo / (270) 210-7852 lori3ollo@gmail.com Winchester Brenda Harrington / (859) 749-3702 bebe1@bellsouth.net

MISCELLANEOUS Alter UR Ego P.O. Box 56, Farmers, Ky., 40319 hello@alterurego.co Adaptable clothing for people in wheelchairs to be fashionable and functional. For kids, teens and plus sizes. www.alterurego.co NuMotion Bowling Green 1017 Shive Lane, Suite E, Bowling Green, Ky., 42103 (270) 904-4934 Lexington 973 Beasley St., Suite 110, Lexington, Ky., 40509 (859) 225-3624 Louisville 11380 Bluegrass Parkway, Jeffersontown, Ky., 40299

Resource List 2019 (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 1180 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 / www.aiexcellence.com Child Development Center of the Bluegrass 290 Alumni Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 218-2322 Four-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, 3110 Rock Creek Drive, Louisville, Ky., 40207 / (502) 244-3225 ext 1020 CAL serves children preschool through fifth 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. This program works in relationship with Down Syndrome of Louisville. School is adding sixth grade in 2019-2020. www.caschools.us/down-syndrome-providence-school Creative Learning Center Woodland Early Learning Center 575 Woodland Ave., Lexington, Ky., 40508 (859) 255-3444 www.kindercare.com/our-centers/lexington/ky/301376 The dePaul School 1925 Duker Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40205 (502) 459-6131 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; physical, occupational and speech therapy; and behavior consultations. 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 Erlanger: 527 Watson Road, Erlanger, Ky., 41018 (859) 727-0700 Lexington: 2200 Regency Road, Lexington Ky., 40503 (859) 224-0799 Louisville: 7140 Preston Highway, Louisville, Ky., 40219 (502) 368-9318 Louisville: 225 N. 25th St., Louisville, Ky., 40212 (502) 365-2426 The Kidz Club is a prescribed pediatric extended care facility that provides skilled nursing care for children who are medically fragile in a day care setting. 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 follow-through, field trips and activities in a fun and 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 Porter Memorial Church, 4300 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, Ky., 40515 / (859) 971-7129 School for children with learning differences: Grades 3-12. / www.koreacademy.org The Langsford Center 9402 Towne Square Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242 (513) 531-7400 2520 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Ky., 40205 (502) 473-7000 2805 N. Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, Ky., 40223 (502) 245-1706 / www.langsfordcenter.com The Lexington Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Learning Center 1050 Lane Allen Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 278-0501 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 Meredith Dunn School 3023 Melbourne Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40220

(502) 456-5819 www.meredithdunnschool.org Pitt Academy 7515 Westport Road, Louisville, Ky., 40219 (502) 966-6979 www.pitt.com The Provisions School & Family Counseling Center 128 Dennis Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 396-0644 www.theprovision.org The Sphinx Academy 1591 Winchester Road, Suite 101 Lexington, Ky., 40505 (859) 309-6372 New and innovative secondary school for grades 7-12. Combines Montessori, homeschooling and special education. sphinxacademy.org/ Sproutlings Pediatric Day Care & Preschool Kosair Charities Center 3800 Tom Larimore Lane, Masonic Home, Ky., 40041 (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 is 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 www.summit-academy.org

SERVICE DOGS 4 Paws for Ability University of Kentucky UK4PAWS@gmail.com www.facebook.com/4PawsatUK 4pawsforability.org/ 4pawsforability.org/photo-galleries/campus-program/ university-of-kentucky/ Kentucky Working K-9 Academy 4856 Lilac Road, Leitchfield, Ky., 42754

2019 Exceptional Family KY

Resource List 2019 (270) 259-3647 / www.kentuckyworkingk9.com Service Dogs for the Disabled Paws With Purpose P.O. Box 5458, Louisville, Ky., 40255 (502) 689-0804 / Info@PawsWithPurpose.org pawswithpurpose.org Wildcat Service Dogs University of Kentucky Emma Rhodes, emma.rhodes@uky.edu www.wildcatservicedogs.org

SERVICE PROVIDERS (COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTIAL) For a complete list of Service Providers licensed in Kentucky please see: www.dbhdid.ky.gov/ProviderDirectory/ProviderDirectory.aspx ALMOSTfamily/CAREtenders Kentucky Home Health Offices Multiple locations www.almostfamily.com Cedar Lake 9505 Williamsburg Plaza, Suite 200, Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 495-4946 / www.cedarlake.org Cedar Lake is committed to providing the highest quality of services to the people it supports. To demonstrate its commitment to the development of a compassionate and capable workforce, Cedar Lake has launched a career development program with ongoing educational opportunities to further sharpen people’s skills. In doing so, Cedar Lake employees develop a heightened sensitivity – or compassion – for the people they support and a clear understanding of how they can best support these individuals to live a life filled with abundant possibilities. Commonwealth Case Management, A Columbus Company 2333 Alexandria Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (270) 572-1350 / www.columbusorg.com Provides case management for SCL, Michelle P. and Acquired Brain Injury Waivers statewide. Commonwealth is dedicated to empowering Individuals and families to realize their meaningful life goals. New Perceptions 1 Sperti Road, Edgewood, Ky., 41017 (859) 344-9322 / newperceptions.org Non-profit organization has been dedicated to enriching lives of those with intellectual/developmental disabilities since 1952. New Vista Behavioral Healthcare 144 Richie Lane, Somerset, Ky., 42503 (606) 772-1120 This non-profit organization is dedicated to assisting individuals achieve their full potential through person-

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centered, community and integrated services. Supports for Community Living provider offers day training programming, supported employment and residential supports within staffed residences as well as family home providers. / www.newvista.org

SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND HEARING

Pathways P.O. Box 790, Ashland, Ky., 41105 (606) 329-8588 / (800) 562-8909 Pathways assists in obtaining individual and familydetermined supports for persons who have developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities. Goals are to serve and enhance opportunities for making choices that promote inclusion as a valued citizen in all meaningful phases of community life. / www.pathways-ky.org

Heuser Hearing Institute 111-117 E. Kentucky St., Louisville, Ky., 40203 (502) 584-3573 Heuser Hearing Institute (HHI) is a multi-specialty nonprofit 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

R.E.A.C.H of Louisville 501 Park Ave., Louisville, Ky., 40208 (502) 585-1911 REACH provides an exemplary SCL 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

Kentucky School for the Deaf 303 South Second St., Danville, Ky., 40422 (859) 239-7017 Ensures that children and youth who are deaf and hard of hearing have educational opportunities to develop their potential to become educated, life-long learners and productive citizens. www.ksd.k12.ky.us

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 reach their highest potential throughout their lives, by providing enriching educational, therapeutic and vocational services. www.redwoodnky.org

Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 632 Versailles Road, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 573-2604 (V/TTY) / (800) 372-2907 (V/TTY, in Kentucky only) / kcdhh@mail.state.ky.us www.kcdhh.ky.gov/

ResCare 9901 Linn Station Road, Louisville, Ky., 40223 (800) 866-0860 / www.rescare.com Provides supports to people with developmental, cognitive and intellectual disabilities. Services include group homes, supported living, in-home, Telecare, foster or companion care and vocational and habilitation. 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 the participants. All of participants are expected to live up to their responsibilities at home, work and in the STRIDE program. Moyto: “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 EMPOWER, EDUCATE AND EMPLOY people of all abilities. / www.zoomgroup.org

Kentucky Hands and Voices (888) 398-5030 Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven national organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The organization is nonbiased about communication methodologies and believes that families can make the best choices for their child if they have access to good information and support. The group consists of parents of ASL signers, cued speech users, kids with cochlear implants or 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 by supporting professionals in speechlanguage pathology and audiology by promoting the highest standards for service providers. www.ksha.info Lexington 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. www.lhscky.org

Resource List 2019 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) 367-7125 / www.cardinalhill.org Kids Center Pediatric Therapies 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 sees over 300 children facing challenges such as autism, Down syndrome, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy. www.kidscenterky.org Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky Kosair Charities 982 Eastern Parkway, Box 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 Hospital for Children 110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, Ky., 40508 (859) 268-5798

VISION Radio Eye 1733 Russell Cave Rd, Lexington, Ky., 40505 (859) 422-6390 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 Kentucky Office for the Blind 275 East Main Street, Mail Drop 2EK Frankfort, Ky., 40621 (800) 372-7172 The Kentucky Office for the Blind consolidated services in October 2018 with the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. The mission of the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation/Blind Services Division

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. kcc.ky.gov/Office-for-the-Blind/Pages/default.aspx Cincinnati Association for the Blind 2045 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 (513) 221-8558 Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a private, not-for-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 in Cincinnati 1574 Claretta Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45231 (513) 522-3860 Clovernook has proudly served women, men and children for over 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/ Family Eyecare Associates & Children’s Vision and Learning Center, Dr. Rick Graebe 105 Crossfield Dr, Versailles, Ky., 40383 (859) 879-3665 / (855) 686-2020 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. / www.myfamilyvision.com Kentucky Office for the Blind 8412 Westport Road, Louisville, Ky., 40242 (502) 429-4460 / www.blind.ky.govhttps://kcc.ky.gov/ Office-for-the-Blind/Pages/default.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. www.ksb.k12.ky.us Office for the Blind 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (800) 321-6668 / (502) 564-4754 kcc.ky.gov/Office-for-the-Blind/Pages/default.aspx Silver Circles, Inc. 2396 New Shepherdsville Road, Bardstown, Ky., 40004 (502) 264 7886 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 Service (VIPS) Greater Louisville 1906 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, Ky., 40218 (502) 636-3207 / (888) 636-8477 Central Kentucky 350 Henry Clay Blvd., Lexington, Ky., 40502 (859) 276-0335 / (888-254-8477) The mission of Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Inc. 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

2019 Exceptional Family KY

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn” - Ignacio Estrada

APT Services Include: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Audiology

Offices Located In: Louisville, Lexington, Southern Indiana, Bowling Green & the surrounding areas. 502.633.1007 • 859.899.2022 • 270.467.7700 www.lexingtonfamily.com www.kidtherapy.org

Advocacy Works

Medicaid Questions

As State Officials Continue Overhaul of System, Long Waiting Lists For Michelle P., Supports for Community Living Waivers Remain By John Lynch

fter the first month of 2019, state Medicaid officials continue the process of overhauling the system that includes the six 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver programs. A key component of the overhaul is a 300-page report by the consulting firm, Navigant. Medicaid officials are sifting through the report as they attempt to update and streamline the system. Officials also have received feedback from the public and will accept more comments when the state releases news about the Waivers in the coming months. (Please see story, this page). As the deliberations continue, long waiting lists remain for three of those

Waivers: Michelle P., Supports for Community Living, and Long-Term Care Brain Injury. According to Medicaid officials, there are no waiting lists for the other three Waivers: Acute Brain Injury, Model 2 (dependent of ventilator) and Home & Community Based (medically fragile and the elderly). Jill Hunter, the state’s Senior Deputy Commissioner for Medicaid, returned to the state office in 2016 to help update the program. Previously, she worked in the state Medicaid office for six years. She is impressed with the findings in the Navigant report. “There are amazing suggestions and

Medicaid Says It Will Accept More comments from Public

process, we look at each comment to make sure that we understand, seeking opportunities to clarify or make changes, if needed. Based on the comments received to date, we feel this is the perfect time to pause the Public Comment period and revise the waivers based on your input. Please know that stakeholder feedback is one of the most important tools we have in this Waiver Redesign process. When we release the Waivers again, there will be another full 30-day Public Comment period. Please watch the Division of Community Alternatives website and your email for the date of the next release. Thank you for the time that you took to share Public Comments. This is exactly how this process should work, and we look forward to your continued input!

The Kentucky Medicaid office issued the following statement on Jan. 22: Thank you for your continued support of the Department for Medicaid Services’ 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Redesign. As you know, the Waivers were released for Public Comment on January 7, 2019. We have received many valuable comments. We have taken these comments to heart. As a part of the Public Comment

Most sincerely, The 1915(c) HCBS Redesign Team 2019 Exceptional Family KY

recom way, “Ou recom we ha takin A ch waitin “Th We ar Hunt The appro instit and a The makin Every waitin becom It t and t to det for se appea Thi or so. appro APPL The FUND RECE In t office Pam S Comm exper “If p try to said. talked be as

Advocacy Works

Down Syndrome Standing next to Brack Duncan, Josh Banks gives the thumbs up sign while being initiated into UK’s FarmHouse fraternity. Photo by: Arden Barnes, UK Kernel Staff Photographer

Friends Become Fraternity Brothers After Josh Banks Joins UK’s FarmHouse By John Lynch

ven amid the emotion of the moment, UK student Brack Duncan realized he was participating in something memorable – and it was all because of his friend Josh Banks. With Brack at his side, Josh repeated the oath of membership to the FarmHouse fraternity on the UK campus on Sept. 24 and became only the second person with Down syndrome to be initiated into a college fraternity or sorority in Kentucky. He follows in the footsteps of Alexis Cain, a woman who joined Alpha Sigma Alpha in 2015 as part of the College to Career program at Murray State University.

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But making history was not the point of the event, according to Brack, a 22-year-old senior at UK and the FarmHouse vice president. Sharing a special moment with his friend was his only concern. Still, it was a moment when deep feelings nearly overwhelmed him. “It was an awesome event. My whole family was there and I was so emotional,” Brack said. “That moment was so special. As it was happening, I knew this was something I was always going to remember. It was all because of Josh.”

oth from Winchester, Brack and Josh have been friends for four years, ever since Brack started working after high school at STRIDE, a therapeutic recreational facility in Winchester for adults with disabilities. Brack and Josh quickly bonded over a shared passion – clogging. Brack was a champion clogger for years and now judges contests. Josh participated on a team for people with special needs. Along with dance and performance, they both love music and soon their relationship spilled past work hours and blossomed into friendship. Friday is their day together and you can find them anywhere – at the movies, playing basketball, at the Louisville Zoo, shopping or visiting Brack’s family. Josh attended the wedding

of Brack’s first cousin, and the two friends attended a Faith Hill and Tim McGraw concert. “Josh loves country music and sings all the time,” Brack said. Knowing how much Josh loves to perform, Brack entered the pair in a Kentucky’s Got Talent contest last spring at UK. They danced together and Josh was an immediate crowd favorite. The pair won $300 for the Cowboy Up for a Cure cancer charity. Brack also connected with Shop Local Kentucky, which posted a video of the guys dancing together. The video went viral and raised $5,000 in 24 hours. Soon thereafter FarmHouse President Ben Bohannon suggested that Josh join the fraternity – as an associate member, a position reserved for non-students. “Josh was hanging out at the fraternity and he’s so positive that we wanted to invite him to FarmHouse as a way of saying thank you to Josh,” Bohannon said. “He loves FarmHouse and we love him so we wanted to make sure he really knew that.” Next thing you know, Bohannon led the pearl ceremony that initiated Josh into the group.

aking new friends is nothing new for Josh. His mother describes him as a charmer who has yet to meet a stranger. “He’ll go into a store and walk right up and introduce himself to people,” Nancy Banks said. She is the mother of four (Josh is the youngest) and a retired special education assistant at Clark County schools. “All of this with the fraternity is like every day for him,” she said. “He loves the limelight and he likes hanging out with the guys at UK.” Growing up, Josh also loved attending school and earned a certificate of completion at the age of 21 from George Rogers Clark High. He lives at home with his mother and participates at STRIDE four days a week. He performed in the Christmas play there, cast as The Thing, a Marvel Comics character, which allows him to dress up in

costume, another big thrill. His biggest booster in the audience was Brack. Over the holiday break, the two traveled to Nashville where they attended concerts and visited – at Josh’s insistence – the Dukes of Hazard car, on display in Music City.

“

“HE’S ALWAYS IN A GOOD MOOD AND JUST EXUDES HAPPINESS. IF I COME OUT OF AN EXAM OR FROM A CLASS AND I SEE JOSH, IT MAKES MY DAY. HE MAKES EVERYBODY HAPPY.”

always in a good mood and just exudes happiness. “If I come out of an exam or from a class and I see Josh, it makes my day. He makes everybody happy.” Josh has inspired Brack to launch his own charity – Buddies of the Bluegrass, a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for families who adopt children with special needs. Brack is one of eight children, four of whom are adopted. In October, Brack’s charity staged a benefit concert at Manchester Music Hall that featured four bands, a DJ and a special guest, Stanford’s Laura Kirkpatrick of America’s Next Top Model. The event raised $6,000 for Scot and Jackie Rawe of Alexandria, Ky., who have adopted a child with special needs from Eastern Europe. Josh performed at the event with The Sean Sullivan Trio. He sang along to one of his favorite songs, “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.” “It was awesome. Everyone loved it,” Brack said. “Josh sang Sweet Home Alabama as an encore. He was up there living the dream.” n

BEN BOHANNON

ince Josh has joined the fraternity, he has made new friends of the brothers and participated in FarmHouse events like pumpkin carving at Halloween. For most of the FarmHouse brothers seeing Josh brightens their day. “I wish there was a better word I could use but it’s awesome to have Josh at FarmHouse,” Bohannon said. “He’s

Country fans: Brack Duncan and his fraternity brother Josh Banks at a Faith Hill & Tim McGraw concert.

2019 Exceptional Family KY